The best part is this kind of event is best seen with the naked eye.
Happy days for stargazers, this weekend you’re in for a treat with a special meteor shower lighting up the night sky.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs every year from late April to mid-May. Already in effect, this year the peak of the meteor shower is expected to occur on the morning of May 6th, 2023, with exceptional viewing from 5-7 May.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Visible from all across Australia, the Eta Aquariids are one of two meteor showers created by debris from the famous Halley’s Comet, and they are known for their fast-moving shooting stars.
Melbourne stargazers will have a great opportunity to view the Eta Aquariids, as the city offers a relatively clear view of the sky, away from light pollution (so those in regional areas, you’re up for prime viewing!).
To view the meteor shower, it’s best to find a dark location, away from the city lights, and look towards the southeast horizon. The shower will be visible throughout the night, but the best time to view it will be in the early morning hours before dawn, around 3:00 am to 5:00 am.
It’s important to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, so be patient and allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt. Also, it’s recommended to dress warmly and bring a comfortable chair or blanket to sit on, as you may be outside for a while.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is a beautiful event that should not be missed. With a clear sky and a bit of luck, viewers in Melbourne can expect to see up to 30 shooting stars per hour during the peak of the shower. In the early hours of May 6 there will also be a penumbral lunar eclipse, lasting about four hours from about 1am before reaching its maximum at 3:22am.
So grab a warm jacket, find a dark spot, and enjoy the show!
