Ireland will be lit up by shooting stars tonight as the Earth passes through dust left behind by Halley’s Comet.
Stargazers can expect to see around 20 meteors per hour, and they will be visible until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Tonight marks the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. Star gazers will have to try & stay awake as it will be visible from midnight.
This shower is one of two created by the depris of Halley's Comet. #comet #halleyscomet #comethalley #stargazing #stars #meteor #meteorshower pic.twitter.com/0owC3Z4F2L— Trade Shop Direct (@TradeShopDirec1) May 5, 2021
People are being encouraged to count the number of stars they see and email Astronomy Ireland.
David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, says it will be a special night:
"Tonight we're hoping to see the peak of the eta aquarid meteor shower which is caused by bits of dust that have fallen off Halley’s Comet.
"We should see perhaps five to ten times more shooting star meteors than normal.
It will be a real, celestial fireworks treat for people who want to stay up until dawn," he said.
