Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower to Light Up Singapore Skies from 20 April to 21 May

This May, stargazers can look forward to the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, which will be visible in Singapore from 20 April to 21 May. Peaking on the night of 6 to 7 May, this annual meteor shower, known for its fast-moving meteors, occurs as Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.

Meteor Shower Singapore Unsplash Image: Unsplash

Observers may see up to 10 meteors per hour during its peak, with some leaving glowing trails that linger briefly in the sky. The best viewing time is after 1am, when the radiant point is higher overhead, offering better visibility. For optimal viewing, head to parks, beaches, reservoirs, or other open spaces away from city lights. No special equipment is needed, though visibility may be affected by cloud cover and moonlight.

➡️ Related Read: Meteors in Singapore

Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower taking place this May

1. What is the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower?

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that peaks during early May every year. Eta Aquarids meteors are known for their speed, entering the Earth’s atmosphere at around 65 kilometers per second. Like the Orionids meteor shower in October, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower occurs when Earth crosses the trail of debris left by comet 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet). These debris left by Halley’s Comet disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere, producing streaks of light in our sky.

2. Why is this meteor shower called Eta Aquarids?

Meteors in annual showers are named after their radiant point – the location in the sky where they seem to originate. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is named for its radiant point near the constellation Aquarius and Eta Aquarii, one of the brightest stars within Aquarius.

3. When will the Eta Aquarids meteor shower take place?

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is active between 20 April and 21 May and will peak from 6 to 7 May. They are best viewed after 1am, when the radiant point of the meteor shower is higher in the night sky, offering a better chance for observers to spot a meteor.

4. How often does the Eta Aquarids meteor shower take place?

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that peaks during early May every year.

5. What can we expect to see during the Eta Aquarids meteor shower?

Eta Aquarids leave glowing “trains” of debris in their wake which can last from several seconds to minutes. During the peak of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, observers can expect to witness 10 meteors traversing the night sky per hour. A waning gibbous moon will rise around midnight and wash out many of the fainter meteors.

6. How can I get the best view of this occurrence in Singapore?

Observers should seek darker locations such as parks, beaches, reservoirs, or open spaces away from city lights. Singapore’s weather conditions and frequent cloud cover can also affect visibility of this occurrence. As such, observers should also check the weather forecast for clear skies.

7. Is any special equipment required to view this?

No special equipment is required to view this meteor shower as the Eta Aquarids will be visible to the naked eye.

8. Will the Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) hold a viewing session for the Eta Aquarids meteor shower?

The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore will not be holding a specific viewing session for this meteor shower. However, on selected Fridays, astronomy enthusiasts can take part in stargazing sessions held by The Observatory for a unique chance to explore the solar system and observe stars and planets up close through a telescope.

Contributed by Science Centre Observatory

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