As comets move about their orbits they leave a stream of debris when dust and rocky material is liberated from its head as the ice vapourises.

The fast-flying Perseid meteor showers would pick up steam only after midnight, and the greatest numbers of meteors would rain down shortly before dawn, she said.

'The meteor showers last for just a fraction of a second before they are gone. Better keep a close look at the sky for the beautiful show,' Rathnashree said.

According to scientists, this year's Perseid meteor shower could be better than usual because of comet dust that has come close to the earth.

The US space agency NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office has said a 'filament of comet dust' has drifted across earth's path, and when earth passes through it on Aug 12, the Perseid meteor shower rate could surge to twice its normal value.

Bright moonlight would be a hindrance to catching sight of the meteor shower. Scientists suggest that one should look away from the moon in order to watch the celestial activity.