Your chance to spot space ‘glitter ball’

STARGAZERS will have the chance to catch an unprecedented sight in the sky this week – a man-made ‘shooting star’ passing over Britain.

The Humanity Star, which was blasted into space last month, is made of 76 reflective carbon fibre panels and looks like a 3ft glitter ball. But as the star orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, the Sun’s rays make it the brightest object in the night sky.

It was visible in the east of Britain – including in Norwich, Newcastle and Edinburgh – just before 7am this morning.

And it is expected to be seen in the west of the country, including Manchester, Liverpool and Penzance, tomorrow between 7.15am and 7.20am. Those in London, Bristol, York and Leeds will have to wait until shortly before 7am on Friday.

The longest viewing time of the star – made by US firm Rocket Lab – will be about five minutes. It is expected to orbit for nine months before being pulled into the atmosphere by gravity. Check the best viewing times where you live at www.thehumanitystar.com.