7 super songs about stars
In honour of the Perseid meteor shower
Last updated 6th Aug 2020
Over 11th - 13th August 2020 we will be treated to the peak Perseid meteor shower, which is regularly the best each year. The optimum time to observe them is in the early hours of the 12th August, when you could see up to 50 meteors despite a bright moon.
In honour of the upcoming meteor shower here are some songs about stars (and shooting stars)...
1. Ed Sheeran - 'All of the Stars'
Although not one of Ed Sheeran's chart-topping hits, 'All of the Stars' was featured on the soundtrack of The Fault in Our Stars, a film starring Shailene Woodley, which was released in 2014.
2. Years & Years - 'Meteorite'
Released in 2016 and featuring on the Bridget Jones's Baby soundtrack, 'Meteorite' was written by the members of Years & Years, Olly Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy, and Emre Türkmen.
3. Coldplay - 'A Sky Full Of Stars'
'A Sky Full Of Stars' was co-written by the late Swedish DJ Avicii, and released by Coldplay in 2014. The song was a success around the world and reached Number 9 in the UK.
4. OneRepublic - 'Counting Stars'
Featuring on the band's third studio album, 'Native', 'Counting Stars' became one of OneRepublic's most successful singles and sold over 1 million copies in the UK.
5. Tinie Tempah - 'Written In The Stars ft. Eric Turner'
'Written In The Stars' was Tinie Tempah's second Number 1 single in the UK after his debut single 'Pass Out'.
6. Supermen Lovers - 'Starlight'
This great throwback was released in 2001 by French artist Supermen Lovers. The debut song was a hit around Europe.
7. Boy Meets Girl - 'Waiting for a Star to Fall'
Originally released by Boy Meets Girl in 1988, 'Waiting for a Star to Fall' has been remixed and covered by Cabin Crew and Sunset Strippers.
Now take a look at tips on how to see meteors:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Leonids come from Leo, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone. We've also included a video at the bottom of this page to help you find it.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
The peak of the Perseids will be on the night of 12th August.