Latest news with #DateandTime
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
What's the best time to see the Aquarids meteor shower? When and how to watch
The ETA Aquarids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers known for sending fiery balls of space debris flying across the sky, is set to peak this week. The Aquarids (also sometimes spelled Aquardiis) meteors are created by debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet that then fall to Earth, creating "shooting stars" that leave long glowing trails behind. The meteor shower is one of the best astronomical viewing events of the year and can be seen across the globe, though those in the Southern Hemisphere are treated to the best view. Luckily, the event can still be seen from every U.S. state, giving stargazers one final chance to watch a shower until the next expected one in July. Here's what to know about the ETA Aquarids meteor shower, including what time to look up. The Aquarids, which first became active April 19, are due to peak between May 5 and May 6 as Earth passes through the densest part of Halley's cosmic debris, according to the American Meteor Society. While the meteors won't be as bright or dazzling after the peak, stargazers should still be able to catch some of the light show until about May 28. Like all meteor showers, the Aquarids are best viewed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. According to NASA's Watch the Skies blog, the best time to view the peak starts at 2 a.m. on May 6 and lasts until dawn. Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon based on your specific location. The Aquarids should be visible around the globe, anywhere in the sky, assuming clouds and a bright moon do not obscure the view. However, the meteors are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the meteors seem to emerge, or radiate, from the constellation Aquarius, which is higher up in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere than it is in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, ETA Aquarid meteors appear as what NASA refers to as "Earthgrazers," or long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon. Some more tips for getting a better look from and include: Find a viewing spot away from cities' light pollution and street lights. Get there in advance to settle and give your eyes time to adjust, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Lie down on the ground and look at the sky. You can use Date and Time's Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the direction of the radiant to look towards. Bring a blanket, chair, comfortable clothes and maybe some snacks or drinks. Catching a meteor shower can be a waiting game. If the moon is out, look at areas of the sky away from the moon to prevent its light from washing out the show. Know the peak time and how many meteors you can expect to see per hour. You can check EarthSky's meteor guide for that information. Most meteor showers are the result of Earth passing through debris left by comets, explains NASA. These broken-up meteoritic materials fall to Earth and burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating what we know as "shooting stars." This happens daily (NASA scientists estimate that 48.5 tons of material fall on Earth each day), and if you watch closely, you should be able to see a few per hour on an average night. When the number of meteors entering Earth's atmosphere increases significantly, that's what's called a meteor shower. Meteor showers are usually named after a star or constellation closest to where the meteors appear in the sky; in this case, Aquarius. The debris that makes the ETA Aquarids meteors come from Halley's Comet, which can only be seen from Earth once every roughly 76 years (the next time will be 2061). When it returns to the inner solar system, it leaves behind the rocky dust that eventually creates the ETA Aquarids meteor shower each May and the Orionids every October. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's the best time to see the meteor shower? How to watch Aquarids
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Science
- USA Today
What's the best time to see the Aquarids meteor shower? When and how to watch
What's the best time to see the Aquarids meteor shower? When and how to watch Show Caption Hide Caption Eta Aquarid meteor shower to greet early-May night sky Start the first full week of May under the night sky with the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. This shower produces meteors that originate from Halley's Comet. The ETA Aquarids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers known for sending fiery balls of space debris flying across the sky, is set to peak this week. The Aquarids (also sometimes spelled Aquardiis) meteors are created by debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet that then fall to Earth, creating "shooting stars" that leave long glowing trails behind. The meteor shower is one of the best astronomical viewing events of the year and can be seen across the globe, though those in the Southern Hemisphere are treated to the best view. Luckily, the event can still be seen from every U.S. state, giving stargazers one final chance to watch a shower until the next expected one in July. Here's what to know about the ETA Aquarids meteor shower, including what time to look up. When is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower peaking? The Aquarids, which first became active April 19, are due to peak between May 5 and May 6 as Earth passes through the densest part of Halley's cosmic debris, according to the American Meteor Society. While the meteors won't be as bright or dazzling after the peak, stargazers should still be able to catch some of the light show until about May 28. What time can I see the Aquarids meteors? Like all meteor showers, the Aquarids are best viewed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. According to NASA's Watch the Skies blog, the best time to view the peak starts at 2 a.m. on May 6 and lasts until dawn. Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon based on your specific location. How to See the Eta Aquarids The Aquarids should be visible around the globe, anywhere in the sky, assuming clouds and a bright moon do not obscure the view. However, the meteors are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the meteors seem to emerge, or radiate, from the constellation Aquarius, which is higher up in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere than it is in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, ETA Aquarid meteors appear as what NASA refers to as "Earthgrazers," or long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon. Some more tips for getting a better look from NASA and Date and Time include: Find a viewing spot away from cities' light pollution and street lights. Get there in advance to settle and give your eyes time to adjust, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Lie down on the ground and look at the sky. You can use Date and Time's Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the direction of the radiant to look towards. Bring a blanket, chair, comfortable clothes and maybe some snacks or drinks. Catching a meteor shower can be a waiting game. If the moon is out, look at areas of the sky away from the moon to prevent its light from washing out the show. Know the peak time and how many meteors you can expect to see per hour. You can check EarthSky's meteor guide for that information. What is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower? Most meteor showers are the result of Earth passing through debris left by comets, explains NASA. These broken-up meteoritic materials fall to Earth and burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating what we know as "shooting stars." This happens daily (NASA scientists estimate that 48.5 tons of material fall on Earth each day), and if you watch closely, you should be able to see a few per hour on an average night. When the number of meteors entering Earth's atmosphere increases significantly, that's what's called a meteor shower. Meteor showers are usually named after a star or constellation closest to where the meteors appear in the sky; in this case, Aquarius. The debris that makes the ETA Aquarids meteors come from Halley's Comet, which can only be seen from Earth once every roughly 76 years (the next time will be 2061). When it returns to the inner solar system, it leaves behind the rocky dust that eventually creates the ETA Aquarids meteor shower each May and the Orionids every October.
Indianapolis Star
05-05-2025
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
What's the best time to see the Aquarids meteor shower? When and how to watch
The ETA Aquarids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers known for sending fiery balls of space debris flying across the sky, is set to peak this week. The Aquarids (also sometimes spelled Aquardiis) meteors are created by debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet that then fall to Earth, creating "shooting stars" that leave long glowing trails behind. The meteor shower is one of the best astronomical viewing events of the year and can be seen across the globe, though those in the Southern Hemisphere are treated to the best view. Luckily, the event can still be seen from every U.S. state, giving stargazers one final chance to watch a shower until the next expected one in July. Here's what to know about the ETA Aquarids meteor shower, including what time to look up. When is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower peaking? The Aquarids, which first became active April 19, are due to peak between May 5 and May 6 as Earth passes through the densest part of Halley's cosmic debris, according to the American Meteor Society. While the meteors won't be as bright or dazzling after the peak, stargazers should still be able to catch some of the light show until about May 28. What time can I see the Aquarids meteors? Like all meteor showers, the Aquarids are best viewed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. According to NASA's Watch the Skies blog, the best time to view the peak starts at 2 a.m. on May 6 and lasts until dawn. Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon based on your specific location. How to See the Eta Aquarids The Aquarids should be visible around the globe, anywhere in the sky, assuming clouds and a bright moon do not obscure the view. However, the meteors are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the meteors seem to emerge, or radiate, from the constellation Aquarius, which is higher up in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere than it is in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, ETA Aquarid meteors appear as what NASA refers to as "Earthgrazers," or long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon. Some more tips for getting a better look from NASA and Date and Time include: Find a viewing spot away from cities' light pollution and street lights. Get there in advance to settle and give your eyes time to adjust, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Lie down on the ground and look at the sky. You can use Date and Time's Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the direction of the radiant to look towards. Bring a blanket, chair, comfortable clothes and maybe some snacks or drinks. Catching a meteor shower can be a waiting game. If the moon is out, look at areas of the sky away from the moon to prevent its light from washing out the show. Know the peak time and how many meteors you can expect to see per hour. You can check EarthSky's meteor guide for that information. What is the ETA Aquarids meteor shower? Most meteor showers are the result of Earth passing through debris left by comets, explains NASA. These broken-up meteoritic materials fall to Earth and burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating what we know as "shooting stars." This happens daily (NASA scientists estimate that 48.5 tons of material fall on Earth each day), and if you watch closely, you should be able to see a few per hour on an average night. When the number of meteors entering Earth's atmosphere increases significantly, that's what's called a meteor shower. Meteor showers are usually named after a star or constellation closest to where the meteors appear in the sky; in this case, Aquarius. The debris that makes the ETA Aquarids meteors come from Halley's Comet, which can only be seen from Earth once every roughly 76 years (the next time will be 2061). When it returns to the inner solar system, it leaves behind the rocky dust that eventually creates the ETA Aquarids meteor shower each May and the Orionids every October.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lunar eclipse will be visible tonight over Massachusetts. Forecast and when to see it
A total lunar eclipse is happening tonight, and if cloudiness isn't an issue, everyone should be able to see it. Massachusetts is in the path of totality for the upcoming eclipse. The entire Western hemisphere will have a view, according to the website Date and Time. The is the first time a lunar eclipse has been visible over Massachusetts since 2022. Will weather hamper the skyward spectacle? Here's what to know. The National Weather Service branch in Norton is forecasting a relatively cloudy night with the possibility of light rain showers in Southern New England. The National Weather Service noted in its forecaster's discussion that clouds aren't expected to clear out completely until later on Friday, March 14. But all people will need is a quick break in the clouds to see the eclipse. Its peak viewing time is 2:55 a.m. on March 14, but it can be seen earlier that night (on March 13) as well. Here's a schedule of how it will happen, according to NASA: 11:57 p.m. EST: You can see the eclipse starting when the penumbral phase begins as the moon enter the outer part of the shadow and begins to subtly dim. 1:09 a.m.: A partial eclipse begins as the moon enters Earth's umbra and starts to darken. To the naked eye, the moon should look like a bite is being taken out of the lunar disk. 2:26 a.m.: Totality occurs when the entire moon is under the umbra. This is when the reddish hues of the "blood moon" will be on display. 3:31 a.m.: As the moon exits the umbra, the red color will fade and another bite-like display, this time on the other side of the moon, will appear. 6 a.m.: The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra. Yes, there will be, as it is with every total lunar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the moon typically takes on a "rusty" hue. explained on its website that during a total lunar eclipse, "The moon is fully in Earth's shadow. At the same time, a little bit of light from Earth's sunrises and sunsets (on the disk of the planet) falls on the surface of the moon. Because the light waves are stretched out, they look red. When this red light strikes the moon's surface, it also appears red." The blood moon will look large in the sky, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. That's because of what's called a 'moon illusion.' NASA explained a moon illusion is "where the moon appears larger when it's near the horizon than when it's higher in the sky." A moonbow is is "a rare rainbow-like light display caused by moonlight refracting through water droplets in the air. Also known as a lunar rainbow, moonbows are usually faint and appear white to the naked eye," according to the Dark Sky International website. It's possible the eclipse will present a chance to see one. The best time to look for the moonbow is right after sunset on March 14 when the sky goes dark, according to Dark Sky International. According to NASA, another total lunar eclipse won't be visible in the U.S. until March 2026. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Lunar Eclipse 2025: Here's when to see it in MA, weather forecast
