The Geminids – widely regarded as one of the “most impressive annual meteor showers” thanks to their intensity, colour and consistency – will reach their peak overnight on Sunday.
The meteors are very bright, moderately fast and are unusual in being multi-coloured – mainly white, some yellow and a few green, red and blue.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, these colours are partly caused by the presence of traces of metals such as sodium and calcium, the same effect that is used to make fireworks colourful.
The crescent moon means conditions are expected to be excellent across most of the UK, particularly over the Norfolk Broads.
While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Geminids are leftover bits and pieces of the asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.
They can be seen with the naked eye and stargazers are encouraged to find a dark spot and to get comfortable for the show.