Rare Meteor Shower May Be Visible From Illinois Tonight

This will be something to see should the clouds clear up tonight.

A meteor shower called alpha Monocerotid might cause an "outburst" which may be visible should the clouds take a break. This astronomical event hasn't happened in two decades, according to Chicago Tribune.

For the first time in more than two decades, the alpha Monocerotid meteor shower could morph into a meteor outburst, meaning that for a short period of time late Thursday, you might be able to see several meteors a minute.

This difference between alpha Monocerotid and other meteor showers is this one will involve several "bits of comet material disintegrating above your head" instead of a few big meteors. You'll have to stay up late tonight if you're hoping for a view.

... if the skies clear, about 10:15 p.m. will be the time when the radiant point appears over the horizon. By 11 p.m. the outburst should be over.