This weekend, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower – remnants of Halley’s comet – will hit its peak, offering a dazzling celestial show. With up to 30 meteors per hour visible in the Northern Hemisphere (and even better views down south!), it’s time to mark your calendars and grab a cozy blanket.
What’s the Buzz? 🌌
Every year, Earth’s orbit crosses paths with debris from Halley’s comet, creating two annual light shows: the Eta Aquarids in May and the Orionids in October. ‘These shooting stars are basically cosmic confetti,’ explains Xiu Lipeng of the Chinese Astronomical Society. This year’s peak hits early Sunday, but the shower runs until May 27.
How to Catch the Magic 🌙
⏰ Best time: Midnight to dawn (longer viewing in the Southern Hemisphere!).
📍 Location: Escape city lights for dark skies – think beaches, parks, or countryside.
🌑 Moonlight luck: A waning moon means less glare. Perfect conditions!
No telescopes needed – just your eyes! Meteors will streak across the sky as tiny space rocks burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, leaving fiery trails. Pro tip: Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20 minutes.
Halley’s Comet: The OG Star of the Show ☄️
This iconic comet, last seen in 1986, leaves behind the dust that creates the Eta Aquarids. ‘It’s like getting a postcard from deep space,’ says Xiu. Next chance to see its debris? The Orionids in October!
Will you be watching? Let us know using #MeteorMoments! 📸
