02-05-2025
Third major meteor shower of the year to peak early next week. Will you see it in Alabama?
A celestial show is coming to the skies, and it could be worth staying up late for.
The Eta Aquarids, the third major meteor shower of the year, will peak early next week. While it's known for putting on a spectacular display in the Southern Hemisphere, stargazers worldwide, including in Alabama, may still catch some of the action.
Will the skies over Alabama cooperate for the show? Here's what we know:
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower comes from tiny bits of Halley's Comet. As Earth moves through the dusty trail left behind by the Comet, those particles slam into our atmosphere and burn up, creating fast, fiery streaks in the sky.
Halley's Comet only passes Earth about once every 76 years, but it still puts on a show. It was last seen in 1986.
The Eta Aquarids will peak between May 5 and May 6. The best time to watch is after 2:24 a.m., when the radiant rises, until dawn. After the peak, the show dims quickly, so don't wait.
Look toward the constellation Aquarius, where the meteors will appear to shoot from.
Time and Date offers a daily updated table and an interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map to help you track the radiant and pick the best time to head outside for the show.
The forecast is in your favor. The National Weather Service predicts clear skies and a crisp evening low of 55 degrees, ideal conditions for catching the meteor shower.
Watching these celestial events in areas free from city and streetlights is ideal. NASA advises lying flat on your back with your feet facing east, allowing your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark for the best view of the meteors.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Will I see the Eta Aquarius meteor shower in Alabama? What to know
