Eta Aquariids meteor shower: How to watch this night sky spectacle in Odisha

Stargazers in Odisha are in for a treat as the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, one of the year's most prolific showers, is gracing the night skies. Linked to the famous Halley's Comet, this event offers a chance to witness tiny fragments of cosmic history burning up dramatically in our atmosphere.

What Are the Eta Aquariids?

The Eta Aquariids are particles of dust and ice shed by Halley's Comet centuries ago. Each May, Earth passes through this stream of debris. As these tiny particles (most no bigger than sand grains) hit our atmosphere at incredibly high speeds (around 66 km/s or 148,000 mph), they vaporise, creating the bright streaks of light we call meteors or ‘shooting stars.’

The shower gets its name from its radiant point – the apparent point in the sky from which the meteors seem to originate – which lies near the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius. While the meteors appear to come from this point, they can be seen streaking across any part of the sky.

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When and Where to Look in Odisha

The Eta Aquariids are active from late April to late May, but the peak activity, when the most meteors are visible, occurs around May 5th and 6th, 2025.

Best Time: The optimal viewing time is in the pre-dawn hours, typically between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM IST. This is when the radiant constellation, Aquarius, is highest in the eastern/southeastern sky before sunrise.

Direction: Face generally towards the east or southeast. While the radiant is in Aquarius, you don't need to stare directly at it. Meteors will appear across a large area of the sky. Find a comfortable position, perhaps lying on a blanket or reclining chair, and scan the sky broadly.

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Viewing Tips for Odisha

Observing meteor showers successfully depends heavily on minimising light pollution and maximising your view of the sky.

Escape City Lights: This is the single most crucial factor. The bright lights of cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Puri, and Sambalpur create significant skyglow, obscuring all but the brightest meteors.

To maximise your chances:

Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Travel at least 30-50 km away from the city centres. Areas towards Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary (check accessibility and safety regulations first) or rural areas towards Khurda or Nayagarh might offer darker skies.

Rourkela: Head towards the outskirts, away from the industrial areas and city lights. Rural locations towards Sundargarh or even border areas might be darker.

Puri: While the beach offers an open horizon, the town lights can be intrusive. Try moving several kilometres north or south along the coast, away from populated stretches.

Sambalpur: Move away from the main town, perhaps towards the Hirakud reservoir's less developed shores (ensure safety and accessibility) or into surrounding rural districts.

Dark Adaptation: Your eyes need about 20-30 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness. Avoid looking at bright lights, including your phone screen (use a red filter app if necessary), during this time.

No Special Equipment: Meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescopes have narrow fields of view, making it harder to spot the fast-moving, unpredictable meteors.

Patience is Key: Meteor watching involves waiting. You might see several meteors in quick succession, followed by a lull. Dress warmly, get comfortable, and enjoy the experience of being under the stars.

Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential. Check the local weather forecast for cloud cover before heading out.

Watching the Eta Aquariids is witnessing the remnants of Halley's Comet, a celestial visitor that has inspired awe for millennia. Even with challenging moonlight conditions this year, the chance to see bright meteors streaking across the pre-dawn sky from Odisha is an experience worth pursuing.