A stadium-sized asteroid will be visible near Blackpool on Saturday night

2024 has undoubtedly been an “astroyear”—from the solar eclipse in the Northern Hemisphere, to the Northern Lights shining as South as Portugal, this year has spoilt astronomy lovers with multiple breathtaking astronomic events. If you missed them, you'll be happy to know that Hellotickets have spotted a new opportunity to get your fix of astronomy magic, and even without a telescope this time!

Just before Asteroid Day on June 30th, two massive asteroids will pass back to back through Earth’s Orbit on Thursday, June 27th and Saturday, June 29th. The June 2027, 2011 UL21, is 99% larger than any other near-earth asteroids, but won’t pass close enough to see it without a telescope. The Saturday one, however, will.

Asteroid 2024 MK will pass through Earth’s Orbit, close enough to be seen after 10pm UK time. The places where you're most likely to see it are dark sky areas with low light pollution, by simply using binoculars, making it the perfect Saturday night activity for families and friends who love stargazing.

Hellotickets have gathered a list of the best spots where you can see the Asteroid in the North West, as it’s one of the few places where the weather and darkness conditions will allow us to see it in the whole UK.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Located across North Yorkshire and Cumbria, it is easily accessible from Leeds and Bradford. The park’s rolling hills and open spaces give a clear view of the night sky, and is one of the darkest UK spots as well. Here are a few spots where you can see the asteroid in Northumberland National Park:

• Buckden National Park Car Park
• Tan Hill Inn
• Malham National Park Centre
• Hawes National Park Centre

Lake District National Park

Near Kendal and Kewswick, in Cumbria, you can find the Lake District National Park. Known for its lakes and rocky hills, it offers multiple settings to view the asteroid. Here are a few spots where you can see the asteroid in Lake District National Park:

• Grizedale Forest
• The Langdale Valley
• Ennerdale
• Borrowdale Valley

Towns in Lake District such as Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere also have charming spots with low light pollution, from where you can observe the 2024 MK asteroid pass through our orbit, even from the comfort of your own backyard.

Are you unable to travel to any of those locations? You can also watch it online. Virtual Telescope will run a live show of the 2024 MK asteroid starting 21h UTC, where you’ll be able to watch this breathtaking unique experience.