THERE is good news and bad news this week. The good news is that we're about to experience the peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower. The bad news is that the waning Moon - hanging in the sky not too far from the constellation of Leo will pretty much ruin it: the Moon will be so big and bright that it will drown out the light of all but the brightest shooting stars.

However, a few Leonids might be bright enough to be visible through the lunar glare, so if the sky is clear on Friday night into Saturday morning keep an eye on the sky and you might see a streak of light cutting across the heavens.

Venus is now visible after sunset, but still so low in the south west that any trees or buildings in that direction will hide it from your view. But if you don't spot it don't worry, you can always get up before dawn to see Jupiter shining brightly in the east before sunrise.

Stuart Atkinson

Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal