{"id":57930,"date":"2024-05-03T11:46:08","date_gmt":"2024-05-03T11:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/602cc839-8ed9-401a-8bea-8ba9d2e4b901"},"modified":"2024-05-03T12:08:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T12:08:23","slug":"halleys-comet-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend-top-tips-for-beginners-observing-the-eta-aquariids","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/halleys-comet-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend-top-tips-for-beginners-observing-the-eta-aquariids\/","title":{"rendered":"Halley’s Comet meteor shower peaks this weekend. Top tips for beginners observing the Eta Aquariids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our top tips for beginners heading out to see an Eta Aquariid meteor this weekend. <\/p>

By Iain Todd\n <\/p>

Published: Friday, 03 May 2024 at 11:46 AM<\/p>

\n\n

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower 2024 reaches peak activity late in the evening on 5 May until dawn on 6 May, making this weekend a great time to get out and spot a meteor.<\/p>

The Eta Aquariids are visible from 19 April to 28 May every year, but peak activity is the best time to see a meteor shower, providing the Moon is out of the way and not spoiling your view with its bright glow.<\/p>

If you’re heading out this weekend to see the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, here are some of our top tips and things you need to know.<\/p>

For the full picture, read our fantastic guide to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower<\/a>, written by the Sky at Night’s Pete Lawrence.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Chart showing the location of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in 2024. Click to expand. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Eta Aquariid meteor shower top tips<\/strong><\/h2>
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, as Earth orbits the Sun.<\/p>
Meteoroids from Halley\u2019s Comet enter Earth\u2019s atmosphere at 66km\/s, making them particularly fast meteors.<\/p>
The radiant – the point from where the meteors appear to emanate – is near the Water Jar asterism<\/a> in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water Bearer.<\/p>
$\"\"$
An Eta Aquariid meteor over Babcock Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USA. Credit: Diana Robinson Photography \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
On 6 May, the best time to look for Eta Aquariids is 02:00 BST (01:00 UT) until the onset of dawn.<\/p>
The Eta Aquariid shower has a zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) of 40 meteors per hour.<\/p>
ZHR is how many meteors you might see under perfect conditions. The actual amount you see will be fewer.<\/p>
The Moon is out of the way! During peak activity, the bright moonlight won’t spoil your view.<\/p>
$\"The$
The Milky Way and an Eta Aquariid meteor, Park City, Utah, USA. Credit: Nam Do \/ 500px \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Wrap up warm. It’s been a cold springtime and meteor-observing involves lots of sitting or standing still.<\/p>
It’s best if you can observe in a location away from light pollution<\/a>.<\/p>
A reclining chair or sun lounger is a great way of looking up for long periods without hurting your neck.<\/p>
Allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, and don’t look at bright lights while observing.<\/p>
If you see a bright streak coming from the from direction of the radiant, you’ve seen an Eta Aquariid.<\/p>
Observe with friends and family and take turns to be the one writing down the time when a meteor is spotted.<\/p>
Submit your data to the British Astronomical Association Meteor Section<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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