Meteoric Spectacles Approaching: Prepare for a Rain of Starlight
Stargaze this April with Spectacular Meteor Showers - The Lyrids and Eta Aquarids
Get ready for a celestial spectacle! April brings two impressive meteor showers - the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. Here's your guide to these sky-dazzlers, along with tips on how and when to witness them.
The Lyrids: A Cosmic Spectacle of Ancient Origins
Hailing from the constellation Lyra, the Lyrids are the remnants of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. Active from April 15 to April 29, the Lyrids peak late in the evening on April 21.
The Lyrids aren't just old; they're ancient. NASA reports the first recorded sighting dates back to 687 BC. Known for their speed and brilliance, they've been wowing stargazers for centuries. While they have the potential to produce up to 100 shooting stars an hour, in a typical year, you might catch around 10-20 per hour.
These cosmic flares radiate from the area near Vega, the brightest star in Lyra. NASA advises you to view the Lyrids away from their radiant for a more extended and awe-inspiring display. If you look directly at the radiant, the meteors will appear short.
The Eta Aquarids: A Blazing Tribute to Halley's Comet
The Eta Aquarids originate from Aquarius, thanks to Earth passing through debris left behind by Halley's Comet. Active from April 19 to May 28, the Eta Aquarids are expected to peak on the night of May 5.
NASA tells us that Eta Aquarid meteors are known for their speed, zipping into Earth's atmosphere at about 40.7 miles per second. Fast meteors often leave glowing trails that linger for several seconds to minutes. During the peak, you might see as many as 50 shooting stars per hour.
The Eta Aquarids radiate from Eta Aquarii, one of the brightest stars in Aquarius. That's where the name for the Eta Aquarids comes from.
Stargazing Made Easy
Both showers are visible from the northern hemisphere, but the Eta Aquarids are a southern hemisphere treat due to their elevation in the sky. To catch these celestial wonders:
- Travel to a location away from city or street lights and air pollution.
- Lie flat on your back with feet facing east and gaze skyward.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to darkness.
- Watch for meteors without any special equipment.
Happy stargazing, and may your April night skies be brilliantly lit with cosmic debris!
Martha Stewart's Living News shares insight into two spectacular meteor showers this April - the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids. Space weather news reveals that the Lyrids, originating from the constellation Lyra, peak on the night of April 21, with potential for up to 100 shooting stars per hour. The Eta Aquarids, attributed to Halley's Comet, will peak on May 5, with around 50 meteors per hour.
For the Lyrids, NASA advises viewers to avoid looking directly at the radiant near Vega, the brightest star in Lyra, for a more extended display. The Eta Aquarids radiate from Eta Aquarii.
The news offers tips for stargazing: head to a location away from city lights, lie flat, give eyes time to adjust, and enjoy the spectacle without special equipment. Happy stargazing, whether you're in the northern or southern hemisphere, as both showers are visible from north, with the Eta Aquarids an extra treat for southern viewers due to their higher visibility.
