Best places on Gold Coast to view spectacular meteor shower

If the night sky has been looking extra glitzy lately, that’s because a spectacular meteor shower is passing by. And there are some great spots on the Gold Coast to grab an extra-special view.

IF the night sky has been looking extra glitzy lately, that’s because it is.

Planet Earth is currently passing through fragments of Halley’s comet, which is clearly visible from the Gold Coast over the next couple of nights.

The meteor shower — called Eta Aquarids — happens every year, but this year clear skies have meant the shower will be visible for longer.

Comet Halley, which is responsible for the Eta Aquarid meteors. PHOTO: Martin George

Townsville photographer Michael Morley captured this shot of dazzling Eta Aquarid meteors burning through the sky as the International Space Station made a pass over Townsville. Picture: Michael Morley

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PASSES OVER GOLD COAST

Director of observations at the Springbrook Observatory Andre Clayden said it should look like a little firework show.

“It happens when the Earth’s orbit runs into debris of Halley’s comet,” he said.

“Hayleys comet is gone, but there is still mass around. (Earth) picks up debris as it travels around the sun and at the same time every year, Earth passes through it.

“It’s tiny rocks, like grains of sand, which hit the atmosphere. As it comes through the atmosphere, through friction, it gives you a little natural firework show.”

UFO SIGHTING GOLD COAST: MAN CLAIMS HE SPOTTED UFO ON TWEED COAST

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

Because of the fine weather and clear skies, the Eta Aquarid will be visible for longer than previous years.

“It’s likely to be seen until Sunday, or later,” Mr Clayden said.

“We are in the new moon phase which means the moon isn’t interfering with any light and you can see the shine from the meteors.

“This time we are in the right period and the right time to be able to see it.

“People have been going to Burleigh Heads and looking out from the headland.

“People have been seeing about two to three, or about 30 an hour.”

GOLD COAST UFO SIGHTING: TWO GOLD COASTERS EXPLAIN WHAT THE UFO WAS IN THE SKY AT KENNEDY DRIVE

18 December 1985 -- Halley's Comet crosses the sky during its last visit to Earth on its 86-year circuit of the solar system. Picture taken at Siding Spring observatory, Coonabarabran, NSW. Picture: Anglo-Australian Observatory.

BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE METEOR SHOWER

North Burleigh Lookout, Burleigh

Point Danger, Coolangatta

Broadwater Parklands, Southport

On the beach or in high points of the Gold Coast, like Tamborine Mountain.