How to watch for shooting stars
You do not need a telescope to see shooting stars. Just your eyes, a dark sky and a little patience.
First, choose a clear night. Look at the sky calendar to find a meteor shower, or a night when the Moon is not bright.
Always go with a grown-up. Find a safe, dark place, away from street lights, such as a garden or a park.
Wrap up warm. Even summer nights can feel chilly when you sit still. A hat, gloves and a blanket help a lot.
Lie back on a mat or a deckchair, so you can see lots of sky without hurting your neck.
Now be patient. Your eyes need about 20 minutes to get used to the dark. Try not to look at a bright screen, because it resets your eyes.
You do not need a telescope or binoculars. A shooting star can appear anywhere, and your eyes see the most sky at once.
Keep watching. Some minutes you will see nothing, then two shooting stars might come close together. Count them, and see who spots the most.
Most meteor showers are best after midnight, but the Geminids in December can be good in the evening too.
Print the meteor count sheet and take it with you on your next watching night.