Eta Aquarids meteor shower hits its peak on May 6, but according to the website Earthsky, viewers can expect to see 20-30 meteors per hour just before dawn “the day before and after the predicted peak.” If you missed this morning’s show, you have two more chances to view the spectacle.
The Eta Aquarids are an annual meteor shower occurring in May each year. The increase in meteors is caused when Earth passes through the tail of Halley’s Comet. The dust particles left behind by the comet hit the earth’s atmosphere and ignite. Halley’s Comet passes close to Earth about every 76 years. The last time Halley’s Comet was visible to the naked eye was in 1986, according to National Geographic . Its next passing is not until 2061.
Even though Halley’s Comet only gets close so infrequently, it leaves a trail of debris that the Earth passes through every year, which is why the meteor shower is so predictable. The number of meteors that can be seen gradually begins to increase in April as we enter the comet’s dust, and peaks in early May after which it gradually tapers off until around May 20 when we exit Halley’s tail.
The radiant of a meteor shower is the point in the sky from which the shooting stars seem to originate. The Eta Aquarids get their name from the star Eta in the constellation of Aquarius, which is their radiant. Eta rises above the eastern horizon at 4 a.m. during the meteor shower, so the prime viewing time is just before dawn during the peak days.
The Southern hemisphere provides the best viewing of the Eta Aquarids with 60-90 meteors per hour visible, but the southern United States can still expect to see 20-30 per hour. The Perseid meteor shower in August is the Northern hemisphere’s best show with a frequency averaging more than one meteor per minute.
According to Sky & Telescope , if you plan on watching the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, you should be prepared. Normally you would want to plan to watch after the moon has set. Little or no moonlight makes the meteors easier to see. This year, the new moon falls on May 6, so the peak nights for watching will be unobstructed by moonlight. There are a few things you should do before planning a viewing.
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Although moonlight is not a factor to consider this year, weather can be a problem if it is overcast. Check your local weather to see if there are going to be clear skies in the hours before dawn. If the forecast is calling for cloudy weather, do not bother setting up a viewing. Check the weather for the next day and perhaps conditions will be better. Also, note the predicted temperature at those times. If it is going to be cold, you will want to have warm clothes or blankets.
Be sure to pack something comfortable to sit on. Cushions can work for a short sitting, but something with back and neck support is ideal for longer viewings. You may also want to have snacks and beverages on hand.
Choose a location that offers a clear and unobstructed view of the entire sky if possible. If there are some obstructions, be sure they obstruct no more than about 20 percent of the stars.
Avoid locations with light pollution. City lights and street lamps will significantly hinder your view of all but the brightest meteors. Also, allow your eyes about 15 minutes to adjust to low light. If you need to use any light sources to consult star charts or check the time, use a light with a red filter to protect your night vision.
Although Eta will be rising, you should not look directly at the radiant. It is better to get a fuller view of the celestial sphere. Point your gaze about 50 degrees up and away from the radiant. Such a viewing angle will allow you to see more of the sky. Also, you will be able to see both shower and non-shower meteors. The Eta Aquarids are the shower meteors which will trace back to the star. All other meteors that you see that do not have their tail pointing to Eta are random non-shower meteors.
Take a break from viewing about once an hour. Get up and stretch and get the blood flowing to help to keep you warm and prevent you from getting stiff.
Once your viewing is over, be sure to pack up and clean up. Leave your spot the way you found it.
These tips should help you to enjoy your viewing and allow you to see the most meteors possible.
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will continue through most of May, so you are likely to see several meteors even if it is passed the peak days, but viewing off-peak days is more for those who can just go out in their backyard with a sleeping bag and casually look into the sky.
The Delta Aquarids will be the next meteor shower to hit us. This is also a southern shower that radiates from Aquarius, but from the star Delta. This shower goes from July through early August, after which we will have a good view of the Perseids that peak on August 12.
[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]
