The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is back. It lights up the sky each May. This year, it will peak between May 5 and May 7. The shower comes from bits left behind by Halley’s Comet. These small bits hit Earth’s air and burn bright. They make fast, glowing lines in the sky.
What Makes the Eta Aquariids Special?
Halley’s Comet orbits the Sun every 76 years. Each time, it leaves a trail of dust. Earth moves through that trail twice a year. One of those times is in May. That’s when we get the Eta Aquariids. The other is in October, when the Orionids occur.
These meteors are fast. They move at about 66 kilometers per second. Many leave glowing trails that stay for a few seconds. Even though they are small—just grains of sand—they shine bright when they hit the air.
Best Time to Watch in the Northern Hemisphere
In the north, the best time to look is early in the morning. From places like the UK, try between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. On May 6, around 4:00 a.m., look to the east. That’s when Aquarius, the source point of the meteors, rises.
You may not see many meteors. But the ones you do see will be worth it. They are often bright and leave trails that last.
Better Viewing in the Southern Hemisphere
If you are in the southern part of the world, you’re lucky. The view is better there. Aquarius rises higher in the sky. That means you might see more meteors—up to 50 each hour if the sky is clear.
Try to find a dark spot. Stay away from city lights. Rural areas are best. Bring a warm coat or blanket. Mornings can be cold.
Tips for the Best Viewing
You don’t need a telescope. Just your eyes and a dark spot. Here’s how to get ready:
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark. It takes about 20 minutes.
- Lie back on a blanket or chair. Face the open sky.
- Don’t use phones or flashlights. Bright lights hurt night vision.
- Look east, but keep your eyes on the whole sky.
Stay outside for at least an hour. Meteors often come in bursts. If you wait, you may see more.
Halley’s Comet: The Source of the Show
Halley’s Comet was last seen in 1986. It will return in 2061. People all over the world saw it back then. The dust it left behind now gives us this meteor shower.
When you see a meteor, you are looking at a piece of space history. Some bits may be hundreds of years old. It’s a direct link to a famous comet that has passed by Earth for centuries.
More Than Just a Light Show
Watching a meteor shower can be fun for all. Families can turn it into a night of stargazing. It’s a great way to teach kids about space. Schools and science groups may even hold events.
You don’t have to be an expert. Just go outside, look up, and enjoy. People around the world are watching the same sky. It’s a shared moment of awe.
The Eta Aquariids remind us how vast and beautiful space is. It’s not just science—it’s a moment to pause and dream. If you miss this one, don’t worry. The Perseids will be back in August.