Also the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, peaking midday. Stargazers all over Australia will soon be treated to a memorable celestial display! Prepare yourselves for one epic production! This year, you can expect to see as many as 22 meteors every hour, and the lack of interference from the Moon during prime viewing times will only add to that spectacle. EarthSky cranks up the enthusiasm and begs you to get outside in those pre-dawn hours. You’ll be under the greatest prospects of experiencing this amazing natural occurrence—just in time for sunrise!
Dr. Rebecca McElroy, an expert in astronomy, suggests that those wishing to catch a glimpse of the meteors should spend at least an hour in the dark. This provides their eyes an opportunity to adapt to the reduced light levels, improving sight. She urges people to be patient. “Take a picnic blanket, recline, and gaze at the stars,” she tells me. You have to wait a minimum of 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
As the Eta Aquariids can be seen from anywhere in Australia, this event promises to be visible to anyone within the country. Dr. Laura Driessen recommends that observers aim for between 3:00 and 5:00 AM local time. This is when the constellation Aquarius, where the meteors appear to come from, is highest in the northeast sky.
Optimal Viewing Conditions
Just before dawn on Thursday, May 8 is expected to be the most favorable time for seeing Eta Aquariids. The Moon will have already set by 3:00 AM, creating darker skies ideal for spotting meteors. This year’s shower is all the better for the absence of moonlight, says Dr. McElroy. She adds, “It’s amazing. Whenever I have the opportunity to see [the Eta Aquariids], it’s wonderful.”
In the days before and after the peak, skywatchers can catch about 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Once you hit that peak day, the number jumps dramatically. The radiant point of the meteor shower is located at a star called Eta Aquarii. This star was discovered in the Aquarius constellation. Stargazing apps and software will assist people in finding this new star and improving their overall experience while viewing it.
Dr. Driessen explains the science behind these celestial events: “Most meteors are usually rice-grain size, and Earth just ploughs through this little cloud of small particles.” Every meteor streaking across the sky would be a spectacular sight. It’s due to small particles that get into Earth’s atmosphere and burn up in a colorful light show.
Preparing for a Night Under the Stars
Anyone hoping to see the Eta Aquariids will want to plan in advance so that they can get the most out of these incredible meteors. Dr. McElroy recommends that stargazers head to the most remote area possible, free from urban light pollution, for the best view. If you’ve been inside or on your phone, allow your eyes some time to refocus. The glare from a meteor is considerably less, and your eyesight will require adaptation time,” she cautions.
Attendees are encouraged to wear warm clothing and to bring blankets or lounge chairs to get cozy while they star gaze. On the morning of May 7, it should be a spectacular sight to see Venus shining brightly just beneath the Eta Aquariids. That flash of color will make it even more thrilling for everyone watching.
Astrophotographers will likely want to photograph the meteor shower, too. Using a long exposure setting on your camera is a great way to capture beautiful images of the meteors streaking across the night sky.
