The ETA AUARIDAS METEORSoriginated by the remains of the Comet Halleywill reach its maximum activity point during the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This astronomical event will be visible in much of the world and will allow to observe between 10 and 15 meteors per hour In the northern hemisphere under ideal conditions, according to NBC News citing data provided by Christina Larson of The Associated press.
He Comet Halleywhich completes an orbit near Earth every 75 years, leaves behind a stream of rubble that the earth crosses twice a year. These remains give rise to two Meteor rains known: the And acuáridas In May and Orionaids In October. Shauna Edson, of National Air and Space Museum of Smithsonianexplained to NBC News that this cross allows to observe one of the most recognizable and recurrent astronomical phenomena.
Although the Meteor rain It is visible from April 19 to May 28, the largest number of flashes will occur in the first days of May. The NASA has confirmed that the South Hemisphere will have a better visibility, with rates that could reach 50 meteors per hour in optimal conditions.
The ETA AUARIDAS METEORS occurs when small particles of dust and debris of the Comet Halley They enter the Earth’s atmosphere. As explained by NASA In its official site, when penetrating at high speed – appropriately 66 kilometers per second– These particles are heated by friction and disintegrate, generating light flashes known as meteor.
The Associated Presscited by NBC Newssaid that these meteor are characterized by their speed and that some leave visible stelae For several seconds after its passage. This type of steles are known as luminous trains.
The NASA He informed that Activity peak of the And acuáridas It will be on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The best time to observe the phenomenon will be just before dawn. CT Insider reported that, because the luna It will be in an increasing phase and with about two thirds of its enlightened surface, its brightness could hinder the visibility of some meteor.
He South Hemisphere It will offer the best observation conditions. In it Northern Hemisphereincluding North America, a rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour Under dark and clear skies, according to data from CT Insider and the NASA.
Although visibility will be better in the South Hemispherevarious regions of USA will offer favorable conditions to observe the And acuáridasespecially in areas far from the light pollution. According to CT Insider and data from the NASAsome of the recommended places include:
- Big Bles National ParkTexas: recognized for its dark skies and cleared horizons.
- Joshua Tree National ParkCalifornia: famous for its clear skies and desert landscapes.
- Bryce Canyon National ParkUtah: known for their starry skies and rock formations.
- Acadia National ParkMaine: located on the northeastern coast, with clear horizons ideal to observe the radiant of the constellation of Aquarium.
In addition, in states like Connecticutlocal astronomers estimate that observers can detect between 10 and 20 meteors per hour In the early hours of May 6, provided that the weather is favorable and the sky is clear, as reported CT Insider.
He National Meteorological Service (NWS) He warned that climatic conditions may vary considerably according to the region, so it is recommended to consult local forecasts before planning an observation session.
According to The Associated Pressno specialized equipment is required to observe And acuáridas. The observation can be done with the naked eye from places far from the light pollution. Experts recommend allowing the eyes to adapt to the dark for at least 20 minutes and avoid looking at electronic devices, since screens light can make it difficult to detect meteor.
He Beaumont Enterprise He pointed out that rural areas and mountainous areas offer better opportunities for observation due to the lower interference of artificial lights.
The origin of And acuáridas is found in the Comet Halleydiscovered in 1705 by the astronomer Edmond Halley. Although the kite is only visible from the earth every 75 years – his next appearance is scheduled for 2061 – his remains continue to generate Meteor rains annually.
The European Space Agency (ESA) He explained that the earth is going through the debris current of the Comet Halley In two moments of the year, which causes the And acuáridas and the Orionaids. This cycle has been documented and confirmed by data from the NASA and observations of Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysics Center.
According to the NASAnext Meteor rain important after And acuáridas It will be that of the South Acucharide Deltawhose peak is scheduled by the end of July 2025. Subsequently, in October, the Earth will again cross the debris current of the debris of the Comet Halleywhich will lead to the Orionaid meteor rain.
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