By Brian Jules Campued
Ready your wishes as the night sky may be graced by up to 40 meteors per hour from the η-Aquariid meteor shower, particularly in its peak activity on May 5, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
In its astronomical diary for May, the PAGASA said the meteor shower was already visible since April 19 and will continue until May 28.
“It will be visible once its radiant point, the constellation Aquarius, is above the eastern horizon around 01:33 a.m. each night and remains active until around 05:06 a.m. the next day,” the state weather bureau said.
“The radiant point is highest in the sky around 08:00 a.m. and will likely produce its best display shortly before dawn,” it added.
However, PAGASA noted that meteor-watching during the whole night may be slightly affected by the Waning Crescent Moon.
Meanwhile, another meteor shower called the η-Lyrid meteor shower will be active from May 3 to May 14, with its peak expected to produce at least 3 meteors per hour on May 8.
“In Manila, the shower will be observed around 08:57 p.m., when its radiant point, the constellation Lyra, rises above the eastern horizon until dawn breaks around 05:05 a.m. the following day,” PAGASA said.
“The radiant point is highest in the sky around 04:00 a.m., providing the best view of the meteor,” it added.
The weather bureau advised the public to choose a dark observation site under clear and moonless sky conditions since the meteor showers can be viewed without using special equipment like telescopes and binoculars. – avds
