If you’re looking to witness the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, now is your time to catch a glimpse of this spectacular shooting star. The meteor shower is currently active and conditions are favorable for optimal viewing at its peak.
Wondering when the best time is to see this meteor shower and which direction to look? Keep reading for all the details.
If the Eta Aquariid meteor shower has sparked your interest in witnessing more celestial events this year, be sure to consult the 2024 Meteor Shower Calendar for additional information. And if you’re eager to catch a glimpse of the comet itself, although it will be a while before Halley’s Comet returns to the sky, you can still catch sight of the brightest comet of 2024.
When is the best time to see the Eta Aquarid meteor shower in 2024?
The prime time to observe the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is in the early morning of May 6, 2024, in the UK and America. For optimal results, it is recommended to watch from around 2 am until dawn (5:22 am BST) if the sky is clear.
This year’s conditions are ideal, with a new moon occurring the night following the meteor shower’s peak. The absence of moonlight interference, as seen during the Lyrid meteor shower in April, will enhance the viewing experience of the Eta Aquariids.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower spans from April 19th to May 28th, with the peak activity concentrated around May 6th. However, the meteor shower is known to produce impressive displays several days before and after the peak.
Where to look
To witness the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, look towards the southeastern horizon before dawn. While the shooting stars originate from the Aquarius constellation’s radiant point, meteors can appear throughout the sky.
It is advisable to expand your gaze and observe other nearby constellations to catch more spectacular meteors. Avoid focusing solely on the radiant point, as you might miss out on other impressive celestial displays.
How to find Aquarius in the night sky
The radiant point of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, Aquarius, has maintained a relatively constant position since Hubert A. Newton’s observations in 1863. To locate the radiant, look towards the east and identify the two stars in the great square of Pegasi: Beta Pegasi (also known as Scheat) and Alpha Pegasi (also known as Markab).
Draw an imaginary line between these stars and extend it downward by a similar distance to spot the faint star Eta Aquariid, which marks the radiant’s position. If Eta Aquariid is challenging to locate or below the horizon, utilize stargazing apps to assist in identifying its position.
How many meteors can you expect to see?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is moderately active, reaching a peak velocity of around 50 meteors per hour under optimal conditions of dark skies and high radiant elevation. The radiant’s height in the sky influences the visibility and frequency of meteors as the Earth rotates towards the oncoming meteor stream.
