Halley’s Comet Presents: The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower This Week – What Will You Wish For?

Halley’s Comet Presents: The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower This Week – What Will You Wish For?

This week offers the best opportunity to witness one of 2019’s most spectacular celestial events—the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. While peak activity is expected around May 7, this meteor shower differs from others with its steady, week-long display rather than a sharp peak. Under ideal conditions, observers in tropical regions might see 25-30 meteors per hour. So, should you prepare a wish list in advance?

Not necessarily. Unlike other annual meteor showers, the Eta Aquariids maintain a consistent frequency, meaning you’ll have multiple nights to gaze at the sky and make your wishes. The shower’s radiant point—where meteors appear to originate—lies near the “water jar” of Aquarius, giving the event its name.

The Cosmic Connection: Halley’s Comet

The Eta Aquariids are cosmic souvenirs from Halley’s Comet, one of history’s most famous comets. The meteors we see today are debris shed by Halley centuries ago. With an orbital period of 76 years, the comet last visited Earth in 1986 and will return in 2061. As Earth passes through Halley’s dusty trail, these particles ignite in our atmosphere, creating brilliant streaks of light.

Perfect Viewing Conditions

This year’s shower coincides with a new moon, offering exceptionally dark skies until May 13 when moonlight begins to interfere. The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand predicts up to 30 meteors per hour under optimal conditions—a true “meteor storm.”

Southern Hemisphere observers get the best show, with longer visibility windows and lower apparent meteor paths. Australians in particular will enjoy prime viewing. For Northern Hemisphere stargazers:

• At 50°N latitude: 1.5-hour window, 15° radiant height
• At 40°N latitude: 2.25-hour window, 25° radiant height
• At 30°N latitude: 2.75-hour window, 35° radiant height

The best viewing time for mid-northern latitudes is between 2:00-3:00 AM, looking toward the eastern sky where meteors will radiate outward, particularly toward the northeast and southeast.

Your Celestial Moment

As you prepare for this astronomical event, remember—the Eta Aquariids represent more than just a beautiful light show. They connect us to cosmic cycles spanning centuries and remind us of our place in the universe. What better time to reflect, dream, and perhaps make a wish that might just come true?