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Tag: meteor

  • Halley’s Comet Debris: Eta Aquarids Light Up the Sky

    Halley’s Comet Debris: Eta Aquarids Light Up the Sky

    The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will light up the sky this weekend and it peaking from May 4 evening to May 5 early hours. Astronomers say we can see about 50 shooting stars per hour during this time. These shooting stars move really fast like around 66 kilometers per second. They also leave behind bright trails called persistent trains that last for a few seconds after the meteor disappears.

    Meteor

    The shower is named after its starting point in the sky near a bright star called Eta Aquarii in the Aquarius constellation. The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn. While everyone around the world can see it, it will be clearer in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The Eta Aquarids come from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, which we can see every 76 years. The last time we saw it was in 1986 and it won’t be back until 2061. Halley’s Comet has been around for ages, but we only connected it to the Eta Aquarids in the 19th century. People have probably been watching this meteor shower for a long time but we only understood its connection to the comet recently.

    The comet is named after Edmond Halley who predicted its return in 1705. He did not find the comet but he figured out that sightings from 1531, 1607, and 1682 were of the same comet coming back regularly. Using Newton’s laws, Halley said the comet would return in 1758. He died before that, but the comet showed up right on time, proving him right.

    Halley’s Comet was the first comet we realized came back regularly, changing how we see comets from just being odd sky events to being objects that orbit the sun. Seeing the Eta Aquarids depends on the moon’s brightness. Luckily, this weekend, the moon will be just a thin crescent, making it perfect for meteor watching.

    For the best view, look southeast away from city lights. Lie down and look up at the sky, and after about 30 minutes, your eyes will adjust, and you’ll start seeing meteors. The show lasts until dawn, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it.

  • Heritage Meets Performance: The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

    Heritage Meets Performance: The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

    The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a remarkable motorcycle that holds great significance in the world of motorcycling. With its classic design, impressive performance, and superb build quality, it showcases Royal Enfield’s journey, from its roots to its current position, and hints at where it’s heading. The Super Meteor 650’s vintage styling pays homage to the brand’s original cruisers, like the 1952 Meteor and 1956 Super Meteor. Its 648cc parallel-twin engine continues the beloved thumpy character that enthusiasts have come to cherish in the INT650 and Continental GT 650. Moreover, the exceptional fit and finish of the Super Meteor 650 set a new standard for Royal Enfield.

    Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

    The Super Meteor 650 is a retro-styled middleweight cruiser designed to be both accessible and functional, offering a comfortable riding posture. It comes with a class-leading starting MSRP of $6,999, making it a highly affordable option in the middleweight cruiser category. Designed around Royal Enfield’s beloved parallel-twin engine, the Super Meteor 650 competes with models like the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Honda Shadow line. Although it boasts a smaller engine size compared to the discontinued Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, it is well-suited to fill the void left by that American V-twin.

    The motorcycle is powered by a SOHC fuel-injected engine with a 78.0 x 67.8mm bore and stroke and four valves per cylinder, featuring a 9.5:1 compression ratio. It delivers a claimed 46.4 hp and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine has been tuned differently compared to the 2022 Royal Enfield INT650, resulting in slightly varied power delivery. Expect similar results on the dyno when tested.

    The Super Meteor 650 features an all-new chassis designed by Harris Performance, a renowned British chassis specialist owned by Royal Enfield since 2015. The tubular-steel frame ensures a low center of gravity and a comfortable seat height of 29.1 inches. With a rake of 27.6 degrees, a trail of 4.7 inches, and a longer wheelbase of 59.1 inches, the motorcycle provides a stable and comfortable ride. The increased wheelbase also allows more space for a passenger. The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with tubeless alloy rims and tires sized 100/70-19 front and 150/80-16 rear.

    For suspension, it features a non-adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston inverted fork with 4.7 inches of travel and twin shocks with five-step adjustable preload, offering 4.0 inches of travel. In terms of safety, the motorcycle is equipped with non-switchable ABS. It doesn’t feature other electronic interventions or ride modes, preserving a classic riding experience throughout. The retro-themed instrument panel includes an analog speedometer and a digital information screen displaying a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tripmeters, and a clock. Additionally, the Super Meteor 650 incorporates Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation pod, which connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. To enhance the bike’s visceral feel, it utilizes a mechanical throttle cable that provides a solid, analog connection between rider and machine.

    The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is available in three variants: Astral ($6,999), Interstellar ($7,299), and Celestial ($7,499). The Astral model offers a choice of three colors (green, black, and blue), while the Interstellar variant features a two-tone paint scheme in green or gray. The Super Meteor 650 Tourer is available in Celestial Red or Celestial Blue and includes a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and pillion backrest. The bike’s iconic cruiser styling is further complemented by a 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank with a metal gas cap. Additionally, all models come with LED lighting, marking a first for Royal Enfield.