Eager stargazers will be out in droves to watch as Earth passes through dust from previous passes of Halley’s Comet.
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Known as the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, the annual occurrence is set to be particularly spectacular this year, as it coincides with a New Moon.
Launceston Planetarium’s Chris Arkless said the last time Halley’s Comet itself was visible was in 1986, and the next time would be in 2061.
The Eta Aquarids started around April 20 and would continue until about May 21, but Mr Arkless said prime viewing for Tasmanian stargazers would be May 5 – 6 from around 3am to dawn.
“As we pass through [Halley’s Comet’s dust] those pieces of dust burn up in our atmosphere – that's what gives us a meteor, and that's why there are showers because we get a considerable number of them.”
He said there was no guarantee the Eta Aquarids would put on a good show but had some advice for stargazers.
“Let your eyes adjust to the dark, rug up because if it’s clear it’ll be cold, get a comfy chair and sit back and enjoy.”
