Celestial Spectacle Awaits Skywatchers!

Attention all stargazers! This week, the skies will be alive with the brilliant Eta Aquariid meteor shower, a stunning celestial showcase brought to you by the ancient debris of Halley’s Comet.

When and Where to Watch?

Mark your calendars for May 5 and 6, when this spectacular meteor shower reaches its peak in the early morning hours. Expect up to 40 meteors per hour, many appearing as dazzling fireballs streaking across the sky.

What Makes These Meteors Special?

These meteors are remnants from Halley’s Comet, which journeys through our solar system, leaving a trail of dust. As Earth passes through this cosmic path, tiny particles collide with our atmosphere at breathtaking speeds of over 240,000 km/h, creating mesmerizing streaks of light.

Optimal Viewing Conditions!

The best time to catch this enchanting display is between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time, just before dawn. While the Southern Hemisphere offers a prime vantage point, residents in the Canadian Prairies can still enjoy the show by gazing towards the lower eastern horizon.

A Perfect Dark Sky!

Fortunately, the waning moon will set just before the radiant—the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate—near the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius. This sets the stage for an ideal dark sky, enhancing your viewing experience.

Expect the Unexpected!

For the lucky observers, keep an eye out for rare phenomena such as "earthgrazers," which are long-lasting meteors that skim the upper atmosphere, or "persistent trains," which leave glowing trails that linger for several minutes.

A Cosmic Connection!

This event is part of our annual rendezvous with the remnants of Halley’s Comet. While May gifts us the Eta Aquariids, don’t forget that in October, we’ll again encounter this comet debris, resulting in the famed Orionid meteor shower.

Don’t Miss This Incredible Show!

So, grab your blankets, find a dark spot, and prepare to be amazed by a cosmic journey that has echoed through time, reminding us just how vast and wondrous the universe truly is!