How to view the Eta Aquarids meteor shower that peaks tonight
Yahoo • • general
Key Points:
- The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak tonight into early Wednesday, offering southern hemisphere observers up to 50 meteors per hour, while northern hemisphere viewers can expect 10 to 30 meteors per hour before dawn.
- This meteor shower originates from debris left by Halley's Comet, which takes about 76 years to orbit the sun, with its next return expected in 2061.
- The Eta Aquarids are known for swift meteors that often leave persistent trails but produce few fireballs, making for a visually striking display especially in the southern tropics.
- Viewing is best in dark areas away from light pollution, with no special equipment needed; observers should lie on their backs facing east and allow their eyes to adjust for about 30 minutes.
- A nearly full moon (84%) this year will reduce visibility, particularly in the northern hemisphere, lowering the number of meteors seen to fewer than 10 per hour.
