The Eta Aquarids is coming, and would peak on May 6, Thursday, for people to watch in the lovely night sky, as brought by one of the most popular cosmic objects, Halley's Comet. That particular comet may not show itself until 2061, but it has left behind a "cosmic litter" that would debut a spectacular show of lights from the skies.
This has been the yearly tradition and is usually showing its cosmic lights display during May, which is also the same month of the Mother's Day commemoration for all women in the world. This is a massive and meaningful occurrence during these times, especially as mothers are referred to as the "light" of the family.
Last April has shown different cosmic events that have provided different meanings to everyone who had the chance to view it. These two are the Lyrids Meteor Shower that peaked last April 22, and the NASA Pink Supermoon which has been a marvelous display that has shown a massive full moon, and is one of two that is coming for 2021.
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower: How to Watch During Peak?
According to Space.com, people would have the chance to watch the Eta Aquarids meteor shower as it peaks and show its light to the Earth, as part of the cosmic litter left behind by Halley's comet. The peak would be on Thursday, May 6, but instead of staying up late, interested watchers should get up early before daybreak.
Users can still watch this the day before May 6 or after Thursday, but would only get one-fourth of its presence and luminance if not watching it on its peak day. Moreover, the meteor shower could be viewed with or without a telescope as it would be a bright display of lights as it passes through. No need to worry about the Moon as well, because it would be in the waning crescent phase.
Face directly to the Eastern Horizon or use an application to conveniently position one's self towards the direction of the meteor shower. Moreover, it is also said that the Eta Aquarids would show themselves at around 3:00 AM (local time) and would last until the sun starts to rise at around 4:30 AM. Pay close attention to the meteor shower as Eta Aquarids are known to be swift.
Origins of the Eta Aquarids
Lyrid Meteor Shower Can Be Seen This April! Here Are The Tips!
According to NASA Solar System Exploration, the Eta Aquarids came from the constellation of Aquarius, and the 1P Comet (a.k.a. Halley's comet) which has last shown itself in 1986. What it does is leave behind a trail of sparkling dust known as "cosmic litter" which is also the source of this particular meteor shower.
The Eta Aquarius has an average display of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, going at the speed of 44 miles per second, which makes it one of the fastest display of meteors the Earth would see.
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Written by Isaiah Richard
