Astronomers predict that the spectacular tau herculids meteor shower will be staged in the night sky of North America from May 30 to 31 local time In fact, as early as 1930, German observers Arnold schwassmann and Arno Arthur wachmann had discovered a comet named "73p/schwassmann wachmann" (hereinafter referred to as SW3). It can be seen that its revolution cycle around the sun is 5.4 years.
Infrared image taken by Spitzer Space Telescope (from NASA)
However, because the movement of the comet was too weak, people did not see it again until the late 1970s. In 1995, astronomers suddenly realized that the brightness of the comet had increased by about 600 times, and then it remained visible to the naked eye.
Further investigation found that SW3 had been broken into several pieces (scattered fragments were left on its track). By the time it passed again in 2006, there were nearly 70 pieces of debris, and it did not stop there.
When SW3 visits the earth again this year, its debris will enter the earth's atmosphere very slowly (about 10 miles / second) - which means that the brightness of the meteor shower will be weaker than that of ETA Aquarius.
However, observers in North America are still expected to witness the magnificent scene in the high sky during the peak (maximum) period from May 30 to 31. Even better, the new moon does not wash away the faint starlight.
Bill Cooke, head of the meteoroid environment office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, said that the meteor shower was either magnificent or could not lift too much wind and waves.
If the speed of the debris of SW3 separating from the main body of the comet exceeds 220 mph, we will have the opportunity to witness a magnificent meteor shower. If the jet speed is slow, there may not be any debris falling into the earth's atmosphere.
Finally, if you are interested in observing this meteor shower, please try to find a clear and dark night sky. The peak is expected to be around 1:00 a.m. on the east coast of the United States, or around 10:00 p.m. on the west coast.