The annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower is set to peak on the mornings of May 5 and 6, 2025, offering a spectacular celestial display for skywatchers. This long-duration shower, active from mid-April to late May, is caused by Earth passing through the debris left by Halley's Comet.
The best viewing opportunities will be in the Southern Hemisphere and southerly parts of the Northern Hemisphere, where observers can expect to see the radiant point rising in the constellation Aquarius. Under ideal conditions, viewers in the tropics and south of the equator might witness up to 60 meteors per hour. Those north of the equator can still enjoy the show, with expectations of 10 to 30 meteors per hour just before dawn.
For the 2025 Eta Aquariids, the moon will be in a waxing gibbous phase, with approximately 64% illumination. The moon will set around 3:00 a.m. local time, allowing for darker skies during the peak viewing hours before dawn. To maximize your chances of seeing the meteors, find a location with a clear, dark sky and an unobstructed view, particularly towards the east of south, about 40 degrees away from the southeast.