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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rich Booth

How to watch Eta Aquarid meteor shower tonight as tiny piece of Halley’s Comet burns up

  • The annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower, originating from debris left by Halley's Comet, is set to reach its peak on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
  • A bright waning gibbous moon, which will be 84% full, is expected to significantly hamper the visibility of the celestial display, making it challenging for stargazers.
  • Observers in the Southern Hemisphere, who typically enjoy up to 50 meteors per hour, may see this number halved due to the moonlight, while those in the Northern Hemisphere are expected to witness fewer than 10 meteors hourly.
  • For optimal viewing, it is recommended to go outside just before dawn, venture away from city lights, find a spot that blocks the luminous moon, and look to the east in the vicinity of the constellation Aquarius and the bright star Eta Aquarii.
  • Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left by comets or asteroids, with the Eta Aquarids featuring remnants from Halley's Comet, which will next pass by Earth in 2061.

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