'Meteor storm' of 1,000 meteors per hour could light up Memorial Day sky

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WPEC) — It's likely to be the biggest boom or bust forecast of the year. The Tau-Herculids meteor shower may occur Monday, May 30, over North America.

Right now, Earth is passing through the debris cloud of a nearby shattered comet, setting the stage for a potentially impressive show in the Memorial Day night sky.

But scientists are mixed on whether or not this shower will even occur. That's because Earth may just miss the thickest part of the debris cloud, where thousands of tiny comet fragments are shooting through space.

If Earth does in fact move through this part of the debris field, it could lead to a spectacular sight in the night sky.

Some scientists say Americans could see as much as 900 to 1,000 meteors per hour if the shower does occur. In fact, if 1,000 meteors per hour is verified, it'll be deemed a "meteor storm," a rare feat to achieve.

As a major bonus, the U.S. is under a new moon – meaning the night sky will be very dark. The only real hindrance will be any lingering clouds, showers and/or storms in a particular viewing area.

The meteor shower will begin after sunset but will peak between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Stargazers can look anywhere in the night sky to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

These meteors are slow movers compared to most meteors. That will mean they will be dimmer than other meteor showers so look hard.

The best location to see the meteors will be away from the metro areas, where light pollution makes it difficult to spot meteors.