WASHINGTON – The month of May is off to an exciting start with the highly anticipated Eta Aquariid meteor shower expected to put on a better show than in recent years. Astronomical experts are gearing up for what they believe will be a spectacular display of meteors lighting up the night sky.
Set to peak in the early morning hours of Sunday and Monday, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to be especially vibrant due to the moon being only 6% illuminated in its new moon phase. Sky-watchers are encouraged to keep a close eye on the sky between 2 and 5 a.m. local time to catch the best views.
Known for being one of the best meteor showers of the year for the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquariid shower is expected to produce between 20 and 40 meteors per hour. On the other hand, observers in the Northern Hemisphere can anticipate seeing between 10 and 20 meteors in the hours before dawn, according to NASA.
The source of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is Halley’s Comet. Each spring between April and May, Earth crosses the comet’s orbital path, resulting in small grains of rock and dust shedding from the comet to produce a stunning meteor display. This occurrence repeats in October, leading to the Orionid meteor shower.
Experts mention that the meteors will appear to be coming from the northeastern part of the Aquarius constellation, which contributes to the name of the shower. This year, the rate of visible meteors per hour is expected to be higher due to debris perturbed by Jupiter in a direction closer to Earth, a phenomenon last observed in 2013.
For urban dwellers, it is advised to seek out an area without city lights to obstruct the view. Finding an open space with a clear view of the sky and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness without the interference of electronic devices can enhance the meteor-watching experience.
The American Meteor Society is encouraging spectators to share their observations of the shower, as this information can help astronomers determine the intensity of the event. This year’s Eta Aquariids is anticipated to offer a strong viewing experience until the 2040s, making it a prime time for sky-watchers to make the most of this celestial display.