Perseid meteor shower to light up sky after solar eclipseThe annual Perseid meteor shower is set to light up the night sky this week following a solar eclipse, providing a stunning display for astronomy enthusiasts across the UK [National news]View 2 Images The Perseid meteor shower will light up the skyline on Thursday morning (Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)Stargazers are in for a stunning spectacle as the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to follow a solar eclipse this Wednesday night. ‌The ideal time to watch the Perseids will be in the early hours of Thursday morning, between midnight and 5.30am, while the solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening prior to sunset. Each summer, the Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which triggers the Perseid shower. ‌View 2 Images The Perseid meteor shower (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)The shower takes its name from the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate, within the constellation of Perseus. Those wishing to view the solar eclipse should be aware that experts have warned eclipse glasses are necessary for safe viewing, as regular sunglasses offer insufficient protection.