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Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower Set to Peak May 6

Stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere can expect up to 50 meteors per hour, while Northern Hemisphere viewers may see 10–20 during pre-dawn hours.

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The Eta Aquarids — the cosmic crumbs left behind by Halley’s Comet tails — are set to light up skies across Australia next week.
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Overview

  • The Eta Aquarids, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, will peak early on the morning of May 6, 2025, offering optimal viewing conditions before dawn.
  • Southern Hemisphere observers are favored with meteor rates of up to 50 per hour, while Northern Hemisphere viewers can expect 10–20 meteors per hour.
  • The meteors, traveling at speeds up to 65 km/s, often leave glowing trails that can last several seconds to minutes.
  • The shower radiates from the constellation Aquarius, specifically near the star Eta Aquarii, and is best viewed in dark, rural areas away from city lights.
  • NASA and experts recommend allowing at least 20 minutes for eyes to adjust to the dark and looking east–southeast for the best experience.