May 6 – Haley’s Comet Meteor Shower
On May 6 early risers will be able to experience the return of Halley’s Comet. The best watch time is just before dawn. A seventy six year cycle, the early birds will get to see the dynamic event of profuse activity produced by a type of sand that this comet sheds in its path of orbit, along with blazing meteorites crossing the night sky. This is a once in a lifetime event for most people.
Image via Wikipedia
As many people know, famed author and satirist, Mark Twain was born on the year of Haley’s comet. He always said that by the next time this famous comet comes around, he would be leaving the same way he arrived on earth. He passed away the day after.
Also known as the eta Aquarid meteor shower, it’s best observed from somewhere out of the city away from the lights. Take a chaise lounger or a blanket and sprawl out to watch the show. Anyone under the age of 76 has never seen this event which is best viewed from the southern hemisphere. There’s something for everyone, though. Meteor activity will be visible from most locations.
There is no set timework for when the meteors come and go, but this date is important because of the moon phase. Only a crescent moon appears on this new moon phase, and minimal light helps the show go on. During a full moon, for example, the sky will be quite bright, interfering with the visibility.
The eta Aquarid meteors move at 148,000 mph, sometimes leading a long train of glowing matter behind in the wake. When a meteor comes toward the earth, it isn’t possible to see the tail. Otherwise, the fiery flashes that follow dominate the visuals against a black backdrop, as the crescent moon goes beyond the horizon.
Partial solar eclipse on June 1st
Mostly visible from Northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Japan, and Norway this partial eclipse goes on for about two hours. Outside of these northern areas, not much will be visible. For a view of the path of travel, copy paste the links at the end of this article.
Astrologers confer different meanings to solar eclipses. This partial eclipse can lead to new decisions or goals. It may bring anxiety or restlessness. Usually the effects of the eclipse can be felt for a week before or after. Robert Hand, famed astrologer, goes so far as to say the effects happen either six months before or after. He indicates that astrological meaning is so complex that it is really a wait and see situation. The moon sign and sun sign on June 1st will be Gemini. There was a total lunar eclipse in Gemini just last December (2010.)
As spring is bursting out all over, the skies are no exception. Hopefully, the celestial events are a source of enjoyment for those who are able to watch.
Ref
“Planets in Transit” – Robert Hand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nH_mAObnZc
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2011.html
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