Space is so cool. It seems like there’s always a new celestial event to admire. This feels especially true this year with the total solar eclipse. Still, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to be especially noteworthy this time. This particular shower is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, and it takes place every year in May. That’s because, during this time, Earth passes through the infamous comet’s orbit. With that said, why is it expected to be so spectacular this year?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to be particularly visible, in part because of the timing with the new moon. Best viewing is expected to be in the southern hemisphere — here, you’ll be able to spot as many as 40 meteors an hour. But those of us in the northern hemisphere can expect a beautiful show, too, with 10 to 20 an hour.
Although the peak of this meteor shower already happened this past weekend, you haven’t missed out quite yet. You can still make plans to admire this celestial show all the way through May 27!
Here’s When and How to Best View the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower This Year
In fact, the peak viewing of this meteor shower is a lot more flexible that most. Instead of one sharp peak on one particular day, we can expect to get a particularly great view for a span of a week, centered on May 5.
In other words, now is the perfect time to look toward the night sky! To get the most of your experience, NASA has a recommendation: looking straight up at the sky. This is best done by laying on the ground. Plus, you’ll want to have your feet facing the east. From there, you can relax and enjoy the show!
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