Eta Aquarid meteor shower 2026: A bright moon may spoil the show
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley’s comet, will peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, but a bright waning gibbous moon (84% full) will reduce visibility.
- Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can expect up to 50 meteors per hour during the peak, though the moon may cut that number in half; Northern Hemisphere viewers will likely see fewer than 10 meteors per hour.
- The best viewing time is just before dawn, away from city lights and tall buildings, looking east near the constellation Aquarius and the bright star Eta Aquarii.
- Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets, resulting in streaks of light as the particles burn up in the atmosphere; Halley’s comet returns approximately every 76 years, next due in 2061.
- Experts recommend bringing blankets and lawn chairs, avoiding phone screens to allow eyes to adjust to darkness, and experiencing the meteor shower firsthand for the most rewarding viewing.
