Ahead of the spectacular Eta Aquariid meteor shower starting from the 19th April, Ring is helping Scots experience the rare astronomical event by collaborating with the UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll).
The initiative follows recent Ring customer footage of an unusually bright shooting star travelling across the English Channel at the incredible speed of 70 km/s.
Richard and Claire Ward-Jones shared the video with Ring after reports of a meteor shower in their area. When reviewing their Ring Video Doorbell Pro footage, Richard was amazed to see the shooting star light up the sky.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/0-Gh-RyJfqQ
The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower is set to dazzle skies across Scotland’s towns and cities between April 19th and May 28th, with good levels of visibility expected.
To help stargazers witness the meteor shower, the UKFAll and Ring are equipping Scotland and wider UK locations, with 50 of Ring’s Stick Up Cam Pro and Wired Video Doorbell Pro devices, available to those in the best areas to view the shower.
This is sure to be welcome news for over two thirds (70%) of Scots who are interested in astronomy, as reported in Ring’s new survey. The survey also found that half (50%) of Scots are more interested in astronomy now than they were as a child, with 89% of Scots reporting that they observe the night sky in the hopes of seeing a shooting star.
Charlotte Bays, Secretary at the UKFAII commented: “Travelling at speeds of up to 70 km per second, meteors travel faster than any other objects in the sky.
“As a result, shooting stars are usually gone within a second. That’s why meteor showers like the Eta Aquariid are so special, offering lucky stargazers a rare chance to see a once in a lifetime event.”
Ring’s research also revealed what Scots would wish upon a shooting star, if they were to spot one, with over half of Scots (54%) saying they wish to be happy, while a fifth (19%) of Scots wish to travel.
Other wishes include owning a house (16%) and finding love (14%). This lies in contrast with top wishes from childhood, with one in four Scots having wished for superpowers (25%) as a child, while nearly a quarter (23%) wished to own a puppy, and a fifth (21%) to be famous.
Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring said: “Wishes may change as we grow up, but everyone can appreciate the phenomenal beauty in seeing a meteor shower.
“I’m glad Ring devices can play a small role in helping people capture and share these fascinating moments, and maybe even contribute toward scientific discoveries.”
From 9th April those living in the top UK viewing areas for shooting stars can apply at www.ukfall.org.uk to receive Ring devices and support UKFAII in the study of astronomical activity in the UK.
Ring is encouraging anyone that captures footage of astronomical events on their Ring device, to send to ukstories@ring.com or tag @ringUK with the video on Instagram. To learn more visit Ring’s blog here.