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Although Halley's Comet appears only every 76 years, it leaves a pile of debris in its wake. And these debris comes off regularly. Although the comet transmits only once in our lives, we cross its orbit twice a year, and if the conditions are good, we can see all these pieces illuminating the sky.
The two meteor showers are called Eta Aquariid and Orionid and are seen at the end of April / beginning of May and in October of each year when we pass through the orbital mat of the comet.
The small fragments are called meteoroids when in outer space and meteors when they reach the Earth's atmosphere, where they usually evaporate.
Eta Aquariid meteor shower will be brighter early next week, although the Southern Hemisphere has been in a position to see it since April 20. But the best time will be early morning on Sunday and Monday.
The Southern Hemisphere will enjoy the best visibility of the interstellar lights show this time around.
Bill Cooke, who heads NASA's Office of the Environment, told reporters "All you need is a clear, dark sky."
If weather permits, you can expect to see 30 to 60 meteors in our skies per hour during the peak. And you can do it with the naked eye – no need for telescopes or sophisticated equipment.
Eta Aquariid will originate from the Aquarius constellation. But if you are not an experienced stargazer, use a compass or the application on your phone to look north. Cooke says the best way to see them is to lie on your back so you have the widest possible view of the sky and do not hurt your neck by looking up.
Halley's Comet will not be in our skies until 2061, but at least we have some annual reminders of his presence every April / May and October.
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