First Ever Camelopardalid Meteor Shower Approaches Earth: Get Ready for the Star Show!

We may be in for a treat next week, assuming that the skies are clear. Stargazers could see the first-ever Camelopardalid meteor shower as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 2009P/LINEAR.

Most meteor showers are relatively predictable. In fact, they show up at around the same time each year and can usually be seen after midnight, though the absolute best viewing times are usually after 2 a.m. Yet this is the first time that Earth will pass through this debris trail left behind by the comet when it passed close to the sun, which means a lot of uncertainty remains.

The comet itself was first discovered in 2004 by an automated observing campaign, according to Accuweather. As it passed close to the sun, it left behind bits of ice and rock. As this debris hits the Earth's atmosphere, it will burn up and form the "shooting stars" that can commonly be seen during meteor showers.

Currently, it's estimated that this meteor shower will make its first appearance on the night of May 23 and the early morning hours of May 24, according to The Space Reporter. Not only that, but this particular shower has the potential to put on quite the show. You could see as many as 100 to 400 meteors per hour, and the moon's light won't obscure the shooting stars; even when the moon rises at 3:41 a.m. EST, it will be a waning crescent and won't impact the shower.

If you want a good look at the meteor shower, find somewhere dark and away from city lights. You should be able to see the meteors by looking north and watch as they streak across the sky.

The next meteor shower will be the Perseids, which occurs on the night of Aug. 12, according to StarDate. You should be able to see the meteors most of the night.