Spectacular meteor shower will be visible in southern Ontario through Victoria Day weekend

If you’re looking for outdoor activities this Victoria Day long weekend or are a stargazer, you won’t want to miss the Eta Aquariid meteor shower!

The Eta Aquariids are a yearly phenomenon, typically active from April 15 to May 27. This year, their peak occurred on the nights of May 5 and May 6, bringing up to 50 meteors per hour.

If you missed the peak, don’t worry! You can still catch remnants of the meteor shower.

According to Space.com, the Eta Aquariids are produced by debris from Halley’s Comet and are considered a strong meteor shower, best observed from the Southern Hemisphere or near the equator. However, even in some northern latitudes, you can still see around 10 to 30 meteors per hour during the peak.

Like October’s Orionid meteor shower, the Eta Aquariids are caused by ice and dust left behind by Halley’s Comet. As Earth passes through the comet’s debris, “comet crumbs” heat up in our atmosphere, creating dazzling shooting stars, as noted on Space.com’s website.

Halley’s Comet, named after astronomer Edmond Halley, orbits the sun once every 76 years and won’t return until 2061, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness this celestial spectacle.

If you are a first-time stargazer or an astronomy aficionado, here are some items to be prepared with as recommended by Space.com:

• Red flashlight — Fainter meteors require eyes to adjust to the dark, especially when you’re using a night-sky map. The red light will help preserve your night vision.
• Warm clothing — It can get pretty chilly as you wait for the meteor showers. Grab a warm hat, coat, a scarf and a sleeping bag if staying outdoors for a long period of time.
• Hot drink — A hot beverage will help keep you warm. Tea and coffee are often the go-to choice as they also help you stay awake.
• Deck chair — Looking up for hours at a time could put a strain on your neck. It’s advised to use a deck chair that will keep you in an inclined position for maximum comfort.

If sky-watching isn’t possible for you this weekend, remember that you have until May 27 to enjoy the Eta Aquariids.