Meteor showers visible over PH

MANILA, Philippines—Meteors caused by the annual Eta Aquarids shower will streak across Philippine skies before dawn on Sunday or Monday, the weather bureau said.

Stargazers in the country will be able to see from five to 10 meteors per hour during the shower that will occur before sunrise on May 5 or 6, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Based on the monthly astronomical diary prepared by Pagasa officer in charge Vicente Malano, the meteor shower will originate from the dust released by the famous Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley) during its countless voyages through the solar system.

“The shower results when earth crosses the orbit of Halley’s Comet, running into clouds of debris or meteoroids shed by the comet due to the heating of the sun,” Pagasa said.