Are There Any More Chances to View the Eta Aquariid Meteors?
The Eta Aquariids were best seen Friday and Saturday morning, right before dawn. Unfortunately, the weather across the area didn't really cooperate this weekend. But will there be any more chances to see the meteors before they disappear?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower can be seen across the world (though more so in the Southern Hemisphere) from April 19 to around May 28.
EarthSky.org says you won't even need binoculars to view the show, just a sharp eye turned to the Southeastern sky, and enough distance from any sort of city lights. Earth Sky says on their website:
If you trace the paths of the Eta Aquarid meteors backward, they all seem to radiate from a certain point in front of the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer. This point on the sky’s dome is called the radiant of the meteor shower, which nearly aligns with the faint star Eta Aquarii. Hence, this meteor shower is named in honor of this star.
The source of the Eta Aquariids is well known. Every year around this time, Earth passes through the orbital path of Halley's Comet. Yup, the meteors are actually remnants of the most well known comet of all time.
While the best viewing for the meteors was just this past weekend, scientist say there will be more opportunities to see the meteors before sunrise until the end of the month. You may see anywhere from ten or more an hour.