• The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, derived from Halley's Comet debris, peaks around May 6th.
• Southern Hemisphere viewers have better viewing conditions, potentially seeing up to 50 meteors per hour, while Northern Hemisphere viewers might see 10-20.
• Optimal viewing occurs after moonset (around 3 a.m. local time) and before dawn, away from city lights.

The annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower, created by space debris left behind by Halley's Comet, is set to peak around May 6th. This celestial event occurs as Earth passes through streams of dust and particles shed by the comet. While the shower is visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the Southern Hemisphere typically offers a more spectacular display due to the radiant of the shower being higher in the sky. Observers are advised to find dark locations away from city lights for the best viewing experience.

• What: The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is an annual event caused by Earth passing through debris from Halley's Comet. Meteors streak across the sky, appearing as shooting stars.
• Who: The event involves Halley's Comet, NASA, and skywatchers around the world.
• When: The meteor shower peaks around May 5-6, 2025, and is active from late April to late May. Best viewing is after 3 a.m. local time.
• Where: Visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with better viewing conditions generally in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower provides a biannual opportunity to witness the remnants of Halley's Comet, a celestial body that last visited the inner solar system in 1986. The shower's visibility varies depending on the observer's location, with the Southern Hemisphere experiencing a more pronounced display. Light pollution and the phase of the moon can significantly impact the number of meteors visible. The shower's extended activity period allows for multiple viewing opportunities.

Pretty fast meteors

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, originating from Halley's Comet debris, offers a celestial spectacle best viewed in the pre-dawn hours of May 5th and 6th, continuing until May 28th. While the shower is visible in both hemispheres, the Southern Hemisphere often provides a superior viewing experience due to the radiant's higher position in the sky. To optimize your viewing, seek dark locations away from city lights, lie flat on your back with your feet facing east, and allow your eyes to adjust for at least 30 minutes. Though moonlight may diminish visibility, patient observers in the Northern Hemisphere can still anticipate spotting meteors, potentially including earthgrazers—long meteors that skim the horizon. Remember to dress warmly and scan the entire sky, not just the radiant point in Aquarius, to fully appreciate this event.