The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is peaking during the evening of May 5 and the following morning. This annual display is generated by debris left behind from Halley's comet and is a delight to view from under any dark sky.
Annual meteor showers are usually caused when the Earth, orbiting around the sun, runs into a trail of debris left behind by a comet. In the case of the Eta Aquarids, seen in the first week of May each year, the material causing the display is left behind from the best-known of all comets.
Meteor showers are among the easiest astronomical events to watch, and no special equipment is needed. Observers need only travel to an area away from house, street and city lights, where it is possible to see the sky low to the east and south.
The event is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere and the northern tropics, but some shooting stars will still be visible shooting up off the horizon, looking like rockets lifting off the ground. Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, under ideal conditions, could expect to see one meteor every two to six minutes, while those in the Southern Hemisphere could witness up to 60 shooting stars an hour.
"The shower is named after a 4th-magnitude star in the constellation Aquarius. The star has nothing to do with the meteor shower except that, coincidentally, meteors appear to emerge from a point nearby. Eta Aquarii is 156 light years from Earth and 44 times more luminous than the sun," Spaceweather.com reports.
Earthgrazer meteors are rare but dramatic. These shooting stars race through the atmosphere at extremely shallow angles, providing a long trail as they seem to slowly cross the sky. Northern viewers are in a special position to witness one or more of these during the night. Earthgrazers are most likely to be seen around 2 a.m. or 2:30 a.m. local time.
Amateur astronomers heading out to view the meteor shower should remember to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions and to bring along plenty of beverages and snacks as well as comfortable chairs. The meteors can come from anywhere in the sky but will be centered toward the east at night (after 10 p.m. local time) and toward the south before dawn, when viewing will be best. This is a perfect occasion to share with family, friends or as a couple.
The Orionid meteor shower each October is also due to experience Halley's comet, as our planet passes through its trail of debris on each side of its orbit around the sun.
The Slooh Observatory will also be broadcasting the meteor shower live on its website.
