There might be a new meteor shower this evening. Because there is 60 miles of undeveloped seashore to our north, and the Atlantic to the east, Dewees Island is a great place for skywatching. And this year, we might be treated to a big show for the first time, related to debris from a comet from a century ago. An ensemble of forecast models predict that the earth will pass through the debris of Comet 209P/LINEAR on the night of May 23-24th.

This article from the Washington Post tells you how to lie down with your feet to the north to watch, and the Post and Courier says,

The May Camelopardalis could shoot more than 200 meteors per hour, said Bill Cooke, NASA researcher. The blazes could rival the popular Perseids shower in August. A fiery light display would be welcome by local stargazers after a few celestial shows in the past year failed to live up to billing because of weather or other factors. Forecasts are calling for clear viewing skies.

“This one promises even at its weakest to be one worth going out for,” said Terry Richardson, College of Charleston astronomer.

Dewees is a great place to watch the stars with little light pollution: let us know if you get great photos!