(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 14) Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology – Space GS1 – Geography |
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Analysis of the News:
The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower:
- The article provides insights into the Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
- It describes the phenomenon as comprising burning space debris entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds and explains its visibility from countries such as Indonesia and Australia in the Southern Hemisphere.
Understanding Comets and Meteor Showers:
- Comets, described as frozen remnants from the formation of the solar system, consist of dust, rock, and ice.
- They orbit the Sun in elliptical paths, occasionally coming closer to heat up and emit gases and dust, forming a glowing head and tail.
- Meteor showers are related to comets, occurring when Earth passes through the debris left behind in a comet’s orbital plane.
Mechanism of Meteor Showers:
- Meteors, grains of dust or rock, burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating brief tails.
- Most meteors disintegrate completely due to their small size, but occasionally larger meteors, called meteorites upon impact, can cause significant damage upon reaching the ground.
- Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through clouds of dust left behind by comets, resulting in a spectacle of glowing meteor tails in the sky.
Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower and Its Origin:
- The Eta Aquariid meteor shower originates from Halley’s Comet’s orbital plane, observed approximately every 76 years.
- Named after astronomer Edmond Halley, who identified its periodic appearances, Halley’s Comet is set to re-enter the inner solar system in 2061.
- The Eta Aquariids, known for their rapid speed, produce long-lasting glowing tails, making them a unique celestial event.
Unique Characteristics and Viewing Tips:
- The Eta Aquariids are characterized by their rapid speed, with approximately 30 to 40 meteors visible per hour during the peak, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere.
- In contrast, viewers in the Northern Hemisphere may observe fewer meteors due to the lower radiant position in the sky.
- Tips for optimal viewing include finding a clear night sky with minimal light pollution, preferably away from artificial lighting sources.
Conclusion:
- The article concludes by encouraging everyone to witness the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which is likely to be visible across the sky, originating from the Aquarius constellation.
- It emphasizes the significance of clear viewing conditions and suggests using basic telescopes to enhance the experience of this natural nighttime spectacle.
About Orionid Meteor Shower |
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PYQ: What is the difference between asteroids and comets? (2011) 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury. 3. Comets show perceptible glowing tails, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b) |
Practice Question: What is the significance of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, and how does it relate to comets like Halley’s Comet? Discuss the factors influencing its visibility from different regions and its importance in fostering public interest in astronomy. (250 words/15 m) |