The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on May 6, 2026. This event is notable for its connection to Halley’s Comet. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere may see up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. In contrast, those in the Northern Hemisphere are expected to see fewer than 10 meteors per hour.
The moon will be 84% full during the peak, significantly affecting visibility for stargazers. Light pollution from the bright moon will obscure many shooting stars, especially in urban areas.
Experts note that the best time to view the meteors is during the predawn hours, specifically between midnight and 4:25 AM. Teri Gee from the American Meteor Society stated, “For us in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s not going to be as impressive.” This means that many enthusiasts may leave disappointed.
Despite these challenges, astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare adequately. The Royal Museums Greenwich suggests bringing a comfy chair and dressing warmly since viewing can take time. Yet, even with limited visibility, some meteors may still be visible.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left by comets or asteroids. In this case, the Eta Aquarids are remnants of Halley’s Comet, which was last seen in 1986 and will return in 2061.
