Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peak Is This Tuesday Night

I know we're now five months into the new year but don't you think it's about time we talked about some shooting stars?

This Tuesday night into Wednesday morning we have a shot at a pretty good meteor shower named Eta Aquarids which tells us from which constellation and direction it appears to emanate from, the Aquarius Constallation. Peak should be about 50 meteors per hour.

The Eta Aqaurid meteor shower is one of two showers brought to you by Haley's Comet. We pass through the comets debris field twice each year, the first one is now, the second is in October which brings us the Orionid shower which will peak around the 20th of the month.

Now, all we need is some good weather and cloudless skies.

Tonight's forecast: Increasing clouds and a 40% chance of thundershowers. (not so good)
Tuesday night's forecast: Mostly clear skies with a low of 53... PERFECT!

For best viewing, go to the darkest place you can find with a good view of as much of the sky as possible. Lay on your back and gaze up toward the southern hemisphere in the direction of the Aquarius Constellation. If you're not sure where that is there are several sky maps you can download for your phone. Try not to look right at the moon, which will pollute your night vision, and once you have located the direction to look, for heaven's sake put your phone down.

Happy stargazing!

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Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.