Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower for 2010 Under a New Moon

Halley's Comet may only be visible from Earth once about every 76 years, but each year you can catch a glimpse of debris from the famous comet from late April to the first part of May.  The Eta Aquarids meteor shower occurs as a result of the Earth passing through debris left behind by Halley's Comet. The Eta Aquarids peak each year on May 6th, but can seen each night from about a week before or after May 6th.

The Eta Aquarids originate from the constellation Aquarius, and are fast moving.  Typically, you can expect to see about 10 meteors per hour.  The 2011 Eta Aquarid meteor shower will occur near  new moon.  This means that there will be little to no moonlight to interfere with the Eta Aquarids meteor shower.

Although enhanced meteor activity has been observed during late April and Early May by a number of observers throughout history, it was not until 1870 that Lieutenant-Colonel G. L. Tupman made the discovery of the Eta Aquarids official while sailing the Mediterranean Sea.  He made further observations in 1871, and thus the classification of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower was made.  Since there are so few Eta Aquarids visible each hour, it will take a little patience to make an observation.  Since we are near a new moon during the 2011 Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, you may have a good chance at observing these meteors.