The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak on the mornings of May 4-6, 2025, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars. The shower is active from April 15 through May 27 and is caused by Halley’s Comet left behind hundreds of years ago.
Observers in the southern USA can expect optimal viewing conditions during this time, with minimal lunar interference until May 5th. However, on subsequent mornings, moonlight will increasingly affect the visibility of the meteors. The radiant of the shower lies just below the horizon for ideal viewing, and observers should aim to view from the darkest skies possible.
For best results, observe when the radiant is located in a favorable zone near 45 degrees elevation, which corresponds to local daylight-saving time between 02:00 and 04:00. In mid-northern latitudes, radio meteor scatter enthusiasts can enjoy this activity during daylight hours centered at 08:00.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower produces meteors with varying brightness levels, including “earthgrazers” that skim the upper layers of the atmosphere. Observers are encouraged to record data on these meteors and share it with other observers using online forms provided by the International Meteor Organization. By doing so, they can contribute to a better understanding of this spectacular event.
The Eta Aquariid shower is expected to offer strong meteor activity until late July, making it an excellent opportunity for astronomers and enthusiasts to witness its beauty.
Source: https://www.amsmeteors.org/2025/04/viewing-the-eta-aquariid-meteor-shower-in-2025