Comet Watch

On May 30-31, the Earth will pass through a debris field left behind by Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann (aka SW3).

Discovered in 1930 by Arnold Schwassmann and Arno Wachmann, this comet finds its way to our solar system with an orbital period about every 5.4 years but comes closest to earth every 16 years. 

Because it is a short period comet, SW3 isn't exactly pristine. In all actuality, this old comet could be classified as wimpy when compared to a comet such as Halley. 

Nevertheless,  SW3 became more interesting in 1995 when it began to disintegrate.  As of March 2006, SW3 had broken into eight major pieces and as it continues to disintegrate it has crumbled into almost seventy pieces.

This event has some potential to be a big deal.  Beginning around midnight locate the bright star Arcturus - the radiant from which the meteors should emanate.  

This is the time of a new moon so dark, clear skies can make for perfect viewing conditions.

This even is basically a one-off so fingers-crossed for optimal viewing.

Learn more about the background on SW3 here.