Peak of ETA Aquarids comes to an end: When will the next meteor shower be visible?
The peak of the latest meteor shower, known as the ETA Aquarids, has now come and gone after becoming most active for two nights in early May.
The bad news? Stargazers will have to wait a few months for the next observable meteor shower activity. But there's also good news: When the cosmic phenomenon resumes in July, spectators will be treated to a string of meteor showers – two of which will overlap during their peaks.
Here's everything to know about this summer's meteor shower activity, which will hit a crescendo in August with the peak of the best meteor shower of the year: The Perseids.
ETA Aquarids: Peak ends, but meteors still active
The Aquarids, which first became active April 19, peaked between May 5 and May 6 as Earth passed through the densest part of the cosmic debris from the famous Halley's comet, according to the American Meteor Society.
While the meteors won't be as bright or dazzling after the peak, stargazers could still catch some up until about May 28.
When is the next meteor shower? 2 to peak at same time
Up next, both Southern delta Aquarids and the alpha Capricornids are due to peak at the same time between July 29 and July 30, according to the American Meteor Society.
The Capricornids begin their activity July 12, followed by the Southern delta Aquarids on July 18. Both meteor showers will remain active until Aug. 12.
Unfortunately, neither shower is famed for being very strong.
The Southern Delta Aquarids are faint meteors that are difficult enough to spot as it is. But if the moon is visible at all, it will be near impossible, according to NASA.
Perseids, best meteor shower of the year, coming up
In August, what is widely considered among stargazers and astronomers alike to be the best meteor shower of the year will hit its peak.
The Perseid meteor shower gained its reputation for the plentiful whizzing meteors and blazing fireballs it reliably produces each year pretty much around the globe. Fireballs, large explosions of light and color, can persist even longer than an average meteor streak, NASA says.
This year, the Perseids are expected to peak Aug. 12-13. But they'll be active even longer, July 17-Aug. 23.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Peak of ETA Aquarids comes to an end: When is the next meteor shower?
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