NASA reports that Eta Aquarid meteors are well-known for their brilliant speed. They travel at an estimated 148,000 mph. When they enter the Earth’s atmosphere they leave long glowing trains of light. Up to 30 Eta Aquarid, shooting star streaks can appear every hour. And they are visible for a few seconds, or as long as, several minutes.
Halley’s Comet
Even though debris from the comet’s tail will light up the sky it’s going to be some time before Halley’s Comet is seen. It takes the comet 76 years to orbit around the sun once. The last time the comet completed an orbit was in 1986.
So it will enter our inner solar system again in 2061. Even though it will be 40 years till Halley’s Comet makes its round again, the Eta Aquarids will put on a great light show around the globe.
Best Viewing
This is the most brilliant and beautiful skywatcher’s event since the December Geminids!
The light show should start on May 4 and last through May 6. The Eta Aquarid peaks before dawn on Wednesday, May 5. This is when the most and brightest shooting stars are visible.
