Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower: How, when and where to watch Comet Halley's debris as they streak across the sky
This time of the year is known by astrology enthusiasts as the best time to keep an eye out for the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. The Halley's comet - which last zipped by the earth in 1986 and will next appear in 2062 -- is the source of the meteor shower. This year sees clearer skies and reduced pollution due to the coronavirus pandemic, so it is the best time to view it from home.
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower occurs from late April to early May each year. The meteors are known for their speed and travel at about 148,000 mph (66 km/s) into Earth's atmosphere. Such meteors leave glowing "trains" which remain visible for several seconds or minutes. For the Eta Aquarids, 30 meteors can be seen per hour during their peak.
While the Eta Aquarids can be viewed from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres during pre-dawn hours, the Southern hemisphere is preferable for viewing the meteor shower as the constellation of Aquarius - home to the radiant (the point where they seem to emerge from) of the Eta Aquarids -- is higher up in the sky in the Southern hemisphere than the Northern hemisphere.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarid meteors can more often be seen as "earth grazers." Earth grazers are long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon.
When can you view them?
For 2020, the forecast suggests the greatest number of Eta Aquarid meteors will fall before dawn on (or near) May 5 -- the day before or the day after may present just as many meteors. However, the almost-full waxing gibbous moon will block the show during the expected peak mornings for this year's meteor shower. Therefore, it might be better to view the shower before the peak, with no moon to ruin the show.
The best time to watch these fast meteors is during early morning hours, before the onset of morning twilight. On May 1, 2, and 3, the moon will set in the early hours after midnight, providing for moon-free viewing of the pre-dawn sky on these days.
How to prepare for the viewing?
Those interested in viewing the meteor shower from the safety of their terrace or another safe, secluded location, will need to look out for a clear sky and keep their stargazing apps ready. Find a spot unmarred by city lights and the viewer needs to ensure to get to the venue at least 15 to 20 minutes in advance to give time for their eyes to adjust to the dark.
Meteor watching can be a waiting game, so the viewer needs to ensure they are comfortable - dress for the weather and bring a blanket or a comfortable chair to make the waiting more comfortable.
The viewer needs to look in the direction of the radiant -- for the Eta Aquarids, it is the Aquarius constellation - however, it is not necessary as the meteors fly every which way across the sky. NASA also has a handy app that will allow amateur stargazers to locate meteor shower activity in their area for a given date.