Tonight may be your last chance to see one of the year's most spectacular shows of shooting stars.

Peak viewing for the Orionids meteor show ends tonight.

The meteors that streak across the sky appear as some of the fastest and brightest because the Earth is hitting a stream of particles almost head on.

The particles come from Halley's Comet.

This famous comet passes by Earth every 75 to 76 years, and as it makes its way around the sun it leaves a trail of comet crumbs.

At certain times of the year, the Earth's orbit around the sun crosses the path of the debris. 

The Orionids are named after the constellation Orion (the Hunter), from which they appear to radiate.

How to view the meteors

Find Orion in the sky (look to the east), the meteor shower will appear to come from near Orion's sword. 

Light pollution can hinder your view so try to get far away from city lights.

Go out around 1.30am and let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 20 minutes. 

Lie back and use only your eyes to watch the sky. Binoculars and telescopes won't improve the view, because they are designed to see more stationary objects in the sky.