The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks on May 5–6, 2025, lighting up the sky with debris from Halley’s Comet. Although the comet itself won’t return until 2061, “its legacy continues through meteor showers like the Eta Aquariids.”

These meteors are fast—blazing through Earth’s atmosphere at up to 66 km/s—and create bright streaks and glowing trails. “Some meteors, known as ‘Earthgrazers,’ skim the Earth’s atmosphere… producing long, bright trails.”

Southern Hemisphere viewers can expect up to 50 meteors per hour, while those in the north may see 10–20. The best time to watch is before dawn, between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Find a dark, open spot, let your eyes adjust, and just look up—no equipment needed.

For photography enthusiasts, use a tripod, wide-angle lens, long exposure, and manual focus to capture the meteors.

Visible worldwide but best in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquariids are “a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos.” Don’t miss this dazzling show from space.