Meteors will be streaking across the sky in the coming days as Earth passes through the dusty debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet, igniting the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
The source of the Eta Aquariid meteors is none other than the famous Halley's Comet.
The source of the Eta Aquariid meteors is none other than the famous Halley's Comet.
"Halley's Comet is considered the most famous comet," NASA explains.
With a little patience and the right viewing conditions, stargazers are in for a celestial treat as Halley's Comet puts on its annual show.
Meteors will be streaking across the sky in the coming days as Earth passes through the dusty debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet, igniting the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
Meteors, also known as shooting stars or falling stars, are space rocks and other material that burn up as they plummet through Earth's atmosphere, leaving behind bright streaks in the sky. Comets like Halley's Comet can be a source of these meteor showers as they shed dust and debris during their orbits around the sun.
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The Eta Aquariids get their name from the point in the sky, called the radiant, where the meteors appear to originate - the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquariid. However, the stars in Aquarius are not the cause of the meteors themselves.
According to the American Meteor Society, the Eta Aquariids are active from April 16 to May 27, with the highest meteor rates expected between May 1-10, peaking on May 5. The source of the Eta Aquariid meteors is none other than the famous Halley's Comet. (Photo: Getty)
Observers in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres can catch sight of the meteors during the pre-dawn hours, though the Southern Hemisphere offers a better view as the Aquarius constellation sits higher in the sky.
"The Eta Aquariids are one of the most prolific showers of the year, especially for those in the Southern Hemisphere," said NASA. "During the peak, observers can see up to 30 meteors per hour in ideal conditions."
The source of the Eta Aquariid meteors is none other than the famous Halley's Comet. As the comet orbits the sun every 76 years, it leaves behind a trail of dust and debris. When Earth passes through this debris field, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the dazzling meteor display.
"Halley's Comet is considered the most famous comet," NASA explains. "It was last seen from Earth in 1986 and will return to the inner solar system in 2061."
Experts recommend finding the darkest possible skies to view the Eta Aquariids, as the fainter meteors can be easily obscured by light pollution. With a little patience and the right viewing conditions, stargazers are in for a celestial treat as Halley's Comet puts on its annual show.
