[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Knowing that meteor Shower peaks can happen early & having woken up early anyhow I went out for a look at the Eta Aquarids this morning.
Starting at 4:45am local time on the oval only 2 minutes from my door was an easy option. With a camp chair to recline in and my 4wd to shield me from a few lights I awaited the first incomers, It was a few minutes before I saw the first few faint Eta Aquarids close to the radiant. It was probably 10 minutes before they rose in magnitude and distance from the radiant, with one particular burst stretching out to Cygnus the Swan. By the time the brightening dawn sky interfered with observing at about 5:30 I had seen 19 Eta Aquarids & 8 sporadic meteors.
Giving an average rate of 25 Eta Aquarids/ hour, pretty good for a pre peak session.
It was also very interesting to watch the rising planets & tomorrow I will bring a camera to capture them in all their glory.
I look forward to hearing your observing reports.