Eta Aquarids Peak!

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It is time for another meteor shower! The Eta Aquarids peak on the mornings of May 5th and May 6th. The name of the meteors give away its location: the meteors appear to radiate from the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius. Because of this, the meteor shower is best viewed from the southern hemisphere. though it is still possible to view the meteors in the northern hemisphere. However, it is very very unlikely that observers in Nepal will be able to see the meteors as we have cloud cover virtually all over the planet at the moment. 

Eta Aquarids in the year 2013. Picture Courtesy: NASA


The Eta Aquarids are basically the leftover fragments of the famous Halley’s comet. which came by Earth in the year 1986. It has a orbital period of about 76 years; thus, the next Halley’s comet sighting is expected to take place in 2063. The Eta Aquarids are one of two meteor showers that are a result of the fragments of Halley’s Comet, the other one being the Orionids, which peak around October 21 (the Orionids are a special birthday treat!). 

From the Northern Hemisphere, one can expect about 10 meteors per hour. However, for observers in the Southern Hemisphere, there are expected to be 20-40 meteors per hour, though there might be more in both hemispheres. The radiant point will be closest to the Zenith (the highest point in the sky) close to dawn time (in the Southern Hemisphere). Thus, the best time to view the meteors is early morning. 

For those astronomy enthusiasts who can sacrifice a night’s sleep for some spectacular views, meteor showers are great events. However, for those enthusiasts who are unable to view the spectacle, an online broadcast will always be there. 

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