Why ‘best meteor shower’ of the year promises to be extra special

(WJW) – The stars have aligned for one of 2024’s best meteor showers.

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, according to Space.com .

At its peak, the shower could produce up to 50 meteors per hour, the site says.

The meteor shower happens every year, but what makes this one extra special is the timing of its peak with the new moon.

That means the skies will be extra dark just before dawn.

When to watch

The shower is already underway; it started in mid-April.

But the peak is coming this weekend.

Eta Aquariids peaks on May 4 ^th and 5 ^th , Saturday and Sunday.

The best time to see them is an hour or two before dawn.

The shower continues through May 27.

The Eta Aquariids will give a better show for people in the Southern Hemisphere, but in the Northern Hemisphere, you can still see them.

The Eta Aquariids often appear at the horizon, which gives the meteors the nickname, “Earthgrazers.”

NASA says the meteors can be extra long and bright.

Will we see it in Northeast Ohio?

As is often the concern with any celestial site in Northeast Ohio – will the weather cooperate?

Storm chances move in on Friday night.

Based on the FOX 8 Weather forecast , the best time to see them will be early Monday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.