If you’ve ever wanted to witness a celestial spectacle from your own backyard, now’s your chance. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower—one of the most dazzling annual astronomical events—is set to light up Australian skies this week, and experts say it could be a real spectacle.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who enjoys the occasional night under the stars, this is one event you won’t want to miss. And the best part? You don’t need a telescope or any fancy equipment—just a warm jacket, a dark sky, and a bit of patience.
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is a yearly event that has astronomy buffs and casual sky-watchers alike craning their necks in awe.
This particular shower is extra special because it’s made up of debris from none other than Halley’s Comet—the famous comet that only swings by Earth once every 75 years. While Halley’s Comet itself won’t be back until 2061, its cosmic leftovers put on a show for us every year.
As the Earth passes through the trail of dust and rock left behind by Halley’s Comet, those tiny particles hit our atmosphere at incredible speeds, burning up and creating the bright streaks we call ‘shooting stars’.
According to NASA, during the peak of the Eta Aquarids, you could see up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, though even 10 per hour is a sight to behold!
Mark your calendars: the Eta Aquarids are expected to peak between May 5th and May 7th this year, with the best viewing times in the early hours before dawn—think 3am to 4am, before the sun starts to rise. But don’t worry if you can’t make it out on the exact peak night; the shower is spread over several days, so you’ll have a few chances to catch the action.
The meteors will appear to radiate from the direction of the constellation Aquarius, which rises in the east. So, for the best view, you’ll want to look towards the eastern horizon.
To make the most of your meteor-watching experience, here are some top tips.
Find a dark spot away from the light pollution of streetlights and buildings. Rural areas, parks, or even a dark backyard are ideal places to watch the sky.
Let your eyes adjust by spending at least 15-20 minutes in the dark, avoiding bright lights or phone screens during this time.
For comfort, get comfortable by bringing a deck chair or blanket, as looking up for extended periods can strain your neck.
Lastly, always check the weather before heading out—clear skies are essential, so if it’s cloudy, you might need to try again the following night.
While the Eta Aquarids are known for their bright, fast-moving meteors, the number you’ll see can vary from year to year. Sometimes, the show is truly spectacular, with dozens of shooting stars lighting up the sky. Other times, it’s a bit more subdued.
As Professor Tim Bedding from the University of Sydney puts it, ‘It’s hard to predict how good it will be… sometimes these showers are amazing and you see hundreds and hundreds of them, and other times you don’t.’
But even if you only spot a handful, there’s something magical about watching a meteor streak across the night sky—especially knowing you’re witnessing a bit of cosmic history.
Meteor showers like the Eta Aquarids are a wonderful reminder of our place in the universe. They connect us to ancient traditions—people have been watching and making wishes on shooting stars for thousands of years! And for those of us over 60, it’s a great opportunity to share the wonder of the night sky with grandkids, friends, or neighbours.
Don’t worry if you miss the Eta Aquarids this May. There are plenty of other meteor showers throughout the year, and the debris from Halley’s Comet will make another appearance in October. So keep your eyes on the skies!
Happy stargazing! Don’t forget to make a wish on those shooting stars.
Have you ever seen a meteor shower before? Do you have any tips for fellow stargazers, or perhaps a favourite spot to watch the night sky? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to look up and enjoy the wonders of the universe.
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