The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the η-Aquariid meteor shower will be at its peak activity on Sunday, May 5, and may produce up to 40 meteors per hour.
In its astronomical diary for May, PAGASA said the meteor shower has been visible since April 19 and will continue until May 28.
“It will be visible once its radiant point, the constellation Aquarius, is above the eastern horizon around 1:33 a.m. each night and remains active until around 5:06 a.m. the next day,” PAGASA said.
“The radiant point is highest in the sky around 8 a.m. and will likely produce its best display shortly before dawn,” it added.
PAGASA also noted that the Waning Crescent Moon may cause a slight effect to the meteor-watching during the whole night.
Meanwhile, the η-Lyrid meteor shower that will be active from May 3 to May 14, is expected to peak on May 8, said PAGASA.
“In Manila, the shower will be observed around 8:57 p.m., when its radiant point, the constellation Lyra, rises above the eastern horizon until dawn breaks around 5:05 a.m. the following day,” PAGASA said.
It also noted an estimate of three meteors per hour to be produced during its peak activity.
“The radiant point is highest in the sky around 4 a.m., providing the best view of the meteor. The moonlight will present an insignificant interference on the meteor observation,” it said.
PAGASA advised the public that meteor showers can be viewed without using special equipment like telescopes and binoculars, as they can be observed by the naked eye.