2025 has been gracing astronomy enthusiasts with some of the most interesting events in a while. From meteor showers to returning spacecrafts, the cosmic world has been active lately with various events keeping people on the edge of excitement. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is one more astronomical phenomenon that has been active since April 15th and will be reaching its peak during the night of May 5 and 6.
What is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
Meteors or shooting stars are space rocks that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, thus creating a sparkling light that enamours all skywatchers. In many cultures, people believe catching the view of a meteor shower to be lucky and wish upon it with whatever they want.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower consists of debris left by the orbit of Halley's comet and is described as an intense shower. It will be best seen in the southern hemisphere or the equator while the northern hemisphere will also be able to experience the phenomenon.
Best time to observe the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
The best time to observe the falling fireballs will be before dawn on both days which is when the meteors will be at their highest point while falling.
How many meteors will be seen?
According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the maximum amount of meteors that can be spotted in the clear sky is 50 per hour, at the speed of about 41 miles per second. However, in the United States which is north of the equator, 10-20 meteors per hour will be visible at best.
Where and how to observe the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
In order to observe the meteor shower in all its glory, ensure that you are away from the city lights and near a dark sky.
Aim your view near the constellation of Aquarius as the area surrounding it is the space of origin for the shower.
You don't require a telescope or binoculars to watch the shower but ensure that you have adjusted your eyes to the darkness for at least 30 minutes.
Bill Cooke, head of NASA 's Meteoroid Environment Office recommended heading out at 2:00 am local time from when the intensity of the showers will increase until dawn.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is not a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon as it will be repeated in the form of Orionids meteor shower in October later this year. So, in case you miss out on catching this meteor shower, keep your plans in place for the one in October.
What is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
Meteors or shooting stars are space rocks that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, thus creating a sparkling light that enamours all skywatchers. In many cultures, people believe catching the view of a meteor shower to be lucky and wish upon it with whatever they want.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower consists of debris left by the orbit of Halley's comet and is described as an intense shower. It will be best seen in the southern hemisphere or the equator while the northern hemisphere will also be able to experience the phenomenon.
Best time to observe the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
The best time to observe the falling fireballs will be before dawn on both days which is when the meteors will be at their highest point while falling.
How many meteors will be seen?
According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the maximum amount of meteors that can be spotted in the clear sky is 50 per hour, at the speed of about 41 miles per second. However, in the United States which is north of the equator, 10-20 meteors per hour will be visible at best.
Where and how to observe the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
In order to observe the meteor shower in all its glory, ensure that you are away from the city lights and near a dark sky.
Aim your view near the constellation of Aquarius as the area surrounding it is the space of origin for the shower.
You don't require a telescope or binoculars to watch the shower but ensure that you have adjusted your eyes to the darkness for at least 30 minutes.
Bill Cooke, head of NASA 's Meteoroid Environment Office recommended heading out at 2:00 am local time from when the intensity of the showers will increase until dawn.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is not a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon as it will be repeated in the form of Orionids meteor shower in October later this year. So, in case you miss out on catching this meteor shower, keep your plans in place for the one in October.
You may also like
Charles Leclerc makes true Lewis Hamilton feelings known after Ferrari implode at Miami GP
Dozens of bikini-clad women rescued from sinking £3.6m Lamborghini yacht in wild Miami boat party
CSMIA-NMIA Transition Turbulent: Airlines, MIAL Clash Over Slot Cuts And Cargo Shutdown
Band of BTech students in Andhra forced to double up as janitors to pay for studies
India's first AI-based data park to come up in Raipur
