MILKY WAY GALAXY (May 19, 2014) — The world of astronomy is buzzing about a potentially major shooting star event that is scheduled to occur Friday night/Saturday morning.
The comet 209P/Linear is expected to pass close to the Earth, and the resulting meteor shower, known as the Camelopardalids, could be fairly impressive.
This is a relatively short-lived window, from roughly Midnight until 4AM Friday night/Saturday morning, but according to some astronomers, there could be over 1000 shooting stars per hour. It is at this number that a meteor “shower” becomes a meteor “storm.” Luckily, the moon will be dim enough such that it won’t provide any light pollution.
Keep in mind, this has never occurred before, so the exact magnitude is in doubt. Some astronomers place the number at a more conservative 300 to 400 per hour. Regardless, skies are expected to be clear Friday night here, so we could have some optimal viewing conditions.
To check and see if the forecast is going to hold up, join us on FOX 17 News or visit the weather page anytime at http://www.fox17online.com/weather
Photo courtesy of Ben Strack