Next week, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak between May 6 and May 7, with the potential to witness up to 50 meteors per hour in the late-night sky, as reported by NASA. This annual celestial event is particularly exciting for Australians, as it is optimally visible in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Eta Aquarids typically occur between April 19 and May 28 each year, and it is among the two meteor showers formed from the debris of Comet Halley, formally known as 1P Halley. As Earth moves through the particles left behind by this comet, these fragments enter our atmosphere at speeds of approximately 65 kilometres per second, resulting in spectacular streaks of light across the sky. NASA notes that some of the faster meteors can create “glowing trains,” which may linger for several seconds up to minutes.
The name “Eta Aquarids” derives from the point in the sky where the meteors seem to emanate, located in the constellation Aquarius, near its prominent star, Eta Aquarii. Observers are encouraged to look towards the east during the early hours to maximise their viewing experience.
The meteor shower will reach its zenith around 2 AM AEST on both nights, providing a perfect opportunity for stargazing enthusiasts and casual observers alike to enjoy this stunning natural display.