Four meteor showers and the Milky Way to light up South Africa's winter nights.
South Africans willing to brave the winter chill and escape the glow of city lights are in for a celestial treat this month, with four meteor showers expected to streak across the night sky against the spectacular backdrop of the Milky Way.
Often called "shooting stars", meteors are tiny fragments of rock and dust that burn up as they enter Earth's atmosphere, creating bright flashes of light that last only a few seconds.
July offers some of the best viewing opportunities of the year, with several meteor showers becoming active and two reaching their peak at the end of the month.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) said skywatchers have plenty to look forward to.
