Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower 2024: Date, Timings, Best Locations To Watch In US, UK And Canada

eta aquariids meteor shower 2024: date, timings, best locations to watch in us, uk and canada

Skywatchers across the US, UK, and Canada have the perfect opportunity to witness one of the fastest meteor showers tonight. Astronomers predict that on May 6, the shower is going to take full swing with as many as 50 ‘shooting stars’ per hour. The rare celestial event is going to be visible even through the naked eyes in large parts or countries in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Known for its astronomical speed, astronomers predict that the skies above the major cities in the US, UK, and Canada is going to give a beautiful view. It is anticipated that Eta Aquariids traveling at about 148,00 mph would enter the planet Earth accompanied by the space debris that originated from Halley’s comet.

Notably, the sky on Monday is expected to be darker with a peak observed with the shower, that happens near a new moon. Sky enthusiasts are going to have a comfortable viewing time in the early hours despite “Eta Aquariids travel 44 miles per second.”

Best Locations To Watch Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower

Although the best viewing experience is for those in Southern Hemisphere, the celestial event could well be seen through American cities. Despite its rapid speed, this shower makes for long, glowing tails which can last up to several minutes.

According to NASA, the best time to see the meteor shower is overnight Sunday into Monday. Pre-dawn hours will allow viewing of the shower in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with the Southern Hemisphere offering the finest viewing conditions.

Due to less light or darker spaces, the best view is to get away from city lights or street lights. It is recommended by NASA to lie flat on your back with your feet pointed east. Your eyes will adjust to the darkness sufficiently for you to see meteors after around thirty minutes.