One of the most anticipated annual meteor showers, the ETA Aquarids, is expected to peak this week, illuminating the night sky with dazzling streaks of light.
Following closely after the Lyrid meteor shower, the Aquarids meteors are renowned for their spectacular display, especially visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Fortunately, this event can be enjoyed worldwide, providing astronomy enthusiasts with a final opportunity to witness a meteor shower until the next one in July.
Originating from debris left behind by Halley's Comet, the Aquarids meteors are known for their long glowing trails as they streak across the sky, rather than appearing as fiery balls of light.
Here's everything you need to know about the ETA Aquarids meteor shower and how to observe it in 2025.
According to NASA, most meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by comets, resulting in meteoritic materials that burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating the phenomenon of "shooting stars."
The ETA Aquarids meteors are produced by debris from Halley's Comet, visible on Earth approximately every 76 years. As it returns to the inner solar system, it leaves behind rocky dust that forms the ETA Aquarids meteor shower each May, along with the Orionids in October.
The ETA Aquarids, active since April 19, are set to peak between May 5 and May 6 as Earth traverses the densest part of Halley's cosmic debris. While the meteors may be less bright post-peak, viewers can still enjoy the celestial display until around May 28.
To best observe the Aquarids meteor shower, it is recommended to view it during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. Time and Date offers detailed information on when and where to witness this natural spectacle.
The Aquarids will be visible globally, appearing anywhere in the sky, as long as clouds and bright moonlight do not obstruct the view.
For optimal viewing, head to the Southern Hemisphere, where the meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, higher in the sky compared to the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, ETA Aquarid meteors may appear as "Earthgrazers," long meteors skimming the Earth's surface at the horizon.
To fully appreciate the Aquarids meteor shower, escape the light pollution of cities and avoid street lights for the best visibility.