This year has shaped up to be one of the more unusual we can remember. If nothing else 2020 has offered much in the way of stories we can tell in a few decades to those who weren’t around. While we sit around thinking that things can’t get any weirder, let’s not forget that this month we might have the chance to see our second meteor shower in as many weeks!
As the earth travels through space, it’s met with cosmic debris. This meteor showers that come as a result are beautiful, but not often visible. So, when they are, it’s reason to celebrate. And some of the world will have that treat this week!
rjshade / Flickr A meteor shower is visible when a comet has passed, leaving its wake of debris to crash into the earth’s atmosphere. When the earth travels through this trail, the bits burst creating a visible scene.
The Eta Aquarids is active from April 19 to May 28, but the most activity can be seen in the first part of May. And, lucky for us, it should be visible right here in New Hampshire!
Accuweather
What makes this meteor shower even more exciting is that it comes from Halley’s comet.
Flickr / NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterFo
The light coming from the Eta Aquarids flies through the sky at about 148,000 miles per hour, which makes this meteor shower one of the fastest.
blob rana / Flickr
In the southern hemisphere, about 20 and 30 meteors per hour are expected to be visible, while up here in New Hampshire we should see about 10 to 15 per hour.
drphotomoto / Flickr
The best way to view meteor showers, including this one, is with the naked eye. Using an aid like binoculars will limit how much of the sky you can see. And, since you never know where they’ll appear you’ll want to be able to have a wide view.
dtana / Flickr
Make sure the sky has few clouds and then, look up!
rockyraybell / Flickr The earth passed through the bulk of cosmic debris on May 4th and 5th, making that the peak. But it’s still possible to see more if the conditions are right!
For more information on the Eta Aquarids and other celestial happenings through 2021, check out the American Meteor Society website. For more natural goodness here in the Granite State how about a river trip? This crystal clear river in New Hampshire offers an outdoor adventure for everyone!
rjshade / Flickr
A meteor shower is visible when a comet has passed, leaving its wake of debris to crash into the earth’s atmosphere. When the earth travels through this trail, the bits burst creating a visible scene.
Accuweather
Flickr / NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterFo
blob rana / Flickr
drphotomoto / Flickr
dtana / Flickr
rockyraybell / Flickr
The earth passed through the bulk of cosmic debris on May 4th and 5th, making that the peak. But it’s still possible to see more if the conditions are right!
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