This annual event, which occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left by Halley's Comet, promises a dazzling display of meteors streaking across the heavens.
The Aquariid meteor shower is one of the highlights of the astronomical calendar, and this year's display is expected to be particularly spectacular.
The Aquariid meteor shower is named after the constellation Aquarius, from which the meteors appear to radiate.
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There are two notable Aquariid showers each year: the Eta Aquariids in May and the Delta Aquariids in late July and early August.
Tonight's display is part of the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, which typically peaks around July 28-30 each year.
The meteors are remnants of Halley's Comet, which last visited the inner solar system in 1986 and won’t return until 2061.
As the Earth travels through the comet's old orbital path, bits of ice and rock collide with our atmosphere at high speeds, creating the bright streaks of light we see as meteors.
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