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3w ago

Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower to Peak in Early Hours of May 5-6

Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere will enjoy the best views, while Northern Hemisphere observers can catch fewer meteors under dark, moonless skies.

A flight-illuminated path and the Milky Way are appearing in the night sky during the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, which is peaking in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, on May 5, 2024. The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower is an annual event caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Halley's Comet. Named after the constellation Aquarius, these meteors are streaking across the sky at high speeds, creating a dazzling display of shooting stars. Best observed in the predawn hours away from city lights, it is a mesmerizing celestial event cherished by skywatchers worldwide. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley's Comet, peaks in the predawn hours of May 5-6, offering ideal viewing conditions after the moon sets around 3 a.m.
  • Southern Hemisphere observers can expect up to 50 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, while Northern Hemisphere viewers may see 10-20 meteors per hour at most.
  • The meteors radiate from the constellation Aquarius near the star Eta Aquarii, with no special equipment needed for viewing—just dark skies and patience.
  • Meteors from the Eta Aquarids are known for their speed, entering Earth's atmosphere at 65 kilometers per second and often leaving glowing trails that linger briefly.
  • The shower remains active through May 28, but peak visibility diminishes quickly after May 6, making the next few nights the best time to view this celestial event.