Poster Maker: Feng Juan
According to astronomical science experts, the Aquarius η meteor shower with halley comet "pedigree" is extremely large on May 6, and ZHR (under ideal observation conditions, the number of meteors that can be seen per hour when the radiation point is directly above the head) is about 50, and the public who like meteor showers can pay attention to it as appropriate.
The parent comet of the η meteor shower in Aquarius is the famous Halley Comet. Earth orbits near Halley's Comet in May and October each year, when the comet's "legacy" particles in orbit break into Earth's atmosphere, rub against the atmosphere, produce high temperatures, emit strong light, and form two meteor showers — the Aquarius η meteor shower in early May and the Orion meteor shower in mid-to-late October.
Special stamps on the return of Halley's Comet issued by the mainland. Xinhua News Agency
Xiu Lipeng, director of the Tianjin Astronomical Society and an expert in astronomical science, introduced that this year's Aquarius η meteor shower lasts from April 19 to May 28, during which it is possible to see meteors belonging to this meteor shower in the sky. The meteors in this meteor shower group are fast meteors, and there are many bright meteors, and many meteors have remnants.
Comics Production: Hu Yanzhu
Astronomical forecasts show that this year's Aquarius η meteor shower is likely to occur at around 16:00 Beijing time on May 6.
"Taking the Beijing area as an example, the radiation point of the meteor shower rose at about 2 o'clock on the 6th, but the height was low, and it was nearly 2 hours before dawn at this time, which was a short observation window for this meteor shower." That day coincided with the sixth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, and the moon had already set in the first half of the night, which had no effect on the observation of the second half of the night. During this time, the public who like meteor showers only need to stare at the sky, and the average of 10 or so can be seen every hour. If you observe in the suburbs, the wild, the mountains and other places without light pollution, the number of meteors you can see per hour will be a little higher. Although a low radiation point can result in a small number of meteors to be seen, the meteors that appear at this time may project a long trail and be very conspicuous in the night. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see the 'super-burning' picture of a super-bright fire meteor streaking across the night sky. Of course, observing the Aquarius η meteor shower is not limited to the early morning of the 6th, but can be observed for several days before and after the greater day. Xiu Lipeng said.
Comics Production: Hu Yanzhu
Compared to the observation window of less than 2 hours in the northern hemisphere, the Aquarius η meteor shower is observable longer in the southern hemisphere. "In the southern hemisphere, observations can be put into place about 4 hours before dawn." Xiu Lipeng said.
Astronomical science experts also remind that because humans cannot accurately calculate the distribution structure of comet dust particles of the meteor shower matrix, it is impossible to accurately predict the occurrence and scale of meteor showers like forecasting solar eclipses and lunar eclipses. Therefore, the public who like meteor showers should have a certain psychological preparation when observing, and should not have excessive expectations.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
Guangzhou Daily New Flower City Editor: Su Wanqian