Even if the maximum peak of the Eta Aquaridi It happened between 5 and 6 May today It’s not too late To let yourself be enchanted by one of the most fascinating meteor rains of the year. The sky continues to give us spectacular light trailsoriginating from the fragments of the famous Halley cometwhich cross the atmosphere at a breathtaking speed: over 64 kilometers per second.
This meteoric rain, visible every year between the end of April and mid -May, will continue until May 21st. Even if the number of visible meteors decreases after the peak, it is still possible to admire it A few dozen every hourespecially if you are in ideal conditions.
Where to look at the sky to see Eta Aquaridi in Italy
Who finds himself in the north hemisphereas in Italy, can observe up to 10 meteors per hour in the days following the peak. To better enjoy the show, it is fundamental Avoid city lights And choose a place as dark as possible: mountains, hills, isolated beaches or countryside areas are perfect.
Once on the spot, lying on a blanket or a sheetorient the feet to the east and look up. You don’t need a telescope: Just patience and eyes trained in the dark is enoughwhich use about 30 minutes to adapt completely. Even if the radiant is in the constellation of theAquarium,: Meteors can appear everywhere in the sky.
The meteors of Halley’s comet still visible: their charm crosses the centuries
The eta aquarids are particles left by Halley’s cometwhich orbit around the sun every sun 76 years. The comet will be visible again only in 2061but its passage continues to excite generations of observers thanks to the fragments that, every spring, they transform the sky into a natural light show.
The name of the swarm derives from the constellation of theAquariumfrom which the meteors seem to come, but as the experts explain, Luminous trails can be observed in any area of the sky. For this, just choose the moment and the right place, raise your eyes and maybe express a desire.
