IRISH SKIES are set to light up tonight as Halley's Comet passes nearby.
As the Earth speeds through dust left behind by the famous comet, hundreds of meteors will rain down on our atmosphere, creating a spectacular shower.
The Eta Aquarids, an annual meteor shower that takes place above the northern hemisphere in April and May, will grace Ireland's skies this evening and into the early hours of Thursday morning.
It's said to most visible around midnight when 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour will be on display, weather permitting.
This shower is associated with the famed Halley's Comet, which is only visible every 76 years.
It was last seen in 1986 and will not be visible again until 2061, but as dust left in the comet's wake collides with the Earth, it vaporises as it hits the atmosphere at around 148,000 miles per hour, creating gorgeous shooting stars.
David Moore from Astronomy Ireland said: "Tuesday night and Wednesday night are the two best nights to watch from Ireland.
"There will be from 10 to 20 an hour and two to three times more shooting stars than normal.
"The best time to view is after midnight – so people need to stay up late."
Mr Moore said that allowing your eyes at least five minutes to become accustomed to darkness will help you enjoy the shower, as will refraining from looking at phones.
And obviously, the further away you are from any light pollution will definitely help, so head over to rural locations wherever possible.
See More: Halley's Comet, Meteor Shower
