Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peaks Amid Bright Moonlight

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, an annual event resulting from Earth's passage through debris left by Halley's Comet, is set to peak between May 5 and 6, 2026. This meteor shower is active from April 19 to May 28 each year, with meteors appearing to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquarii.

Under optimal conditions, observers in the Southern Hemisphere can expect up to 50 meteors per hour, while those in the Northern Hemisphere might see 10 to 30 meteors per hour. However, this year's viewing will be impacted by a bright waning gibbous moon, approximately 84% full, which is expected to reduce visibility significantly.

The best time to observe the Eta Aquariids is in the hours before dawn, when the radiant point in Aquarius is highest in the sky. To enhance viewing, it's advisable to find a dark location away from city lights and to allow your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

The Eta Aquariids are known for their fast-moving meteors, entering Earth's atmosphere at about 40 miles per second, often leaving glowing trails that linger momentarily.

This meteor shower is one of two annual events caused by Halley's Comet; the other is the Orionid meteor shower, which occurs in October. Halley's Comet last appeared in the inner solar system in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061.