May offers some exciting astronomical events, notably the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which occurs on May 5-6. This annual meteor shower, associated with debris from Halley’s Comet, is considered one of the year’s best for stargazing, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. The Eta Aquarids, also known as Aquardis, produce long glowing trails rather than bright flashes, making them unique among meteor showers. They follow the Lyrid meteor shower and provide a final opportunity for significant meteor observation until another shower arrives in July.
The meteor shower is the result of Earth’s passage through comet debris, with this particular shower being the remnant materials from Halley’s Comet, which returns approximately every 76 years—next visible in 2061. As Earth moves through the densest part of the comet’s debris, meteor activity peaks, though meteors remain visible until around May 28 after the peak.
Optimal viewing of the Eta Aquarids occurs during dark hours between midnight and dawn, with the meteors visible across the globe, though best observed from the Southern Hemisphere. In that region, they appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, while observers in the Northern Hemisphere see them as “Earthgrazers,” long streaks that skim the horizon.
To maximize viewing potential, staying away from urban light pollution is recommended. The American Meteor Society notes that this year’s peak offers a splendid chance to witness one of nature’s spectacular displays in the night sky.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
