Hey, stargazers! Get ready for the Eta Aquarid meteor shower tonight! It peaks in the early morning hours of May 6. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, you might catch up to 60 meteors per hour. But if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the numbers will be lower since the radiant point (where the meteors seem to come from) is lower in the sky.
Things may not look great for viewing this year. The full moon on May 1 means it’s still shining brightly, about 81% illuminated, which can drown out fainter meteors. Still, don’t let that stop you. The Eta Aquarids can produce spectacular “Earthgrazers,” which are vibrant meteors that skim across the sky and leave colorful trails.
Where to look:
In the Northern Hemisphere, look for the meteors low on the southeast horizon, emerging from the constellation of Aquarius. For Southern Hemisphere viewers, the radiant is much higher, making it one of the best meteor showers to see.
When to watch:
The best time to watch is just before dawn on May 6, when Aquarius will be at its peak height in the sky, even if it is still relatively low.
What are the Eta Aquarids?
These meteors are tiny bits of Halley’s Comet burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. This famous comet makes a return approximately every 75 years. It was last seen in 1986 and will come back around 2061.
Viewing tips:
- Find a dark place away from city lights.
- Give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone!
- Dress warmly—you might be out there for a while. Meteors can come in bursts, so spend at least an hour or two watching.
Want to capture a meteor on camera? Check out guides on how to photograph meteor showers and see the best cameras for astrophotography.
Finally, if you happen to snap a great shot of an Eta Aquarid meteor, share it with us at spacephotos@space.com!
