Many stargazers around the world are gearing up to witness an unforgettable meteor shower this weekend in 2024. Researchers even suggest that this may be the best meteor shower we’ll see in this century.
It’s the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, associated with debris from Halley’s Comet. Each May, as Earth passes through the orbit of Halley’s Comet, we have the opportunity to witness this meteor shower.
However, this year’s Eta Aquarid meteor shower in the constellation Aquarius is expected to be particularly spectacular. NASA explains that the peak of the meteor shower coincides with the new moon phase, meaning the predawn hours will be extra dark, providing the perfect conditions to watch the famous comet debris fall. There are even indications that this year’s meteor shower may be more “active” than usual.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is especially favored in the Southern Hemisphere. According to NASA, observers in that region can see up to 40 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, we can expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
According to Space.com, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower has been appearing in the night sky since mid-April and is expected to peak over the weekend of May 4th to 5th.
NASA recommends that the best time to watch the meteors is a couple of hours before dawn, when the meteors appear long and bright. The Eta Aquarid meteors often streak close to the horizon, earning them the nickname “Earthgrazers.”
For optimal viewing, NASA suggests finding a safe, dark location away from bright lights, lying down with your feet facing east, looking directly up at the sky. Remember to dress warmly, stay comfortable, bring a hot drink, and perhaps invite a friend or two to count the Eta Aquarid meteors together under the stars.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is actually one of the best meteor showers of the year, and observers in the Southern Hemisphere are particularly fortunate as it appears earlier there. In most parts of Australia, the radiant point in Aquarius will rise around 1:30 to 2:00 in the morning local time, giving people several hours to observe this spectacle before dawn.
For star enthusiasts in Australia, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower has always been a magnificent autumn feast, but this year promises to be even more special. Firstly, with the new moon, the sky will be dark, making the meteors easier to observe.
Additionally, scientists have modeled the trajectory of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower over the past few decades and found that the meteor count this year could significantly increase.
Researchers suggest that this year’s Eta Aquarid meteor shower may be the best we’ll see in this century, with the chance to observe it until May 27th.
In October, Earth will once again pass through the orbit of Halley’s Comet, offering us the opportunity to witness the Orionid meteor shower.