The spell-binding illuminations are caused when the Earth travels through a cloud of debris from a comet - in this case, the catchily named comet 21P/ Giacobini-Zinner.

Up to 10 shooting stars are expected every hour when the Draconid shower peaks - far fewer than the recent Perseid meteor shower which brought up to 100 every hour.

The number of meteors during the peak of a shower depends on which part of the comet's trail the Earth's orbit crosses.

The magnificent streaks across the night sky can be caused by particles as small as a grain of sand.

The Draconids are sometimes called the Giacobinids, after Michael Giacobini, who discovered the comet.

When is the best time to see the Draconids?

The meteor shower will be active from Friday until Tuesday, peaking on Sunday and Monday, according to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

It will be visible in the evening, soon after nightfall - unlike other meteor showers which are best seen in the early hours of the morning.

Where will the meteor shower be visible?

The Draconids can be viewed in the northern hemisphere and with the naked eye - so stargazers don't need to rely on using binoculars or a telescope to enjoy the celestial show.

However, clear, cloud-free skies are essential, meaning the weather over the weekend will impact chances to observe the shower.

Unfortunately persistent heavy rainfall is forecast on Saturday and through the night into Sunday across Scotland, according to the Met Office.

The wet weather is expected to clear across the UK overnight - with temperatures expected to be well above average, hitting up to 27C.

As with any meteor shower, very little light pollution also helps to increase visibility, with people in rural areas having a better chance of witnessing the display.

Experts say it is best to avoid having direct light sources nearby, to allow your eyes to fully adapt to darkness.

This can mean fainter meteors become more visible.

According to the National Space Centre, the Draconids will peak this year when the moon is in its waning crescent phase - meaning it will appear dimmer.

Last year, the meteor display took place on a full moon - dramatically impacting its visibility.

Read more:
Pictures of the Perseids meteor shower across the globe
World's first artificial shooting star to be launched
Meteorite found in the Cotswolds

When is the next meteor shower?

Astronomy fans have just a few weeks to wait until the Orionid meteor shower peaks on 21-22 October, bringing a maximum of 25 shooting stars every hour.

The shower is associated with the famous Halley's comet and features streaks described as "fast with fine trains".

Meanwhile, the much slower Taurid shower, which delivers just five meteors an hour, will sprinkle the northern hemisphere skies during its maximum activity on 12 and 13 November.

The southern hemisphere can witness the spectacle peak next week from 10-11 October.