Eta Aquariids 2026
Debris from Halley's Comet, the Eta Aquariids are a pre-dawn shower of fast meteors that skim the atmosphere and leave long 'earthgrazer' streaks. Better from the southern US where the radiant rises higher.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
A waning gibbous moon competes with the 2026 peak, so favor the darker mornings a few days after.
How to watch the Eta Aquariids
- This is strictly a pre-dawn shower in the US, so set an alarm for 3:30-4 AM.
- Look for earthgrazers: long, slow, dramatic streaks near the horizon just as the radiant rises.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Eta Aquariids peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Eta Aquariids 2026: FAQ
›When do the Eta Aquariids peak in 2026?
Morning of May 6, 2026. The shower is active April 19 – May 28, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Eta Aquariids?
4 AM to dawn. The radiant (Aquarius (east, pre-dawn)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Eta Aquariids?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 50/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. A waning gibbous moon competes with the 2026 peak, so favor the darker mornings a few days after.
›Where do the Eta Aquariids come from?
Comet 1P/Halley. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 66 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Eta Aquariids?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.