Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

Every year the earth crosses the orbital path of Halley’s Comet.  As our planet passes thru the debris left behind by the comet some of the detritus burns-up as it reenters the earth's atmosphere with a resulting meteor shower.  Shooting stars!   

Most of the activity should occur around May 5^th and 6^th beginning in the hours before dawn on May 5.  Nevertheless, there will be viewing opportunities tonight thru May 6 as well.  The darkness of a new moon improves the conditions for viewing  

Get yourself comfortable in a lawn chair and allow your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.  Look to the southeast and the constellation Aquarius – although a shooting star can occur just about anywhere. 

In our mid-northern latitudes you can expect to see ten or more meteors per hour.  The late evening hours are the best time to observe earthgrazers – more meteors that make the long streaks across night sky.  Fingers-crossed for dark skies and clear viewing conditions.