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AAP
AAP
Technology
Hannah Ryan

Shooting stars to streak through night sky

A meteor shower made of bits of rock and ice from Halley's Comet will light up the night sky. (AAP)

Early risers and night owls will be treated to an "incredible display" as meteors streak across the sky at the end of the week.

Keen eyes should be able to spot 15 to 20 shooting stars per hour during the display on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The meteor shower is from bits of rock and ice that have broken off the iconic Halley's Comet, Australian National University astronomer Brad Tucker says.

"These chunks of ice and rock hurtle through space at incredible speed and then burn up in the Earth's atmosphere," Dr Tucker said.

"It makes for an incredible display of streaking, bright lights and is one of the best meteor showers you will see all year."

Dr Tucker advised that anyone in Australia should look east, preferably between 2.30am and 3am.

He said to look out for two bright objects, Saturn and Jupiter.

Looking further away from the moon will make fainter meteors easier to see, Dr Tucker says.

"And you don't need a telescope. Look up, and let your eyes soak in the display."

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