A night sky illustration showing faint meteor streaks above a dark landscape, with a large bright moon partially obscuring the view.
A night sky illustration showing faint meteor streaks above a dark landscape, with a large bright moon partially obscuring the view.

This year’s Eta Aquarid display will be fainter than usual due to moonlight. If you have a friend who loves stargazing or celestial events, they might appreciate knowing what to ex

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Moonlight may dim Halley’s comet meteor show Story flow and key facts

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, one of two annual displays caused by debris from Halley’s comet, is set to peak in early May 2026. Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere typically see up to 50 meteors per hour during the peak, while those in the Northern Hemisphere usually spot fewer than 10. This year, the display will be significantly affected by a bright waning gibbous moon, which will be 84% illuminated and may obscure fainter meteors.

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left behind by comets. The Eta Aquarids originate from Halley’s comet, which orbits the sun every 76 years and is next expected to pass near Earth in 2061. Despite the moon’s glare, some bright fireballs may still be visible just before dawn, especially when viewed from dark, open areas away from city lights.

To improve viewing chances, experts recommend looking toward the eastern sky near the constellation Aquarius and the star Eta Aquarii. Allowing eyes to adjust to the dark and avoiding phone screens can also help. While this year’s conditions aren’t ideal, the event still offers a rare chance to witness remnants of one of the most famous comets in history.

Facts

  • The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on the night of May 5 into the morning of May 6, 2026.
  • The moon will be 84% full, reducing visibility of fainter meteors during the peak.
  • Southern Hemisphere viewers typically see up to 50 meteors per hour; Northern Hemisphere viewers may see fewer than 10.
  • The Eta Aquarids are made of debris from Halley’s comet, which last passed Earth in 1986 and will return in 2061.
  • Best viewing is just before dawn, looking toward the constellation Aquarius, away from city lights.

AI-assisted explainer reconstructed from multiple media reports. Editorial policy

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