One of history’s most famous celestial visitors, Halley’s Comet, streaks past Earth roughly every 76 years. Last seen in 1986, its next grand appearance won’t be until 2061—but this week, you can witness its dazzling remnants lighting up the night sky in the Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
Don’t Miss the Eta Aquariids – Peaking Now!
This is the last major meteor shower until late July, and NASA ranks it among the best annual showers for the Southern Hemisphere. Here’s how to catch it:
When to Watch
- Best Dates: Early morning hours before dawn on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (May 5–7, 2024).
- Prime Time: Between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time, especially after the moon sets around 3 a.m. (dark skies = better viewing!).
What to Expect
- Northern Hemisphere: ~10–20 meteors per hour (still worth it!).
- Southern Hemisphere & Southern U.S.: Up to 40–60 meteors per hour—one of the year’s most active showers!
- Swift Meteors: Known for long, glowing “trains” that linger for seconds.
Why It Happens
The Eta Aquariids (and their sister shower, the October Orionids) are caused by debris from Halley’s Comet. As Earth crosses the comet’s orbital path, tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating fiery streaks.
How to See the Show
- Escape City Lights – Drive to a dark, open area for the best view.
- Look Northeast – Meteors radiate from the Aquarius constellation (near the star Eta Aquarii).
- Be Patient – Let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes (no phones!).
What’s Next?
Mark your calendars for these 2024 meteor showers:
- Perseids (Aug 12–13) – The year’s most popular shower.
- Orionids (Oct 22–23) – Another gift from Halley’s Comet.
- Geminids (Dec 12–13) – Winter’s fiery finale.
Pro Tip: If you miss the Eta Aquariids, Halley’s Comet will be back in 2061—but its meteors return twice every year.
“A shooting star is a cosmic hello from the past—a speck of Halley’s Comet saying, ‘I’ll be back.’”
