When To See The Eta Aquariids At Their Best

When To See The Eta Aquariids At Their Best

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The Eta Aquariids, slated to be among the finest meteor showers throughout 2024, have begun. The Eta Aquariid meteor bathe runs from April 15 by way of Could 27, peaking on the evening of Could 4-5. Absolutely the most variety of “capturing stars” per hour is 50, in accordance with the American Meteor Society, although 10-30 per hour is what to anticipate a couple of days on both facet of the height evening.

Eta Aquariids In 2024

Brought on by mud and particles left within the photo voltaic system by the world’s most famous comet, 1P Halley, the Eta Aquariids are one among simply three meteor showers in 2024 that can peak whereas there’s a minimal of moonlight within the evening sky, making them more durable to see. So it’s price attempting to be someplace darkish for the height evening of the Eta Aquariids this yr.

Wherever you watch from, get outdoors round midnight when the obvious supply constellation Aquarius is highest within the sky. Because it’s even greater within the southern hemisphere, these south of the equator are inclined to see extra “capturing stars” in the course of the Eta Aquariids.

The Moon And The Eta Aquariids

Everyone seems to be getting enthusiastic about this yr’s Eta Aquariid meteor bathe as a result of the height evening happens when the moon is down. The Eta Aquariids will happen just some nights earlier than the brand new moon. On the height evening our satellite tv for pc might be a mere 14%-lit crescent moon because it rises a pair hours earlier than dawn, a lot gained’t interrupt observing. Final yr the Eta Aquariids peak was ruined by a full moon.

Photographing The Eta Aquariids

Put a digital camera in your yard and take a collection of 30-second images and also you would possibly be capable to seize a vivid capturing star or two. Use a wide-angle lens on a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera on a tripod, and modify the digital camera settings to get a very good image of the evening sky. After you have the settings proper, put your digital camera on steady mode and seize as many images as you’ll be able to. The scan by way of them later to see in the event you caught a “capturing star” or two.

Greatest Methods To See The Eta Aquariids

You do not want any particular gear to see “capturing stars.” If you happen to can, go to a spot with much less gentle, reminiscent of a rural space with none avenue lights or an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park. Be sure to select an evening with no clouds to get a transparent view of the sky and convey a garden chair or a blanket to make your self snug. It is important to get your eyes adjusted to the darkness, which might take about half-hour to an hour (attempt to not use your cellphone throughout this time as a result of the sunshine will cancel-out your evening imaginative and prescient).

Meteors—additionally known as “capturing stars”—are small items of rock or mud that fritter away as they strike Earth’s environment. Meteor showers are brought on by the Earth passing by way of the dust-strewn orbit of a comet or asteroid.

Wishing you clear skies and large eyes.

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