When and where in the West Midlands to see tonight's Perseid meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak tonight, with hundreds of meteors expected to hit over a number of hours.
Around 50 to 100 meteors are expected to streak through the sky, creating a spectacular natural light show.
The phenomenon has been recurring for centuries and peaks in mid-August. NASA said it is considered to be 'the best meteor shower of the year'.
The best viewing conditions to see the meteor shower are found in areas with low light pollution, away from major cities or towns, and with plenty of open spaces without obstructions.
The best time to see the meteros will be between midnight and 5.30am tomorrow (August 13).
So, while many avid stargazers will be rushing to Shropshire, the Peak District, or even Wales to watch the event, what about those who want to view tonight's natural light show closer to home?
We have collated a list of the best areas in the Black Country and slightly further afield to watch the spectacle.
See our list of stargazing locations below:
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
A popular spot for stargazers all year round, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire offers plenty of locations that are a reasonable distance away from unnatural light sources, and plenty of open fields to maximise viewing range.
Cannock Chase Area of National Beauty (AONB), nestled between Rugeley and Cannock, offers plenty of sprawling flat lands and elevated positions to give you the best chances of seeing the stars.
Beacon Hill, Sedgley
Reaching a brilliant 778ft, Beacon Hill offers great elevation to see the stars, and is a reasonable distance from many man-made light sources.
The site offers amazing views of the region during the daytime, and is an amazing place to watch the sky during the night.
Barr Beacon, Walsall
Peaking at 774ft, Barr Beacon is one of the highest points in Walsall and has a war memorial at its peak.
Managed by Walsall Council as a nature reserve, the area is generally well-maintained and offers large, open spaces that are perfect for viewing the sky.
Turners Hill, Dudley/Rowley Regis
Located between Dudley and Rowley Regis, Turners Hill is the highest hill in the West Midlands, with a peak height of 889ft above sea level.
The hill not only offers great views of Shropshire and the Malvern Hills, but also the night sky.
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
Slightly further afield, but no less worth travelling to, the Worcestershire Beacon rises to 1,394ft and is the highest point of the Malvern Hills.
A bit of a trek for most, but for the avid walker, with a lack of unnatural light and wide open spaces, it may make the best location to see the Perseid meteor shower.
Tips for observing the night sky
Check the weather and cloud forecast ahead of time. A good view of the sky is dependent on the cloud coverage of the day, so try to make sure you head out when there is the least amount of cloud above.
Choose a location that is far from trees, pylons, or other man-made or natural obstructions.
Escape from light pollution. Unnatural and natural light sources will hinder your ability to pick out items in the night sky, so try to head somewhere where there are no street lamps or houses.
Wrap up warm. While it might be warm out in the day, temperatures can plummet in the night, even more so when sitting stationary for a long period of time. Take a blanket or an extra layer just in case.
Remember to bring refreshments. It can be a long night watching the sky and all of its magnificent wonders. Make sure to bring a flask with a hot drink of your choice, and some snacks to chomp on when.
