How and when to see the Eta Aquarids, a fast and dazzling meteor shower in May 2024

We’re kicking off in May with a bang as we’ll soon be able to see the 2024 Eta Aquarids, a meteor shower brought to us by Halley’s Comet.

April leaves. Although this month brought with it moments that were considered the most memorable, for the taste of astronomical observers, the cosmic spectacle is unstoppable. May will arrive in 2024 with the Eta Aquarids.its usual meteor Rain.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), every year, at the beginning of the fifth month, Eta Aquarids they reach their maximum. This rain is different in its speed

as its meteors move through Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 km/s (148,000 mph).

“With the arrival of spring Comet Halley approaching our planet. It leaves behind a trail of cosmic particles that come into contact with Earth’s atmosphere. For this reason, the sky lights up with thousands of “stars,” he explains. Andrea FisherMexican journalist from National Geographic in Spanishabout the nature of this rain.

What is a meteor shower?

This path is known, and also the meteor shower, an astronomical event that occurs when a comet approaching very close to the Sun sees its body heat up and break off into pieces yourself.

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When fragments left behind in space enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they are called meteorites

. At this moment, a phenomenon similar to the one depicted is formed Eta Aquarids.

How and when to see the next meteor shower?

Between May 4th and 5th this yearit will be possible to see highest point Eta Aquaridstar shower that gives us Comet Halley.

POT indicates that this rain can be seen in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres before dawn. However, the most privileged will be those who are in the second faction of the planet, since those in the north only see about 10 meteors per hour

.

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To get the best experience, it is recommended Find a location away from light pollution. Having adapted to the darkness, our eyes are capable of I admire the spectacle.

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