How to watch tonight's Perseid meteor shower

If watching the Perseid meteor shower isn't in your Thursday night plans, consider a revision. Scientists expect this year's shower to be particularly dazzling.

Though the meteor shower happens every August when "Earth ventures through trails of debris left behind by an ancient comet," NASA reported this year's shower could bring up to 200 meteors per hour, instead of the average 60. Because of the unusually high number of meteors per hour, scientists are calling Thursday's event an "outburst" — something they don't expect to happen again until 2027.

So, how do you catch a glimpse of that spectacular space event? NASA has some tips:

The best way to see the Perseids is to go outside between midnight and dawn on the morning of Aug. 12. Allow about 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Lie on your back and look straight up. Increased activity may also be seen on Aug. 12-13. [NASA]

And, if bright city lights or clouds are blocking the view, NASA has you covered for that, too. Beginning at 10 p.m. ET Thursday, NASA will kick off an overnight livestream video. Come back later to catch a glimpse, below.