Refer China: Shanghai Skies to Sparkle ： Up to 30 Meteors per Hour on May 6!

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Shanghai Skies to Sparkle: Up to 30 Meteors per Hour in Eta Aquariid Shower on May 6

If you're a fan of the cosmos, mark your calendars for an extraordinary celestial event—an unforgettable meteor shower set to light up the skies in the early hours of May 6. According to the International Meteor Organization, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, sourced from none other than Halley's Comet, will reach its peak around 11 a.m. (Beijing time), with ideal viewing conditions during the early morning hours from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. in China.

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This annual spring-to-summer spectacle is caused by Earth passing through ancient trails of icy dust left behind by Halley's Comet on its counterclockwise orbit around the Sun. These cosmic particles, speeding at 66 km per second, burn brightly upon entering our atmosphere—creating a dramatic display of shooting stars. Remarkably, remnants from this same comet are also responsible for the Orionid meteor shower in October.

This year's conditions are near perfect. The peak coincides with a first-quarter moon that sets early, meaning the sky will be free of moonlight interference. Under optimal dark-sky conditions, observers might catch between 10 to 30 meteors per hour.

For those in China, the meteor shower's radiant point near the star Eta Aquarii in the Aquarius constellation will be visible in the southeast sky just before dawn. Due to its position near the celestial equator, the shower offers similar viewing experiences in both hemispheres, though lower latitudes provide the best show. Observers near the equator may even see meteors radiating from near the zenith.

Where to Watch:

Experts recommend heading as far from city lights as possible. In Shanghai, ideal stargazing spots include Chongming, Pudong, Fengxian, Jinshan, Qingpu, and Songjiang—areas known for relatively low light pollution.

To maximize your meteor-gazing experience, bring along a star map to locate the radiant point, a reclining chair or camping mat, and dress warmly as temperatures can dip in the early hours. Also, meteor rates remain relatively high around the peak, so the nights of May 5 and 7 may also offer stellar shows.

As Halley's Comet makes its slow return from its farthest point (reached in December 2023), we'll have to wait until 2061 to see it again. So don't miss this opportunity to witness a piece of its cosmic trail blaze through our skies!

Source: 上观新闻