Friday, May 2, 2014
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower 5-5 and 5-6-14
May 5, 6 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The
Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60
meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the
Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach
about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind
by comet Halley, which has known and observed since ancient times. The
shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the
night of May 5 and the morning of the May 6. The first quarter moon will
set just after midnight leaving fairly dark skies for what should be a
good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.
Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear
anywhere in the sky.