The Eta Aquariids, a stunning meteor shower originating from Halley’s Comet, will illuminate the night sky tonight, May 5-6, 2025. This annual celestial event promises up to 60 shooting stars per hour under optimal conditions, making it a must-see for stargazers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, here’s everything you need to know about this Halley’s Comet meteor shower and how to catch the best views.

Peak Viewing Tonight: What to Expect from the Eta Aquariids

The Eta Aquariids, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, reach their peak on the night of May 5-6. According to NASA, observers in the southern hemisphere and tropical regions are in for a treat, as the Aquarius constellation—where the meteors appear to radiate from—will be high in the sky, offering unobstructed views. In contrast, those in northern latitudes may see fewer meteors but could witness spectacular “Earthgrazers,” which are longer, brighter meteors that skim the horizon.

The Moon, currently in its waxing gibbous phase, might interfere with fainter meteors earlier in the night. However, as it sets in the early morning hours, the sky will clear, providing ideal conditions for spotting shooting stars before dawn.

Why Halley’s Comet Makes the Eta Aquariids Special

Halley’s Comet, one of the most famous comets in history, is the source of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. While the comet itself won’t return to our skies until 2061, its debris continues to dazzle us annually with two meteor showers: the Eta Aquariids in May and the Orionids in October. As Earth passes through the comet’s debris cloud, tiny particles—often no larger than a grain of sand—burn up in the atmosphere, creating the luminous streaks we see as shooting stars.

Best Tips for Viewing the Halley’s Comet Meteor Shower

To make the most of the Eta Aquariids, NASA recommends the following:

• Avoid Light Pollution: Head to a dark, rural location away from city lights for the best visibility.
• Time Your Viewing: The hours before dawn are ideal, especially after the Moon sets, when the sky is darkest.
• Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for spotting meteors, so monitor local forecasts.

Southern Hemisphere Gets the Best View

The Eta Aquariids are more visible in the southern hemisphere because the Aquarius constellation is positioned higher in the sky, allowing for a clearer view of the meteor shower’s radiant point. In the northern hemisphere, the radiant remains closer to the horizon, reducing the number of visible meteors. However, northern observers might catch the occasional Earthgrazer, a meteor with a long, bright trail that appears to graze the horizon—a unique spectacle tied to Halley’s Comet debris.

What Is a Meteor Shower?

A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a cloud of debris left by a comet, such as Halley’s Comet, or an asteroid. These tiny particles burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating the glowing streaks we call shooting stars. Meteor showers are predictable, occurring at the same time each year as Earth crosses these debris clouds during its orbit around the Sun. The intensity of the shower depends on the density of the debris and Earth’s position, making some years more spectacular than others.