Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower Reaches Peak Activity

Peak Viewing Window

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is reaching its peak activity, providing stargazers with the highest rate of visible meteors. The peak is occurring overnight from Tuesday, May 5, into the early hours of Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Specifically, activity is expected to peak during the predawn hours of May 6.

This event follows the Lyrid meteor shower, which occurred approximately two weeks prior. While a small number of stray meteors are typically visible on any given night under dark skies, the peak of the Eta Aquarids significantly increases the frequency of these sightings.

Origins and Duration

The Eta Aquarids are caused by debris left behind by Halley's Comet. As Earth passes through this trail of comet debris, the particles enter the atmosphere and create the visual effect of shooting stars.

The shower is a prolonged astronomical event, having begun on April 19. It is scheduled to continue until May 28.

Viewing Challenges and Tips

Observers may face difficulties viewing the shower due to lunar interference. A bright waning gibbous moon is expected to rise shortly after midnight, which could obscure many of the fainter meteors in the sky.

For those unable to view the event in person or facing poor local conditions, livestreams are available. These streams provide views of the meteors from various sky cams and observatories located around the world.