Halley’s Comet, the most famous of all, is responsible for two of the year’s major meteor showers: the Eta Aquarids, in May, and the Gorionids, in October. (photo: disclosure)

Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through regions with a greater concentration of cosmic dust, often left by comets during their long orbits around the Sun. Halley’s Comet, the most famous of all, is responsible for two of the year’s major meteor showers: the Eta Aquarids, in May, and the Gorionids, in October.

For those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarids is one of the best meteor showers of the year. It is worth showing up at dawn and enjoying this heavenly show.

Fifth day – at dusk

The first lunar eclipse of the year will be of the semi-light type, when the moon passes only through the least dark region of the Earth’s shadow. It’s a subtle phenomenon: only a slight decrease in the moon’s brightness will be noticed. Unfortunately, it will not be visible from Brazil, but it can be followed on the Internet. Peak at 14:53.

Sixth day: meteors at dawn

At dawn, the Eta Aquarides meteorites peak, which are caused by dust grains left behind by Halley’s comet. Look east from 2 am. The darker the observing location, the more meteors you will see.

Seventeenth day: meeting at dawn

The waning moon sits next to Jupiter in the hours before sunrise, forming a beautiful conjunction. Look east from 4:30 am.

Day 29 – Mercury Hunt

The challenge for this month is to find the planet Mercury in the dawn sky. Jupiter will be right above it, making the job a little easier. Look east from 5 am.