This week skywatchers have a rare opportunity to see what astronomers are calling a 'meteor storm.'

A meteor outburst is forecast for Thursday night. According to EarthSky.org, Thursday Nov. 21, around 11:50 p.m. will be peak viewing. The 'meteor storm' is expected to last around 40 minutes, starting at 11:15 p.m. The peak of the outburst will likely last 15 minutes, at a rate of several meteors per-minute.

The meteors stem from an unknown comet. The comet's dust tail moves in and out of earth's orbit over the years. That's why the meteor shower -- especially this outburst -- is a rare occurrence.

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