Restless Nights in May

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which is active from about April 19 through May 28, peaks on the 5th. It is best observed from equatorial regions, and further south, where the radiant rises as much as 2 hours before dawn begins to brighten the sky. Like October's Orionids, the Eta Aquarids are derived from Halley's Comet; the meteors are very swift, bright, and often leave persistent trains. ZHRs are often above 30 during the first week of so of the month.

It has also been determined this and the Orionid's peak rates are not only variable, but have a 12-year cycle, suggesting Jupiter's influence. The next peak in the peak rates is due 2008 to 2010; this means rates currently are on the rise. But that's just more restlessness, isn't it...

"Restless Nights in May" (c) 2005 Gregg M. Pasterick - All Rights Reserved.

For more information on the night sky, I recommend Guy Ottewell's Astronomical Calendar 2005, published by Universal Workshop and distributed by Sky Publishing Corp., 49 Bay State Road, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A. Visit http://SkyandTelescope.com for more information on Guy Ottewell's Astronomical Calendar and other publications distributed by Sky Publishing Corp.

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