The moon will be at its biggest and brightest in 50 years tonight as it passes close to the earth in the full moon phase. Stargazers will also be treated to a meteor shower.

Dr Tim O'Brien from the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Manchester gives you his tips for how to make the most of the night sky this evening.

What time is it best to watch?

The moon will be closest to the earth and highest in the sky at 9.48pm tonight. The meteor shower - where what look like shooting stars fly across the sky - will be best after midnight but you will see some before then.

Where should I go for the best view?

There is no particular point in the sky and it shouldn't matter where you are, you just have to get somewhere where the sky is fairly dark.

Anywhere where you get a clear view of the sky will provide a good vantage point. Get away from street lights and let your eyes get used to the dark. Even in the city you should be able to see the meteors, if the sky is clear.

How can I get a closer look?

If you have a pair of binoculars you will be able to see the craters on the moon, but it won't be that much bigger so don't expect to look up and see a gigantic moon. It will be about 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter.

Why is it happening now?

Each month the Moon makes a full orbit around the Earth in a slightly oval-shaped path, and tonight it will swing by the Earth at its closest distance, or perigee. The unusual feature about tonight's perigee is that it coincides with with a full moon, making it appear bigger and brighter than any other full moon for 50 years.

When will it happen again?

The next time of such close encounter with a full moon will be November 14, 2016.

What are meteors?

Meteors are the tail end of comets - particles of dust that burn up as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere. They are only 80-100 miles from the surface of the Earth.

How long will the meteor shower last?

For the next two nights you should be able to see the Germinid meteor shower.

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