How about a meteor shower to start your work week? Here's when to head outside in Florida
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak May 5-6 this year, just a day after Star Wars Day on May 4.
The annual meteor shower, caused when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Halley's comet, overlapped the Lyrid meteor shower and have been active since mid April.
If you miss the peak May 5 and May 6, you still may be able to spot them until May 28, although they won't be as bright.
Here's what to know.
The Eta Aquarids peak during early May each year. In 2025, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower have been active since April 20 and will continue to be visible until May 21, with the peak expected May 5-6, according to NASA.
About 10 meteors will be visible per hour in the Northern Hemisphere. The best view is actually in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Eta Aquarid meteors are known for their speed, with the meteors traveling at about 40.7 miles per second into Earth's atmosphere," NASA said.
The Eta Aquarids meteors originated from Halley's comet, known officially as comet 1P/Halley, according to NASA. The last time comet Halley was seen by casual observers was in 1986. It will re-enter the inner solar system again in 2061.
Trivia: The Earth will pass through Halley's path around the sun a second time in 2025 in October. This creates the Orionid meteor shower, which peaks around Oct. 20, according to timeanddate.
The best time to see the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be during the hours right before dawn, about 4 to 5 a.m.
Look low on the horizon. It's best to lie on your back, with your feet facing east, NASA said.
Look for an unobstructed view away from lights. It'll take about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness for you to be able to see the meteors.
Conditions look to be favorable across Florida, with limited clouds expected to block your view of the meteors from Florida on May 5.
Conditions look to be favorable for most locations on May 6, with limited clouds expected to block your view of the meteors.
Timeanddate provides viewing conditions of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower each day.
Factors considered include:
radiant (where the meteor shower originates)
weather
sunrise
moon rise and set
➤ Enter your city and date to see viewing conditions where you live
Contribuing: Eric Lagatta, Space Connect reporter for USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Eta Aquarid meteor shower: Florida forecast, peak days May 5-6
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