Eta Aquariids: The Meteor Shower Linked To Halley's Comet 

May's first meteor shower is all set to grace the night skies in the first week of the new month. The peak of the Eta Aquariids is around the time of the new moon, hence, moonlight will provide minimal interference to meteor watchers.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower 2024 is active between April 15 and May 27 and this year peaks on the nights of May 5 and May 6. However, the shower can even be seen several days after the peak.

Meteor showers originate from comets. The Eta Aquariids come from a celestial icon: Halley's Comet. This comet is in a retrograde orbit around the sun, which means it runs around the sun in the opposite direction from Earth and all the other planets.

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is categorised as a strong shower. It is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere or close to the equator, although folks in some northern latitudes can also observe it.

To maximise your viewing experience, NASA recommends lying on your back with your feet facing east to observe the Eta Aquariids. This position allows for an unobstructed view of the radiant point in the constellation Aquarius where the meteor shower originates.