The alpha Monocerotids showers rarely produce a large meteor shower, but this year could be different, according to Space.com. The alpha Monocerotids produced a brief burst of meteors from the direction of the obscure constellation of Monoceros -- known as the unicorn, the website reported.
Set your alarm so you don't miss the potential for a very limited and rare dazzling display in the night sky that could include up to 400 meteors. The best views will be in South America, eastern North America, western Europe and northwestern Africa. https://t.co/CxAgIxqmN2
— CNN (@CNN) November 20, 2019
Meteor scientists Peter Jenniskens and Esko Lyytinen predicted an outburst tonight or Friday, depending on a person's location, according to Meteor News.
The shower could last approximately 40 minutes, with its peak taking about 15 minutes, CNN reported.
The outburst will happen at 4:50 Universal Time, or 11:50 p.m. EST, CNN reported.
Jenniskens, a senior research scientist with the SETI Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center, and Lyytinen, of the Finnish Fireball Network, said there was a "small chance" the shower could become "extraordinary," according to Space.com.
Rare 'Unicorn Meteor Storm' of Hundreds of Shooting Stars per Hour Predicted, but Experts Are Skeptical https://t.co/vBdUaPOKg0
— Helen Michell (@HelenMichell12) November 20, 2019
According to CNN, the places to view the meteor shower will be in eastern North America, South America, western Europe and northwestern Africa.
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