As we move forth into the beginning of May we’re all in store for quite the show as the Eta Aquarid comes forth. This specific shower is set to peak on May 5th and is worth looking out for.
If the weather where you are is nice and the sky is clear, you should be able to see the shooting stars from it quite well. While the moon may make it a bit harder, the more open sky you have the better. However, if you are in a more populated area, you may have better luck looking for shooting stars on May 1st, 2nd, or perhaps even the 3rd.
Now, for those who do not know this shower is specifically named after the constellation Aquarius. It was and is created through the debris left behind by Halley’s comet and its radiant point is Eta Aquarid which happens to be a star at the top of the jar that Aquarius holds. While you won’t need any special equipment to see this shower, you do need to try and get away from city lights if possible as noted above.
In regard to viewing the Eta Aquarids Time and Date wrote as follows:
You don’t need any special equipment or a lot of skills to view a meteor shower. Even though all you really need is a clear sky, lots of patience, and our handy Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map with a visibility conditions meter to see a meteor shower, the following tips can help maximize your shooting star viewing experience.
Find a secluded viewing spot, away from the city lights. Once at the venue, your eyes may take 15 to 20 minutes to get used to the dark.
Dress for the weather, and make sure you are comfortable, especially if you plan to stay out long. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair with you—meteor watching can be a waiting game.
Once you have found your viewing spot, lie down on the ground and look up in the direction of the radiant. Use our Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map or the table above to find the current direction of the radiant in the sky.
This specific shower seems to favor the Southern Hemisphere according to Earth Sky and seems to usually be one of the ‘finest showers of the year there.’ That only truly being set when the moon isn’t too bright and obscuring the light show provided by the shower itself. While these meteors will be shorter, there will be more of them than you might think.
To learn more about this shower please check out the video below. Will you be watching this shower or will you be passing it up? I for one will make sure to count the shooting stars as they pass me by.