About Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peak
The Eta Aquariids peak around May 5–6, and they carry celebrity pedigree: every meteor is a fragment of Halley's Comet, shed over centuries and crossed by Earth each May. The countdown above targets the next peak.
This is the southern hemisphere's best shower — up to 50 meteors per hour from Australia or Brazil — while northern observers catch 10–30 swift "earthgrazers" skimming the horizon in the hour before dawn. The meteors are among the fastest of any shower at 66 km/s, leaving long glowing trains. Halley itself returns in 2061; until then, this is its annual postcard.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Thursday, May 6, 2027next |
| 2028 | Saturday, May 6, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 6, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, May 6, 2030 |
| 2031 | Tuesday, May 6, 2031 |
FAQ
When do the Eta Aquariids peak?
Around May 5–6 every year, with good rates for several mornings around the peak.
Are they really from Halley's Comet?
Yes — both the Eta Aquariids (May) and Orionids (October) are debris from Halley's orbit burning up in our atmosphere.
What is the best time to watch?
The pre-dawn hours, when the radiant in Aquarius rises — southern-hemisphere skies get the strongest show.