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The ETA Aquarids is an above average meteor shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Although most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere, it can still be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, where the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by Halley's Comet, which has been known and observed since ancient times. It peaks this year on the night of 5th May and the morning of the 6th May. Thefact that there's a new moon this year will ensure dark skies that could - weather permitting - produce an excellent evening of star gazing. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
What's On Korat recommends viewing from Suranaree University of Technology, as it is a dark location out of town. There are lots places to view from, but we know that some people meet at SUT for astrological events like this.
"Each ETA Aquarid meteoroid is a piece of Halley's Comet doing a kamikaze death dive into the atmosphere" - Bill Cooke, NASA
If it's cloudy, stay in bed! Enjoy :)
Best nights to view the meteor shower: 4, 5 & 6 May 2016 (although the shower takes place annually between 19th April - 28th May)
Best time to view: 11:00pm - 4:30am
Shower rate: 30-50 meteors per hour
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