{"id":775830,"date":"2026-05-05T22:06:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T22:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/775830\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T22:06:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T22:06:24","slug":"dont-miss-the-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-2026-peak-tonight-viewing-times-locations-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/775830\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t miss the Eta Aquarid meteor shower 2026 peak tonight! Viewing times, locations and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heads up, skywatchers! Don’t miss the Eta Aquarid meteor shower tonight, as activity peaks in the predawn hours of May 6.<\/p>\n

Under ideal conditions, it’s possible to see up to 60 meteors per hour when viewing from the Southern Hemisphere, but viewers in the Northern Hemisphere will see significantly fewer due to the Eta Aquarid radiant (the point in the sky the meteors appear to streak from) remaining low above the southeast horizon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But viewing conditions are not looking promising for the Eta Aquarids<\/a> this year. The peak occurs not long after the full moon<\/a> on May 1, meaning the moon<\/a> will still be about 81% illuminated during peak activity. Its bright light will wash out fainter meteors. However, that’s not to say the shower is not worth looking for if you’ve got clear skies. The Eta Aquarids are known for producing dazzling “Earthgrazers<\/a>” in the past, bright meteors emerging from Aquarius and skimming the atmosphere horizontally, leaving bright, colorful, long-lasting trails.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Where to look <\/p>\n

Aquarius constellation position<\/p>\n

Right ascension:<\/strong> 23 hours<\/p>\n

Declination:<\/strong> -15 degrees<\/p>\n

Latitudes: <\/strong>Between 65 and -90 degrees<\/p>\n

For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquarids will appear low on the horizon, emanating from the constellation Aquarius. For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquarids are one of the best meteor showers of the year as the radiant appears much higher in the sky.<\/p>\n

\n

\"the
\n<\/p>\n

The Eta Aquarids radiate from the constellation Aquarius. (Image credit: Jules-Pierre Malartre\/Starry Night)When to look<\/p>\n

The best time to look for the Eta Aquarids is in the early morning hours of May 6, just before dawn. By this time, Aquarius is at its highest in the sky (albeit still fairly low).<\/p>\n

\n

\"bright
\n<\/p>\n

Bright green meteor from the Eta Aquarid meteor shower captured from the Babcock Wildlife Management Area near Punta Gorda, Florida. (Image credit: Diana Robinson Photography via Getty Images)What are they?<\/p>\n

When you see an Aquarid meteor, you’re watching a tiny piece of Halley’s Comet<\/a> burn up in Earth’s atmosphere<\/a>. Halley’s Comet is a periodic comet<\/a> that returns to Earth’s vicinity once every 75 years or so. It was last here in 1986 and is projected to return in 2061. The comet, officially called 1P\/Halley, is named after English astronomer Edmond Halley.<\/p>\n

Viewing tips<\/p>\n

\n

\"Infographic
\n<\/p>\n

To successfully hunt for shooting stars you need to be prepared. (Image credit: Created in Canva by Daisy Dobrijevic)<\/p>\n