Jupiter, Eta Aquarid meteors adorn predawn sky

Tonight's Sky for Saturday, May 03 2008

If you live at mid-northern latitudes, the best viewing time for the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is from about 3:45 to 4:45 a.m. local Daylight Saving Time. The predicted optimal date is Monday – May 5, 2008 – but one day before or after the expected peak date might be nearly or equally favorable. No matter where you live, the last hour of darkness just before dawn tends to feature the greatest number of meteors.

While you’re out watching the Eta Aquarids streaking the night at about 4 in the morning, check out the dazzling point of light in your southern sky. That’s the planet Jupiter, which outshines any star (other than our sun) by leaps and bounds. Data gathered by the International Meteor Organization seems to suggest a possible connection between Jupiter’s 12-year orbit and the intensity of the Eta Aquarid meteors.

Given that Jupiter causes the Eta Aquarid meteor shower to put out a maximum number of meteors in 12-year periods, astronomers anticipate that the years 2008 to 2010 may present increased numbers of Eta Aquarid meteors. In 2008, the new moon and the Eta Aquarid peak coincide on May 5. So who knows? 2008 just might be a banner year for the Eta Aquarid meteor shower.

Written by Bruce McClure , 3 May 08

2 Comments for Jupiter, Eta Aquarid meteors adorn predawn sky

1
May 4, 07:09 AM #
James says:

Thanks for the tip. I was out at 4:30 am down here in Silsbee Texas and found Jupiter VERY easily. In about an hour I counted 9 meteors. Keep up your good work. James
2
May 4, 08:03 AM #
Bruce McClure says:

James,

Thanks for the report and the compliment! Cloudy where I live, but I’m going to try again Monday morning.

Best,
Bruce

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