Can I see a shooting star from a city?
Yes, but only the brighter ones. City lights hide faint meteors, so you will see many more from a dark place in the countryside.
You can see shooting stars from a town or city, but far fewer than from a dark place.
The problem is light pollution. Street lights, buildings, cars and shops send light up into the sky, making it glow orange or grey. This glow hides faint stars and faint meteors. In the middle of a big city, you might only see a few bright stars, and only the brightest meteors.
Here are some tips for seeing more:
- Find the darkest spot you can, such as a park, a garden away from street lights, or a back yard. Even a few hundred metres away from bright lights can help. - Block out lights. Stand in the shadow of a building or a wall, so nearby lights are not in your eyes. - Look away from the brightest part of the sky. The sky is often darker in the direction away from the city centre. - Choose a good night. During a big meteor shower, such as the Perseids or Geminids, you are more likely to see some bright meteors even in a city. Nights without a bright Moon are best. - Be patient. Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust.
If you can, visit a dark countryside spot with an adult. Some places in the UK and around the world are official dark-sky areas.