Eta Aquarids meteor shower in May 2024: when and how to see them

One of the most interesting astronomical events of spring begins in May: meteor Rain belonging Eta Aquarids, which are fragments left behind by Comet Haley that glow as they burn up upon contact with Earth’s atmosphere. Those who intend to enjoy this phenomenon are in luck as 2024 This is a good year to watch these meteors.

Eta Aquarids are visible every year from April 19 to May 28. According to the National Astronomical Observatory (National Geographic Institute), these meteors have an activity rate of 40 to 85 meteors per hour and speeds of up to 250,000 kilometers per hour.

Rafael Bachillerdirector of the National Astronomical Observatory and academician of the Royal Academy of Physicians of Spain, explains in one of his Meetings with heaven

in EL MUNDO about this meteor shower’s connection to the King of Comets: “Halley’s Comet will next visit in 2061, so many of us who were lucky enough to see it on its last visit in 1986 will not have the opportunity to see it again.” However, we can observe the arrival of many small pieces of the famous comet into our atmosphere every six months as it makes its systematic circular path around the Sun, passing through it twice a year. a ring inhabited by debris left behind by Halley as he passes through the area once every 76 years. This is why Halley produces two meteor showers: Orionids visible in October and Eta Aquarids visible these days.”

MAXIMUM ACTIVITY FOR THIS AQUARID 2024: MAY 5 AND 6.

The Eta Aquarid spectacle reaches its apotheosis when it reaches maximum activity. IN 2024, band celestial flares happening around 23:00. belonging Sunday, May 5so the best time to watch this meteor shower is at the beginning of Saturday evening, 5th.

This year’s peak activity coincides with dark skies, the best scenario for meteor viewing as there is a new moon (New moon) will happen May 8 and these days our satellite barely glows like a very thin thread.

HOW TO SEE STAR RAIN?

To view the Eta Aquarids, Bachiller recommends “looking preferably in the direction of the radiant (in this case Aquarius constellation), but it is advisable not to lose sight of the entire vault of heaven, because although they appear to emanate from this radiant point, shooting stars can appear anywhere in the sky.” shining This meteor shower is above the horizon from four hours after midnight until dawn.

It is best to go to a point far from city centers, no light pollution and this, as far as possible, enables us to have a clear idea of ​​the sky.

Recommended Do not use optical instruments such as binoculars., as they limit the field of view. “It is advisable to direct your gaze towards the darkest areas, in the direction opposite to the position of the Moon, if the observation is carried out when it is present. The most comfortable way is to lie down and wait for your eyes to adjust. into darkness,” they advise from the Astronomical Observatory.

Either way, the best time to see a meteor shower is after moonset, at dawnthe sky is very dark and protected from light pollution.