Stargazers across the southern United States are gearing up for the spectacular display of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, produced from the remnants of the famous Halley’s Comet. This celestial event will peak this weekend, promising to shower the night sky with bright shooting stars.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is active between April 15 and May 27, with the most significant activity taking place during the pre-dawn hours of Sunday and Monday. Known for its unique origin, this meteor shower occurs when Earth travels through the dust and ice fragments left behind by Halley’s Comet.
For those wishing to catch the show, conditions are shaping up nicely. Ideal viewing times will be during the hours leading up to dawn, especially for folks situated away from city lights.
Stargazers can look to the eastern sky to catch the meteors as they streak across the atmosphere, ideally spotting about 30 meteors per hour. Of course, light pollution can significantly hinder visibility, so heading out to the countryside can make all the difference.
To maximize the experience, NASA suggests lying flat on your back with feet pointing east, allowing your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Once fully accustomed to the dark, the dazzling shower of meteors will become visible, making the effort well worth it.
Understanding the science behind the meteors adds to the thrill of watching. Meteors are remnants from comets and broken asteroids; when Earth crosses their path, these particles burn up upon entering our atmosphere, creating those beautiful streaks of light.
Halley’s Comet, discovered by astronomer Edmond Halley, is one of the most recognized comets, returning to the inner solar system approximately every 76 years. Halley's latest visit occurred in 1986, and it won't be back until 2061, making viewing the Eta Aquariids even more special as they allow for some of Halley’s remnants to be seen.
Notably, its famed history includes appearances witnessed by various ancient civilizations, making meteors from this comet part of our astronomical heritage. Every time Earth passes through Halley’s dust trail, it grants us the rare chance to connect with the past and witness the remnants of this historic comet.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is particularly well-positioned for observers located south of the equator, with North America offering great spots, especially for those hitting darker areas. While viewing may not be as spectacular farther north, dedicated skywatchers can still catch their share of the show.
Preparations for meteor watching aren't just about getting outside; finding the perfect location plays a huge role. Dark, open areas with little to no artificial light will certainly heighten the viewing experience.
Planning for this event doesn't just mean bundling up for cooler nighttime temperatures, but also being prepared for atmospheric conditions. A clear night sky with minimal cloud cover is what every stargazer hopes for to maximize their chance of witnessing the meteor shower.
This weekend’s display offers not just scientific excitement but also the nostalgic thrill of watching shooting stars. Each meteor holds the essence of cosmic history, lighting up the night through their ephemeral beauty.
Since the comet originated its path through our solar system, its particles have been colliding and dispersing across space. When Earth intersects with these cometary trails, we are gifted with the sight of meteors raining down.
To wrap up, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower presents both awe and inspiration to onlookers globally. This celestial event is more than just meteors; it’s a glorious dance of nature and cosmic history played out across our nighttime skies.
The biggest and brightest full moon of 2024 so far will rise on August 19, but its unusual name needs explaining. Although August's full moon is typically called the "Sturgeon Moon," this month, it's also a "blue supermoon."
The Sturgeon Moon, at its fullest on August 19 at 2:25 p.m. EDT, is called a blue moon because of an astronomical quirk. There are two types of blue moons: a monthly blue moon (the second full moon in a month) and a seasonal blue moon (the third of four full moons in the same astronomical season).
Since the summer solstice on June 20, there have been full moons on June 22 and July 21. The Sturgeon Moon on August 19 and the following full moon, the Harvest Moon, on September 18 will occur before the equinox on September 22.
Blue moons of either type occur once every two to three years, according to NASA. The last seasonal blue moons were in October 2020 and August 2021, and the next seasonal blue moon will occur in May 2027, according to timeanddate.com.
Best seen rising above the eastern horizon at moonrise on Monday, the Sturgeon Moon will also appear bright and full on Sunday and Tuesday. Stargazing binoculars and backyard telescopes aren't necessary to enjoy the full moon, but may help reveal details on the lunar surface not visible to the naked eye.
This month's full moon is also a supermoon — a consequence of the moon's monthly orbit around Earth not being a perfect circle. Each month, the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee.
When perigee coincides with a full moon, it's a supermoon. There will be four supermoons in 2024, beginning with the Sturgeon Moon and the closest full moon of the year will be the Hunter's Moon on October 17.
The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon on September 17. Part of the 2024 Harvest Moon will pass through Earth's shadow during the night, causing it to become partially eclipsed by Earth.
