A Show-Stopping Meteor Shower Is Coming Tonight
Cinco de Mayo isn't the only party happening tonight - Mother Nature is also celebrating, but with a bit flashier show. In the early morning of May 6, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will rain down a whopping 20 to 40 shooting stars per hour.
The all-natural fireworks get their name from Eta Aquarii, a star in the constellation Aquarius where the meteors seem to appear. But fireballs actually stem from another source.
Every year, the Earth's orbit intersects with the trajectory of Halley's comet. While lucky viewers will only see comet itself once every 75 years, its trailing dust and debris put on annual display when the two paths cross.
While meteor showers happen fairly often, the timing of this one is especially perfect. That's because unlike the Lyrid shower a few weeks ago, there won't be any heavenly bodies outshining it. Planet Earth is also scheduled for a new moon tonight - meaning the glowing orb that would otherwise wash out the sky will be reduced to just a dim shadow.
Set your alarm for two hours before dawn for optimal viewing - if you didn't drink too many margaritas the night before, that is.
[h/t Mental Floss]
