Eta Aquarid 2026: Predawn meteor peak amid a bright Moon and horizon-wide viewing

Space.com reports the Eta Aquarid meteor shower should peak in the predawn hours of May 6, 2026. Southern Hemisphere observers could see as many as ~60 meteors per hour, while Northern Hemisphere viewers will see fewer because the radiant stays low in the southeast. The peak follows the May 1 full Moon (about 81% illuminated), so moonlight will wash out fainter meteors, though dramatic Earthgrazers can still appear under dark skies. The meteors originate from Halley’s Comet debris, radiate from Aquarius, and are best seen from a dark location before dawn. Allow 20–30 minutes for night vision to adjust, plan to watch for an hour or two, stay warm, and consider using a camera for long-exposure captures if conditions permit.