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 the peak offering the highest meteor rates.

Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can expect up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate is typically between 10 to 30 meteors per hour. However, this year's viewing may be hindered by a bright waning gibbous moon, approximately 84% full, which could reduce visibility, especially for fainter meteors.

For optimal viewing, experts recommend observing just before dawn on May 6, when the radiant point in the constellation Aquarius is highest in the sky. To enhance the experience, find a dark location away from city lights, allow your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and consider positioning yourself so that the moon is obstructed by a building or natural feature to minimize its glare.

The Eta Aquariids are known for their fast-moving meteors, traveling at approximately 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second, often leaving glowing trails. While the bright moonlight may diminish the number of visible meteors, the shower remains a notable event for skywatchers.

The next major meteor showers include the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids in July, followed by the Perseids in August, which are expected to peak under favorable dark sky conditions.