Get ready to witness a spectacular celestial event – the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. Occurring in the Southern Hemisphere, this annual shower is considered one of the best due to its frequent appearance and high meteors per hour rate.
The shower is caused by Earth crossing Halley’s comet’s orbital path, shedding small grains of rock and dust that strike our planet’s atmosphere, producing a dazzling meteor display. The best times to view the Eta Aquariid meteor shower are in the early morning hours on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with optimal viewing conditions expected after the moon sets by 3 a.m.
Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect around 10-20 meteors per hour between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., while those in the Southern US and Southern Hemisphere could see many more. The meteors streak behind them, producing visible trains that linger for seconds after they zip by.
To maximize your viewing experience, find an open area with minimal city lights, dress comfortably, and give your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. With proper preparation, you can witness a stunning celestial display under the Eta Aquariid meteor shower’s peak this weekend.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/03/science/eta-aquariid-meteor-shower