How to see the Eta Aquarid shower?
Here comes A meteor shower
Here's how to see the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower at its peak. The Eta Aquariid meteor shower gives the night sky one of its quieter but more elegant performances each spring. The shower is expected to reach its peak this year in the early morning hours of May 6, and if people are willing to get up early or stay up late, they can see a show of cosmic fire dancing across the sky. This was more than just another meteor shower for Mia Chen, a college sophomore in Flagstaff, Arizona, who is studying astrophysics. She had planned for it throughout the semester, obsessing over moon phases and weather forecasts and even persuading her art major roommate Lena to join her. With a coffee thermos in her backpack, Mia explained, "The Eta Aquariids are special." They are Halley's Comet fragments. That's like watching history unfold in the heavens." Lena stuffed sketchbooks into her tote bag and shrugged. "I just want to feel good. And possibly to depict falling stars. The Eta Aquariids are less well-known and subtle than the famous Perseids or Geminids, but they are just as stunning. The Northern Hemisphere typically sees between 20 and 40 meteors per hour at their peak, while the Southern Hemisphere sees even more as the radiant, or the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge, rises higher. The moon will be a small crescent this year, its light barely touching the sky. The arrangement is ideal for viewing. After driving past the last ring of streetlights, Mia and Lena left the campus and entered the tranquil Coconino National Forest. A wide expanse of open meadow with a great view to the south had been selected as a light-free location for their exploration. They were covered in blankets, lying on a tarp, and staring into space at 3:30 in the morning. The Eta Aquariids' radiant is located in Aquarius, close to Eta Aquaria, the constellation's brightest star, hence the name. But you don’t need to locate the radiant to enjoy the shower. In fact, meteors often blaze long trails far from their origin point, making a full-sky watch worthwhile.
Mia said softly, as if raising her voice would frighten the stars away, "I read that some of the particles hitting our atmosphere tonight left Halley's Comet over two thousand years ago." “That’s insane,” Lena replied. “Like, Romans could’ve seen these exact flakes of dust floating in space.”
“Exactly.”
Suddenly, a meteor streaked across the eastern sky — fast and bright, leaving a brief green trail before vanishing. Lena exhaled. "That was stunning!" While checking her watch, Mia stated, "That is a good sign." "We're getting closer and closer to peak time." Indeed, the Eta Aquariids are known for their speed — around 66 kilometers per second. That velocity, combined with the fine, dusty material of Halley’s debris, often produces long, graceful trails. And though they’re more prominent in the Southern Hemisphere, dedicated sky watchers up north can still enjoy a good show.
The sky offered its treasure over the next hour in the form of glinting streaks, faint flashes, and occasionally bold fireballs. Lena tried to capture the essence of fleeting beauty as she sketched with a flashlight, moving her hand across the paper. Mia just stood there and watched, her heart racing with both scientific awe and childlike wonder. The sky had become a steel-blue wash by dawn. The rising sun outshone the fading meteors. Lena went back into the car and looked at her sketches, which included glowing bursts, spiraling tails, and jagged arcs. She said, "Worth every minute." “Totally,” Mia replied. The best part is that we just saw time travellers. Each one of those streaks was ancient. Halley’s Comet won’t be back until 2061, but its trail is always with us.”
How to Look at Eta Aquariids For anyone inspired by Mia and Lena’s adventure, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is best viewed from a dark, open location away from city lights. How to catch the show is as follows: When to Look: The peak occurs in the predawn hours of May 6, though you may catch meteors a few days before and after.
Where to Look: Face the eastern horizon. Although they can streak across any part of the sky, the meteors appear to emanate from Aquarius. What to Bring: Dress warmly, bring a blanket or a reclining chair, and spend 20–30 minutes getting used to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone — even a glance at a screen can ruin your night vision.
Best Conditions: This year’s waning crescent moon means minimal interference. Clear skies and low humidity also help improve visibility.
Remember that patience is essential. The performance is subdued and unobtrusive—it's more of a slow burn than a show with fireworks. However, the Eta Aquariids provide a glimpse into both the solar system's deep time and the cosmos for those who are willing to wait. "We're all made of stardust," Mia said as she watched one last meteor fall toward the horizon. Nights like this just remind us.”
About the Creator
Tamjid rahman
Here is all story you loved to read.
Keep reading
More stories from writers in Earth and other communities.
Britain’s PM Calls Trump on Greenland: Defending Sovereignty in a Shifting Arctic
When you think of New Year’s conversations between world leaders, Greenland probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet on January 7, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the icy island over a phone call — and it made headlines worldwide. Why? Because Greenland, a massive, ice-covered territory in the Arctic, is suddenly at the center of global geopolitics, and Britain is making sure its voice is heard. Greenland Isn’t Just Ice At first glance, Greenland seems remote and quiet — a land of snow, glaciers, and polar bears. But this island is strategically critical. It sits between North America and Europe, holds valuable natural resources, and commands control over emerging Arctic shipping routes as ice melts due to climate change. In recent years, Greenland has captured the attention of global powers, especially the United States. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the island is crucial to U.S. national security and even hinted at the possibility of acquiring it. These ideas, though unlikely, raised eyebrows in Europe and among NATO allies. For Denmark, Greenland’s governing country, and its residents, this rhetoric was a reminder that sovereignty matters — and outsiders shouldn’t dictate their future. Starmer’s Clear Message During the phone call, Starmer made Britain’s position unmistakable: Greenland’s future must be decided by its people and Denmark, not by external powers. This wasn’t just diplomacy for the sake of headlines. It’s about principles that Britain has long defended: respect for sovereignty, international law, and the rules-based global order. Starmer’s message sends a signal not only to Trump but also to other countries that might think about exerting undue influence over smaller, strategic territories. The call also touched on other global concerns, including NATO security matters, Arctic maritime operations, and broader geopolitical tensions. But it’s Greenland that grabbed the spotlight — because it’s a flashpoint for sovereignty, alliance dynamics, and Arctic strategy. Why the UK Cares You might wonder: why is Britain involved in a discussion about Greenland? After all, it’s part of Denmark. The answer lies in NATO and European security. Greenland is strategically vital for the alliance. Any unilateral action by the U.S. to control or influence Greenland could threaten NATO cohesion. Britain, as a leading NATO member, has a stake in ensuring that all alliance decisions respect sovereignty and the rules of international cooperation. In other words, Britain isn’t stepping into Greenland’s affairs to take control — it’s defending the principle that territorial decisions should belong to the rightful authorities, in this case, Denmark and Greenland’s residents. Alliances and Principles Starmer’s call also highlights a delicate balancing act. The UK maintains a close relationship with the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it agrees with every idea, especially when sovereignty is at stake. This is the reality of modern diplomacy: even trusted allies can have differences of opinion, and leaders must navigate these differences carefully. Starmer’s message to Trump reflects a wider approach — maintain strong alliances while standing firm on core values. Some politicians have acknowledged that disagreements are normal and even healthy in long-standing partnerships. The key is open communication and respect for international norms, which Starmer aimed to demonstrate during the call. Greenland as a Symbol Beyond geopolitics, Greenland has become a symbol of a new era in global relations. Arctic resources, strategic positions, and climate change are making previously quiet regions hotspots for diplomacy. Greenland reminds the world that territory, sovereignty, and self-determination are still central issues, even in the 21st century. For Britain, standing with Denmark and affirming Greenland’s autonomy sends a clear message: the UK supports international law and the idea that small regions should not be pawns in great-power games. What This Means Going Forward So what can we expect after this phone call? Greenland remains firmly under Danish control, with its future in the hands of its residents. NATO cohesion is reinforced, as European leaders see Britain advocating for rules-based governance. The Arctic region continues to be a strategic focal point, with countries carefully watching each other’s moves. In short, Starmer’s call is a reminder that even in a world of powerful nations, diplomacy, respect, and legal principles still matter. Takeaways Sovereignty Matters: Greenland’s future is a matter for its people, not outside powers. Allies Can Disagree: Britain’s defense of principles shows that disagreements with allies don’t have to break partnerships. Strategic Regions Are Hotspots: Arctic regions like Greenland are increasingly important in global security, economics, and diplomacy. Principles Over Power: Upholding international law is as critical as maintaining military or economic influence. Greenland may be far from the streets of London or Washington, but the stakes are high. Starmer’s phone call with Trump demonstrates that the UK is ready to defend sovereignty, international norms, and alliance cohesion, even when the conversation turns icy.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in Earth
Fly-Arousing Orchid and Zombie Fungus Among 2025’s Most Astonishing Botanical and Fungal Finds
Nature never stops surprising us. In 2025, botanists and mycologists around the world unveiled a collection of discoveries so strange they sound almost fictional. From a fly-arousing orchid that mimics insects with unsettling precision to a “zombie” fungus capable of hijacking its host, these finds highlight how much of Earth’s biodiversity still remains hidden — and how creative evolution can be. These discoveries are not just curiosities for scientists. They offer deeper insight into pollination, survival strategies, ecosystem balance, and even potential medical breakthroughs. Together, they remind us that even in an age of satellites and AI, nature still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. The Fly-Arousing Orchid: Seduction as a Survival Strategy Among the most talked-about discoveries of 2025 is a newly identified orchid species that has taken deceptive pollination to a whole new level. Found in a remote region with limited insect diversity, this orchid doesn’t attract pollinators with nectar or bright colors. Instead, it sexually deceives male flies. The flower closely resembles the shape, texture, and scent of a female fly, producing chemical signals that trigger mating behavior in unsuspecting males. Drawn in by false promises, the flies attempt to mate with the flower — a process known as pseudocopulation. During this encounter, pollen sticks to the insect’s body and is later transferred to another orchid, completing the plant’s reproductive cycle. While similar strategies have been observed in some orchid species before, researchers say this one is unusually sophisticated. Its scent profile is so precise that it targets only one specific fly species, making the relationship incredibly specialized — and fragile. Why This Orchid Matters Beyond its shock value, the fly-arousing orchid provides important lessons about coevolution. Over thousands of years, the orchid and its pollinator appear to have shaped each other’s survival strategies. This level of specialization demonstrates both the brilliance and vulnerability of nature. If the fly species declines due to climate change, habitat loss, or pollution, the orchid could face extinction. Scientists say this discovery underscores why biodiversity conservation must consider entire ecological relationships, not just individual species. The “Zombie” Fungus: When Nature Takes Control Equally unsettling — and fascinating — is the discovery of a new fungal species quickly nicknamed a “zombie fungus.” Found in tropical forest ecosystems, this fungus infects small insects and gradually alters their behavior to serve its own reproductive needs. Once inside the host, the fungus releases chemical signals that affect the insect’s nervous system. The infected insect abandons its normal behavior, climbing to an elevated position before dying. From there, the fungus grows outward, releasing spores that rain down on potential new hosts below. This mind-controlling behavior has drawn comparisons to well-known parasitic fungi, but researchers say the 2025 discovery displays previously undocumented precision in behavioral manipulation. Why Scientists Are Excited — Not Horrified While the term “zombie fungus” captures public attention, scientists are more interested in its biochemical mechanisms. Understanding how the fungus influences nervous systems could open doors to: New antibiotics or antifungal treatments Insights into neurological signaling Natural alternatives to chemical pesticides Fungi have already contributed to major medical advances, including penicillin. Discoveries like this reinforce the idea that nature’s strangest organisms may hold the most valuable solutions. Other Remarkable Botanical and Fungal Finds of 2025 The fly-arousing orchid and zombie fungus are only part of a much larger picture. In 2025, researchers also documented: Carnivorous Plants with Improved “Traps” New species of carnivorous plants were discovered using faster and more efficient trapping mechanisms, allowing them to survive in nutrient-poor soils. Glow-Enhancing Bioluminescent Fungi Scientists identified fungi with unusually bright natural bioluminescence, potentially useful for sustainable lighting research and environmental monitoring. Climate-Resilient Plants Several newly cataloged plant species showed remarkable resistance to drought and extreme temperatures, offering hope for future agricultural innovation. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle of how life adapts to changing environments. What These Discoveries Say About Our Planet One of the most striking takeaways from 2025’s discoveries is how much remains unexplored, especially in remote forests, underground ecosystems, and tropical regions. Scientists estimate that millions of fungal species alone have yet to be identified. These findings also highlight an uncomfortable truth: many species are being discovered at the same time they are being threatened. Habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution could wipe out organisms before we even understand their role in nature. The Role of Technology in Modern Discovery Advances in DNA sequencing, satellite mapping, and AI-assisted analysis played a major role in these discoveries. Scientists can now identify new species more quickly and understand their relationships within ecosystems with greater accuracy. However, technology alone is not enough. Field research, conservation funding, and local knowledge remain essential to uncovering and protecting Earth’s hidden biodiversity. Why the Public Should Care It’s easy to dismiss bizarre plants and fungi as scientific oddities. But history shows that today’s curiosities often become tomorrow’s breakthroughs. From medicines to sustainable materials, many human innovations began with close observation of nature. The fly-arousing orchid teaches us about communication and deception in evolution, while zombie fungi may help us understand disease control and neurological processes. Protecting biodiversity isn’t just about saving nature — it’s about safeguarding humanity’s future. Conclusion: Nature Is Stranger — and Smarter — Than We Imagine The botanical and fungal discoveries of 2025 remind us that the natural world is far more inventive than fiction. From seductive orchids to mind-controlling fungi, evolution has crafted solutions that challenge our understanding of life itself. As scientists continue to explore Earth’s hidden corners, one thing becomes clear: we are only beginning to understand the complexity beneath our feet and above our heads. Preserving these ecosystems ensures that nature’s most astonishing stories — and solutions — are not lost before they are told.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
'20/20'
"Do It Again" the track that would ultimately open the Beach Boys final album on Capitol Records which was released on February 10th 1969 had originally been released as a single in August of 1968. The track was the first of many post-Pet Sounds era throwbacks to the early Beach Boys sound which would become continually more cliched and eventually lead the Beach Boys to the level of self-parody they would eventually succumb to in the 1980s while their closest contemporaries The Beatles nearing the end of their run in 1969 would go on to be viewed as the most influential band of all time. However, the song itself is not bad on its surface, and it opens with a futuristic sounding (for 1969) drumbeat captured by then-Beach Boys engineer Stephen Desper using tape delays on the drums performed by Dennis Wilson and John Guerin. The song has been re-recorded numerous times over the years on various Beach Boys-related projects most notably the 2011 re-recording at Capitol studios featuring the five surviving Beach Boys at the time backed instrumentally by various members of both the Brian Wilson Band and Mike Loves touring "Beach Boys" to promote the then upcoming Beach Boys 50th Anniversary reunion tour in 2012. The hammering and power drill sound at the end of the song was an excerpt from a track called "Workshop" that was to be a part of the uncompleted "SMiLE" album.
By Sean Callaghan7 days ago in Beat
Comments (2)
like my all story suport me
amazing