The Sky Tonight Update: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has been observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7.

Tonight: The Remnants of Halley’s Comet Brings Us The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

The second meteor shower of the year will be in the form of the Eta Aquarids, an event that springs from the result of the passing of Halley’s Comet.  The Eta Aquarids is an annual event that runs from around April 19th through May 28th.  This year, the peak viewing time will be May 4 through Tuesday night, May 5th.