Eta Aquarids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year, reached its climax yesterday morning. This phenomenon lit up the skies all over the world, especially in the southern hemisphere, with hundreds of “falling stars”.
What makes this rain special is its composition. This luminous phenomenon is generated by parts of the tail of the famous Halley’s Comet – which last visited us 35 years ago, in 1986, and will only return in 2061 – re-entering our atmosphere.
Great records have been set around the world, Including from Brazil. Check out some of them below:
Eta Aquarids: Check out pictures of meteor showers from Comet Halley
two / 9
Comet Halley’s meteor showers were recorded in Quebec, Canada
Anthony LeMay
3 / 9
Meteors cross the sky over Tarragona, Spain
Paradise Mountains Astronomical Park
4 / 9
Record meteor showers in Atacama, Chile
Peter Hora?
5 / 9
This phenomenon was also recorded in the sky of the state of Arizona, in the United States
Charles Burn
6 / 9
In Brazil, meteor showers have also resulted in beautiful images. The image shows the sky of Taquara, Rio Grande do Sul
Heller-Young Space Observatory
7 / 9
Another record in Tacuara, Rio Grande do Sul
Heller-Young Space Observatory
8 / 9
Monte Castillo, in Santa Catarina, also witnessed a meteor shower
Josemar Justino
9 / 9
Monte Castillo, in Santa Catarina, also witnessed a meteor shower
Josemar Justino
There’s still time to watch in the next few days
The good news is that meteor showers will continue to be active over the next few days. To note it is not necessary telescopes or other special equipment. Just look at the clear sky.
Check out the following tips to increase your chances of enjoying this phenomenon:
- Find a place with low light, such as a porch or backyard. The less light pollution, the higher the chances of observing meteors.
- Be comfortable. Sit in a chair (preferably a reclining or beach chair), protect yourself from the cold and avoid using prison cell (So you don’t get distracted or dazzle your vision with the brightness of the screen).
- be patient. It takes our eyes about 20 minutes to get used to low light and to distinguish the brightness of different celestial bodies (stars, planets, meteors).
- Look east (where the sun rises) from 2 am, when the constellation Aquarius rises. It will be under Saturn. One software observing the sky (as stellariumstar walkstar Scheduleor Sky Safari or sky view) can help you find the constellation.
- This is the radiation of the Eta Aquarids (hence the name); This means that the meteors will appear to converge in the constellation. But don’t set your eyes on it, it can appear from anywhere around it.
- Watch closely and wait for meteors. The best time to observe is from 4 am, when the radiation is highest in the sky. Meteors can be seen until dawn.
- Wish for every “star meteor” you see, as tradition dictates.
Eta Aquarids remain active until the end of the month, with fewer and fewer meteors. Even today (7) it will still be very severe.
Using the camera in long exposure mode, it is possible to make beautiful pictures of meteor trails, such as Registered in Santa Catarina over the past week.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.
