Weather Forecast for Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Viewing

Posted: May 4, 2023 9:30 am

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The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is set to peak over the next few nights. What parts of the country will have the best viewing conditions? Read on for all of the details about this much-anticipated meteor shower.

About the Eta Aquarids

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower of 2023 became active on April 15 and is expected to show off through May 27. However, the peak nights of the spectacle will be on the nights of May 4 and 5.

Like most meteor showers, the remnants can be traced back to a comet. These shooting stars were originally a part of the famous Halley’s Comet. The Eta Aquarids are designated as a strong shower, meaning that you can expect to see a good amount of meteors given the right conditions.

While this particular meteor shower is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, those in the Northern Hemisphere will see the activity at a lesser degree.

According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the maximum rate of these shooting stars will top out at about 50 each hour in the Southern Hemisphere. Those north of the equator can count on a rate of about 10 to 30 per hour.

The shooting stars move at a fast clip through the sky, traveling at a speed of about 40 miles per second.

Boosting Your Odds of Seeing the Meteor Shower

Although this meteor shower is widely considered to be one of the best of the year, the timing of the full moon will likely limit the volume of streaks that are easily observed.

The Full Flower Moon will light up the night sky on Friday, May 5 into the early morning hours of May 6. Despite the bright light coming from this celestial object making it more challenging to spot the meteors, experts say that observers should be able to find up to 10 per hour if they are looking carefully.

Find the darkest possible viewing location in order to increase your odds of seeing these wonders streak across the night sky. Stargazers will not need any type of special equipment to see the meteors. The naked eye will suffice for this astronomical event.

Note that it is also advised to avoid looking at a cellphone when you are trying to locate the meteors. The light coming from a phone can obscure your vision and make it more difficult to focus on the dark skies.

You will either need to stay up late or wake up early to catch the peak hours of the show. The most meteors are expected to be visible after 2 am local time and through dawn.

Weather Forecast for the Eta Aquarids

As with all meteor showers, you will need clear conditions to catch them in their full beauty. The forecast is not looking good for residents in the Northwest and down into California.

A thick cloud cover is predicted for the peak viewing hours on Thursday with improving conditions by early Saturday for this region.

Those in New England are expecting cloudy skies on Thursday night with partial clearing happening in some areas by Friday night. The best bet for viewing for this corner of the country will be during the early morning hours just before dawn on Saturday.

Areas that can count on near ideal viewing conditions include South Florida, the northern Plains, and the Upper Midwest. Chicago will be one of the best places both nights to see the meteors thanks to clear conditions in the forecast.

With some nights better than others in a few areas, you will want to check your local hourly forecast to pinpoint the best time to head outside and try to catch sight of these shooting stars.

For instance, while places such as Bismarck, North Dakota are forecast to see clear skies overnight Thursday, more clouds will move in by Friday night.

Keep in mind that even if you do not catch the meteors on their peak viewing nights, you still may get lucky through the rest of May if you keep your eyes peeled.

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