Community Corner

Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower 2013 Peak: Where and When to Watch

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, an offspring of Halley's comet, is underway and about to peak over McLean.

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower 2013 peak, fresh on the heels of the Lyrids, is expected to peak this Sunday, May 5, but the show over McLean has already begun.

The weather forecast for the area calls for mostly clear skies on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, so that may be your best time to catch a glimpse. Already, though, you may be able to see a decent show.

Try to find a dark place and time your viewing in the 4- to 5-hour period before dawn (midnight to 1 a.m.). Observatory Park at Turner Farm near Great Falls is open until just 10:30 p.m. Friday night, but you may still be able to see shooting stars from there. 

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Eta Aquarids get their name from Aquarius, the constellation you'll look toward to catch what have come to be known as "shooting stars" -- which aren't shooting stars at all. What you will actually see are flakes of dust from Halley's Comet.

In May and October, Earth passes through the stream of dust in Halley's wake, giving us first the Eta Aquarid meteor shower and then the Orionids.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You can see what to look for in this video of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. And you can view photos and charts of the Aquarids.


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