As a comet approaches and passes the Sun, the ‘dirty snowball’s’ surface sublimates (changes from a solid directly to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase change), creating a huge particle cloud called the ‘coma.’ As the solar wind pushes on the coma of the comet, the tails are formed, becoming visible as sunlight reflects off of them.  These particles are mostly frozen gases and water, but do contain some dusty and rocky bits, usually no larger than a grain of sand. When the Earth passes through this debris field, we see an increase in meteor activity, thus the term ‘meteor shower.’

Eta Aquarid meteors can be seen for several days before and after the peak. They are also fast, averaging 66 km/s (148,000 mph). Other minor meteor showers are also going on during this time period. The way to identify Eta Aquarid meteors is by noting the familiar streak of light and tracing it backwards. Eta Aquarid meteors will tend to originate from the constellation Aquarius, so the streak of light will trace backwards to Aquarius.

3rd Quarter Moon is on the night of the 5th, so a bright Moon will hamper viewing in the pre-dawn hours.