Meteors will probably be streaking throughout the sky this weekend as Earth passes by means of the particles of Halley’s Comet.
The annual Eta Aquariid meteor bathe peaks on Sunday evening into Monday morning however needs to be seen, weather-permitting, all weekend.
The place to observe the present
It is best to see the meteors low within the sky should you look to the east earlier than daybreak. They’re extra simply seen within the southern hemisphere however you may nonetheless spot them within the UK.
In fact, your stargazing might depend upon the climate. This weekend, it is rather unsettled.
The Met Workplace says its “laptop fashions are disagreeing” about the place will see the worst climate across the UK.
Their cloud cowl map presently suggests southern England could have the clearest evening on Saturday, nonetheless, and most of Wales could have the most effective probability on Sunday.
For those who spot clear skies, head out earlier than daybreak and settle in.
“Attempting to find meteors, like the remainder of astronomy, is a ready sport,” says the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s web site.
“It is best to convey a comfortable chair to take a seat on and to wrap up heat as you possibly can be outdoors for some time.”
You will want to permit your eyes to regulate to the darkish, so attempt to get away from sources of sunshine air pollution, like road lights or homes.
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What’s the Eta Aquariid meteor bathe?
Named after Eta Aquarii, the star it seems to radiate from, the meteor bathe comes round yearly.
Not like most huge annual meteor showers, there is no such thing as a sharp peak. As a substitute, they’re greatest noticed throughout quite a lot of days round this time in Could.
The meteors are the particles from Halley’s Comet.
That is notably well-known as a result of when observing it, astronomers realised for the primary time comets might go by means of the photo voltaic system a number of occasions.
Halley’s Comet options within the Bayeux Tapestry, which chronicles the Battle of Hastings in 1066, based on NASA. Pic: Myrabella
When historians dug into it, they realised Halley’s Comet had been noticed by people for hundreds of years. It even options within the Bayeux Tapestry, which chronicles the Battle of Hastings in 1066, based on NASA.
Meteors seem in our skies when particles in house enters our ambiance. Their pace means they warmth up and start to glow, leaving a path that we are able to see once we stargaze.
