Outburst of Andromedid meteors may continue tonight

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EarthSky. org, 12/9/2013 - Deborah Byrd

Drawing of Andromedid meteor storm 1872 via Tufts.

Expert observers are reporting an unexpected outburst of a little-known (but historical) meteor shower. The Andromedid meteor outburst began yesterday (December 8, 2013) and might not have peaked yet. The Geminid meteor shower is going on now, too, peaking on the mornings of December 13 and 14. So tonight might be an awesome night to go outside and watch for meteors!

The source of last night’s outburst is Comet Biela, which produced a meteor storm in the year 1872. These meteors are called the Andromedids, and sky watchers began noticing an increase in their numbers two years ago.

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