Vietnamese skies set to be lit up by Eta Aquariids meteor shower
VOV.VN - Local stargazers are excited about the prospect of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower lighting up the Vietnamese skies early on the morning on May 6.
According to the Time and Date website, the annual meteor shower is typically active between April 19 and May 28, although the peak is poised to occur between late May 5 and early May 6 this year.
Stargazers will therefore have a golden chance to admire 50 bright meteors per hour.
The best time to observe the shower is after midnight due to the reduction in terms of the number of artificial lights. People are also advised to use binoculars, telescopes, or cameras to enhance their experience.
According to Space, the Eta Aquariids can be considered as a moderately active meteor shower which is associated with the Comet Halley.
Halley's Comet previously made its last pass through the inner solar system in 1986 and is not due back until the summer of 2061. However, each time the comet sweeps around the sun it leaves behind a dusty trail known as "cosmic litter" which trails behind the comet.
Most notably, the orbit of Halley's Comet is closely approaching the Earth's orbit in two places. One point will be visible in the middle to latter part of October, producing a meteor display known as the Orionids, whilst the other point comes in early May which will produce the Eta Aquariids.