Eta Aquarid Meteor shower peaks this May: How to see Halley's Comet's debris
Halley's Comet makes a noticeable visit around our planet every 75 years, but the remains of debris provide an ever-smaller display of magic on a regular basis. One of the brightest annual traditions for its celestial symbol is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which takes place annually each May.According to Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum's Shauna Edson, 'When you view those meteors, you are actually watching the planet cross paths with the world's most popular comet.'advertisementAccording to NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke, the Eta Aquarids are known for their speed and brilliance. At their peak, expected early Tuesday morning, viewers may witness between 10 to 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, this year's visibility may be affected by a bright moon, which will be nearly two-thirds full, potentially washing out the fainter meteors.
As reported by the AP, the shower continues through May 28, providing observers with over two weeks to glimpse the sky's streaks.Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left by comets or asteroids. The source for the Eta Aquarids is Halley's Comet. Since this debris enters the atmosphere at high velocities, it gets heated and burns up due to friction with the air. This causes the bright flashes that we call "shooting stars." Sometimes, the incandescent air shines very brightly, leaving a trailing line behind in the sky at night.advertisementNo special equipment or telescope is required to see the meteor shower. The most important thing is to go to a dark place that has no city lights. The most favorable time is in the early morning hours just before sunrise when the moon is low and the sky is at its darkest.Experts advise putting away devices and allowing your eyes to adapt to the dark to get the most out of it.If you miss the Eta Aquarids, don't worry in late July you will see the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower peak, giving you a second opportunity to witness nature's fireworks display.
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