Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower 2025: Everything You Need to Know to Catch the Shooting Stars

A spectacular celestial event is lighting up the night sky this May — the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. Known for its fast, glowing meteors, this annual event offers a prime opportunity for stargazers to witness nature’s fireworks, especially in the early morning hours between May 5 and May 6, 2025.

Caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, the Eta Aquarids (also spelled Aquariids) streak across the sky at incredible speeds, leaving glowing trails that can last several seconds or even minutes. While not as well-known as the Perseids or Geminids, the Eta Aquarids are a favorite among seasoned skywatchers—particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, where visibility is best.

When to Watch the Eta Aquarids

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower first became active on April 19 and will remain visible through May 28, but the best viewing window will be overnight on May 5 into the early hours of May 6. This is when Earth passes through the densest part of the cometary debris trail left by Halley’s Comet.