GUWAHATI: The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, created by the debris stream, left behind by Halley’s comet, is going to pass through Bangalore, in the first week of May.
ALSO READ: DRDO Tests Supersonic Missile In Odisha
Visible primarily from the southern hemisphere, the annual spectacle of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is once again poised to dazzle skygazers as Earth reaches a particular point in its orbit.
This year's display holds extra allure as it coincides with a new Moon, promising exceptionally dark skies before dawn – an optimal backdrop for witnessing the celestial phenomenon of fragments from the renowned Halley's comet raining down.
Halley's comet, officially designated 1P/Halley, embarks on its orbit around the Sun approximately every 76 years.
Over millennia, it has deposited dust and gas along its path, forming a wide swath of debris enveloping its orbit.
Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Twice a year, Earth intersects this debris field, giving rise to two notable meteor showers.
One such event, the Orionid meteor shower, occurs in October and is visible from both hemispheres.
However, the highlight among these cosmic displays is the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, peaking in early May.
Earth enters the debris field in mid-April, traversing the expansive stream left in the comet's wake for about six weeks.
During most of this period, Earth skirts the periphery of the debris stream, resulting in a relatively modest number of meteors.
However, the spectacle intensifies around May 6 when Earth ventures through the densest part of the debris, marking the zenith of the Eta Aquariids.
Enthusiasts and astronomers alike anticipate this celestial event, which offers a rare opportunity to witness nature's cosmic ballet and marvel at the remnants of Halley's comet illuminating the pre-dawn skies in a dazzling display of light and wonder.
In India, these meteor showers will reportedly be visible from Bangalore on May 6 and May 7.
The southwestern states might get covered under the monsoon clouds. So, those who are in either Kerala or Coastal Karnataka will be unlucky if the camping place they’ve chosen gets rain.
The best bet will be somewhere in Northern Karnataka like Hampi, Telangana or Andhra Pradesh.