Halley's Comet graces the Earth approximately every 75 years, but its remnants create two significant meteor showers annually: the eta aquarids.
During this meteor shower, the night sky sparkles as Earth traverses the most paths, as noted by Shauna Edson from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The ETA Aquarido is described as a “very fast meteor” by NASA’s Bill Cook.
On peak days, we anticipate witnessing around 10-15 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, according to Cook.
Nevertheless, the moon will be almost two-thirds full, which might hinder visibility.
The viewing continues until May 28th. Here’s what you should know about the ETA Aquarido and more about Meteor showers.
What is a Meteor Shower?
As Earth orbits the Sun, it periodically passes through debris left by comets and sometimes asteroids. The ETA Aquarido originates from remnants of Halley's Comet.
When these fast-moving space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere, they encounter air resistance, heating up significantly and ultimately igniting.
Often, the surrounding air glows briefly, creating a streak – the signature of a “shooting star.”
No special equipment is required to witness the numerous meteor showers each year, as long as you stay away from city lights.
How to View the Meteor Shower
The optimal time for observing meteor showers is early, especially when the moon is low in the sky.
Bright moons and artificial lights are the main hindrances to clearly seeing meteors. A cloudless night paired with a small moon offers the ideal viewing conditions.
And remember to keep looking up. If you haven’t checked your phone, your eyes are likely good enough to spot a shooting star.
When Will the Next Meteor Shower Occur?
Expect the next prominent meteor shower, the South Delta Aquarido, to peak in late July.
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Source: apnews.com