A Bright Moon May Dim the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Made up of Halley’s Comet Debris
The shower could deliver fewer than 10 meteors an hour in the north as moonlight hides faint streaks, the American Meteor Society said.
- The Eta Aquarids peak overnight on May 5-6, 2026, as Earth passes through debris from Comet Halley. Particles impact the atmosphere at over 40.7 miles per second, creating streaks of light.
- Halley orbits the sun every 76 years, shedding debris that creates the annual shower. Sightings of the comet date back over 2,000 years, and it will next swing by Earth in 2061.
- An 84%-lit waning gibbous moon will flood the sky with moonlight after rising around midnight on May 5-6. This illumination will drop the hourly rate of visible shooting stars to below 10.
- Northern Hemisphere viewers face a modest display of 10-30 meteors per hour, while Southern Hemisphere observers may see up to 50. Teri Gee, manager of the Barlow Planetarium in Wisconsin, noted the view won't be as impressive in the north.
- For the best view, experts recommend venturing away from city lights just before dawn. Stargazers should look toward the constellation Aquarius, specifically near the bright star Eta Aquarii, while allowing eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
46 Articles
46 Articles
The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week, but a Bright Moon Might Spoil the Show
This annual event, which peaks on the night of May 5 into the next morning, comes from the trail of debris left by Halley's comet. It's best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, but skywatchers in the north can catch a glimpse
Eta Aquarid meteor shower may be dimmed by bright moonlight
NEW YORK — The Eta Aquarid meteor shower soon will light the sky with debris from Halley’s comet. But a bright moon will spoil the fun this year, making the display harder to glimpse. The shower will peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Viewers from the Southern Hemisphere typically see 50 meteors per hour during the peak, but the interfering moon could cut that number by half. In the north, skywatchers will likely see fewer than 10 per ho…
Associated Press News
A bright moon may dim the Eta Aquarid meteor shower made up of Halley's comet debris
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will soon light the sky with debris from Halley’s comet. But a bright moon will spoil the fun this year, making the display harder to glimpse.
Time Magazine
khbrknewsHere’s How to Best Watch the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower appears in the night sky in Kandalama, Sri Lanka, on May 5, 2024. —Thilina Kaluthotage—NurPhoto/Getty ImagesIn just a few days, you could have the chance to see a meteor shower at its peak.The Eta Aquarid meteor shower started nearly two weeks ago, and will continue for most of this month. But the best opportunity you have to see the most meteors streaking across the sky will be next week.Here’s everything you need …
When does the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peak?
When the Eta Aquariids peak—and why it’s tricky this year The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak May 5–6, producing “shooting star” streaks generated by debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. This year’s viewing conditions are complicated by a bright moon. Reports note that moonlight…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
