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In early May 2025, the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower will illuminate the night sky. This meteor shower is set to peak on May 5 and 6, but for optimal viewing, it is advisable to watch during the week leading up to these dates, as the waxing moon may interfere with visibility. Depending on your geographic location, observers can expect to witness between 10 to 50 shooting stars each hour.
Among the roughly 30 meteor showers visible from Earth annually, the Eta Aquariids stand out due to their association with the well-known Comet Halley. This historic comet was the first predicted by astronomers to be a recurring spectacle, making a pass near Earth approximately every 75 years.
Each May, Earth traverses the debris left behind by Halley, giving rise to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. The meteoroids, though smaller than a grain of sand, travel at speeds exceeding 200,000 kilometers per hour. This remarkable velocity generates significant energy, creating spectacular light displays as they streak across the sky. Regardless of how many times one witnesses this event, the thrill of watching such a captivating celestial phenomenon remains unchanged.
Below, astronomer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Phil Plait offers insights on how to experience the meteor shower in May, along with an explanation of the scientific principles that lead to this annual celestial display.
When is the best time to see the meteor shower?
The Eta Aquariids are active from April 19 to May 28. It’s crucial to consider the moon’s phases when planning your viewing session—darker skies enhance visibility.
On the peak nights of May 5 and 6, the moon will rise around 3:00 a.m. and will be more than half full, illuminating the sky before it sets. As the full moon on May 12 approaches, it will brighten and set later each night, making the week prior to May 6 the most favorable time for viewing.
Typically, meteor showers peak after midnight—this occurs because the Earth’s night side faces the direction of its orbit around the sun, allowing observers to see the meteors head-on. Therefore, late night and early morning, prior to dawn, offers the best hours for observation.
Where can you see the Eta Aquariid shower?
The shower can be seen from virtually anywhere on Earth; however, the radiant of the Eta Aquariids is positioned relatively low in the sky for many viewers in North America. Consequently, those in the United States may generally witness only 10 to 30 meteors per hour.
In contrast, the radiant is directly overhead for individuals near the equator, which means that countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Uganda, Kenya, and Indonesia will provide an exceptional viewing experience, with typical rates of up to 50 meteors per hour.
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www.cntraveler.com