IT’S the height of the summer when everyone in the Abergavenny area grabs a deckchair to soak up….shooting stars whizzing over their heads in the night sky.

Sun worshippers and other assorted deckchair users are being urged to put the contraptions to a more educational and astronomical use this week.

For it is the season when shooting stars come out to play to put on a show that’s much better than anything on the telly.

Among those urging locals to look heavenwards are Abergavenny Astronomical Society and staff

at the town’s castle who are inviting stargazers to pop over this evening (thurs, aug 13) for a spectacular light show - weather permitting.

Every year around August 12-14 a shower of shooting stars, or meteors, can be seen on their distant and speedy travels across the curtain of night.

They represent the remains of a comet’s tail which passed by thousands of year ago. Each year, as the earth passes through the tail, tiny bits of cosmic dust burn up as they streak through the atmosphere.

Anyone wishing to catch this breath-taking meteor shower can join this evening’s community gathering at 9.30pm in the castle grounds.

Rachael Rogers, curator of the museum and castle, said, “The grounds of the castle are not only a beautiful setting to see the shower - but also nice and dark to make it easier to see.”

Members of Abergavenny Astronomy Society will be on hand with telescopes to point out some of the other amazing sights to be seen in the summer sky.

There will be a talk in the museum beforehand to explain the origins of meteors and meteorites with some genuine examples of rocks from space which visitors can hold and examine.

The event will be suitable for adults and young people age 11 and above. Tickets are £5 and should be obtained from the museum in advance. Contact the museum on 01873 854282 for booking details,

Nick Busby, from Abergavenny Astronomy Society, revealed how to observe the shooting stars for yourself.

He advised, “Go out when the sky is clear and dark on August 12, 13 or 14. Sit in a deck chair or lounger so that you can easily watch the sky in comfort.

“The meteors will appear to come from the north east but can be seen anywhere in the sky. For best results keep away from any light for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow your eyes to become accustomed to the darkness.”

Further advice information can be gleaned on the society’s website, abergavennyas.org.uk