Tech – Metro | Orionids meteor shower set to light the night sky tonight in dazzling galactic spectacle

Look up tonight for the chance to see some shooting stars (The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)

The Orionid meteor shower is one of the most active of the entire year and it's set to reach its peak tonight, October 21.

Providing the weather stays clear, UK skywatchers will be treated to as many as 25 shooting stars each hour as our planet passes through the debris of Halley's Comet.

You won't need any kind of specialist equipment – you'll just need to wrap up warm.

The Orionid meteor is active throughout October, but is expected to peak at around 11:30pm this evening.

Most people across the UK will get the chance to view the phenomenon, the weather forecasters have predicted. According to the Met Office, there will be a ridge of high pressure across the UK on Monday evening, producing dry weather and clear skies for most.

Clear skies will give most of us a good chance to spot the shooting stars (AFP)

While some in the far north west and far south east of the country may have some clouds to contend with, most will get a good view.

The phenomenon gets its name from the Orion constellation – which is one of the brightest groups of stars in the sky.

Anna Ross, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told the PA news agency: 'Meteors will be visible all over the sky but they will appear to originate from close to the star Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion, which will be in the east of the sky during that peak time.'

Meteoroids from Halley's Comet strike the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of 148,000mph, burning up in streaking flashes of light. The result is a dazzling galactic spectacle that many won't want to miss.

Ms Ross told PA: 'As both the Earth and Halley's comet have elliptical orbits around the Sun, these two intersect twice per year. This causes not only the Orionids, but also the Eta Aquarids meteor shower in May.'

The Orionids will be visible until November 7 (PA)

The Orionids will be visible in both northern and southern hemispheres until November 7.

Ms Ross said: 'For the best chances to spot the Orionids, find a dark area of clear sky and allow around 20 minutes to let your eyes adapt to the dark.'

'It may also be advisable to lie down as you will be looking up for a long time.'

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