As autumn leaves drift across Australia and the Southern Hemisphere transitions into cooler months, a spectacular celestial show awaits skywatchers across the country. The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, one of the most impressive meteor displays of the year, is set to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 May.
This year’s viewing conditions are particularly favourable for Australians. With the Moon setting before the peak viewing time, a dark, moonless sky will allow more meteors to be visible – weather permitting, of course.
A bright Eta Aquarid fireball illuminates the sky over Mount Bromo in Indonesia on 5 May 2013. [Photo credit: Justin Ng]
What is the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower?
The Eta Aquariid (pronounced ee-tuh ah-KWAR-ee-id) meteor shower is an annual event caused by debris from the famous Halley’s Comet. As Earth passes through the trail of dust and particles left by the comet, these small fragments collide with our atmosphere at high speeds, creating brilliant streaks of light.
The shower is known for its fast-moving meteors, travelling at speeds of around 66 kilometres per second. Many leave behind glowing trails that can last several seconds. The Eta Aquariids are active from late April to late May, but they typically peak in early May, offering the best viewing opportunities.
Astrophotographer Petr Horálek captured the Eta Aquariids, planets in conjunction, zodiacal light, and the Milky Way near Chile’s Chajnantor observatory in 2022.
When and Where to See It
In 2025, the peak is expected around 2am on Wednesday, 7 May, although Australians will have decent chances to view meteors from Monday night (5 May) through Thursday morning (8 May). The best time to catch the meteors is during the pre-dawn hours, between 3am and 5am, when the radiant point – the spot in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate – is at its highest.
The radiant lies in the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquarii, which gives the shower its name. For those stargazing in Sydney, the north-eastern sky will be your best bet. In fact, from anywhere in Australia, you’ll want to face northeast, scanning the sky just above the horizon.
According to astronomers, those in northern parts of Australia (such as Queensland and the Northern Territory) may catch up to 22 meteors an hour under ideal conditions. Southern regions like Victoria or Tasmania may see slightly fewer meteors, but the show will still be impressive.
A photo of an Eta Aquariid meteor taken in Wyoming in 2013. [Credit: David Kingham. Image via Flickr]
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
To maximise your chances of catching the Eta Aquariids:
- Head to a dark location, away from city lights and streetlamps. National parks, beaches, or rural areas are ideal.
- Arrive early to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness – this can take up to 30 minutes.
- Lie down or recline to get a wide view of the sky, and make sure to dress warmly – May nights can be chilly.
- Avoid using your phone or other bright screens, which can disrupt your night vision.
- Bring a blanket or a deck chair, snacks, and maybe even a thermos of tea or coffee for comfort during the wait.
If you’re unsure where to look, stargazing apps can help you locate the Aquarius constellation and track the radiant point throughout the night.
Why This Year Is Special
Meteor showers are often affected by moonlight, which can wash out the fainter meteors. However, in 2025, the Moon will have set before the peak hours, leaving a darker sky that enhances visibility. As long as the weather holds up, this should be one of the best years in recent memory to witness the Eta Aquariids.
Dr Laura Driessen, an astronomer from the University of Sydney, noted that this is a particularly beautiful meteor shower for Southern Hemisphere viewers. “It’s absolutely worth the early alarm,” she said. “The Eta Aquariids always deliver a magical experience when skies are clear.”
Halley’s Comet, the source of the Eta Aquariid in May and Orionid in October, will light up the sky with Eta Aquariid meteors on May 5. [Credit: NASA]
The Story Behind the Meteors
The dust particles responsible for this dazzling display are remnants of Halley’s Comet, the most famous comet in recorded history. Halley’s Comet completes an orbit around the Sun roughly every 76 years and was last seen from Earth in 1986. It will return again in 2061.
As Halley travels through the solar system, it sheds ice and dust, which lingers in space. Twice a year, Earth crosses this trail – once in May, creating the Eta Aquariids, and again in October, producing the Orionid meteor shower.
While each meteor may be no larger than a grain of rice, their immense speed causes them to burn brightly upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, producing the shooting stars we see.
One Last Tip: Be Patient
Meteor showers are famously unpredictable. You might see nothing for several minutes, then witness a burst of activity as multiple meteors flash across the sky. Staying out for at least an hour gives you the best chance of experiencing the full show.
University of Southern Queensland astronomer Dr Rebecca McElroy advises viewers not to give up too soon. “It’s a waiting game, but when those meteors start flying, it’s magical,” she said.
So, set your alarm, grab a blanket, and head outdoors. You just might catch a piece of cosmic history blazing through the sky — a reminder of the wonders above us, night after night.
