Halley’s Comet is renowned for its close approach to Earth every 75 years, but even when it’s far away, it leaves a spectacular show behind in the form of meteor showers. One of these, the Eta Aquarids, puts on a dazzling display in the night sky. When you see the Eta Aquarids, “you’ll know that Earth is crossing the path of the most famous comet,” explained Shauna Edson from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Bill Cooke from NASA described these meteors as “pretty fast”, providing a stunning visual spectacle. During its peak on a Tuesday morning, enthusiasts can expect to see between 10 to 15 meteors per hour under perfect viewing conditions. However, visibility might be hindered by the nearly two-thirds full moon. This meteor shower continues to be visible until May 28, offering multiple opportunities for sky-watchers to enjoy.
The formation of a meteor shower occurs as Earth orbits the sun and encounters debris left by comets or the occasional asteroid. For the Eta Aquarids, that debris comes from Halley’s Comet. As these small celestial rocks hurtle into Earth’s atmosphere, they face significant resistance, heating up, and disintegrating. Often, this swift passage results in a glowing trail across the sky, providing the familiar sight of a “shooting star.” One doesn’t need specialized equipment to witness the yearly meteor showers – just a clear, dark sky away from city lights.
To catch a meteor shower, the best time to look up is during the early pre-dawn hours when the moon is low. Optimal conditions are achieved on nights when the sky is clear, and the moon is waning. Bright moonlight or city lights can obscure your view of meteors, which means finding a dark location is crucial. Keeping your eyes on the sky, without distractions like phones, can also improve your chances of catching a brilliant meteor streak.
Looking ahead, the next major meteor shower, the Southern Delta Aquarids, will reach its peak late in July, promising another celestial event for enthusiasts to mark on their calendars.