Peak of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower: When and How to Watch

While our universe is filled with wonders, we can only see a fraction of the astronomical phenomena with our naked eyes. Among these are meteor showers, nature’s fireworks that create bright, streaked patterns against the night sky.

The latest meteor shower has been ongoing since April 19th and is anticipated to last until May 28th. It will peak early Tuesday morning on the nights of May 5th to 6th.

The ETA Aquarido meteor shower is famous for its swift fireballs, which occur as it traverses the debris left by Halley’s comet.

Occasionally spelled “eta aquariid,” this shower is best viewed from the tropical regions in the south. However, meteors can also be spotted in the northern hemisphere around sunrise. The moon will illuminate nearly two-thirds of the night during this event.

For viewing tips, you can check the global meteor network, which provides data indicating when fireball activity is expected to rise in the coming days.

What Causes Meteor Showers?

You might spot a single meteor on any given night, but your best bet is during a meteor shower. Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through clouds of debris trailing behind comets and asteroids as they orbit the sun. These fragments, sometimes as small as grains of sand, create a luminous streak as they burn up in our atmosphere.

Meteor showers typically occur around the same time each year and can last from days to weeks. However, there are brief peaks during which the activity is most intense. This occurs when Earth passes through the densest part of the debris stream. At peak times, meteors appear to radiate from a specific point in the sky.

For instance, the Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August and originates from the constellation Perseus, while the Geminids occur every December and emanate from the constellation Gemini.

Keep Times Space and the Astronomical Calendar bookmarked for reminders about meteor showers throughout the year.

Tips for Observing Meteor Showers

Michelle Nichols, Director of Observation at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, recommends using telescopes and binoculars while watching meteor showers.

“You need your eyes and ideally a dark sky,” she noted.

This is because meteors can streak across a vast area of the sky, and using equipment can restrict your field of vision.

Some showers are potent enough to produce up to 100 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society, though you probably won’t see that many.

“Most people are under a sky that is somewhat light-polluted,” Nichols explained. “You might think you’ve found a dark sky, but even in a small town, bright lights can be nearby.”

Planetariums and local astronomy clubs, as well as light pollution maps, can help you identify areas with less light interference. The ideal conditions for viewing meteor showers include a clear sky between midnight and sunrise, with no moon or cloud cover. (Moonlight can hinder visibility just as much as light pollution, overshadowing celestial bodies in the sky.) Allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

Nichols advises wearing layers during the summer. “You may find yourself sitting and watching for quite a while,” she said. “Even in August, temperatures can drop.”

Bring along some hot cocoa or tea for extra warmth. Then lie back and scan the sky to enjoy the spectacle.