Stay Up Late, Get Up Early to Catch Shooting Stars
Halley's Comet debris will light up the sky late Thursday and into early Friday morning; join the Milwaukee Astronomical Society to watch.
Photos
The Earth passes through the tail of Halley's Comet Thursday night, setting the stage for the annual Eta Aquarids meteor shower.
To catch it, stay up late (past 11 p.m.) or set your alarm extra early (sometime before 4 a.m.).
The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower happens when the earth passes through dust and debris left behind by Halley's comet, which passed the Earth in 1986.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the best to view the shower, according to Spacedex. If the clouds hold off, the waxing moon should mean ideal viewing conditions. Look to the east to see the meteors—which should come at 15-30 meteors per hour.
If you want to celebrate what you saw, or learn more about the meteor shower, head over to the Milwaukee Astronomical Society observatory at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 18850 W. Observatory Road in New Berlin.
Heather Rayne Geyer
8:05 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I wonder if it's too cloudy :(
Rees Roberts
9:37 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
"The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower happens when the earth passes through dust and debris left behind by Halley's comment, which passed the Earth in 1986. "
Gosh, didn't realize Halley could "Comment". LOL. I believe it should read "Comet".
David Cotey
9:46 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
Good catch Rees! We made the change.
Heather Rayne Geyer
9:44 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
Actually I know Halley and she never shuts up with all her comments. So annoying.
:) I make those errors all of the time...it sucks when spell check can't be typo check LOL!
Rees Roberts
9:49 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
Those darn uncooperative spell checkers. LOL. Been there. Totally understand. Thanks for responding so quickly.