Okay, maybe this sounds like clickbait—but it’s not entirely misleading. No, Halley’s Comet itself isn’t set to return to Earth’s skies until 2061, but the spectacular light show created by its lingering cosmic debris is very real and happening right now.
On the nights of May 5 and 6, 2025, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower will reach its peak, dazzling skywatchers around the world with one of the most beautiful and dynamic meteor displays of the year. These fast-falling, glowing streaks across the sky are not random; they are the fiery footprints of one of the most iconic celestial travelers in human history—Halley’s Comet.
The Eternal Trail of Halley’s Comet
When we think of Halley’s Comet, we usually imagine its dramatic sweep across the heavens, visible to the naked eye roughly every 76 years. The last time we saw it was in 1986, and many of us (fingers crossed) will be around for its next grand entrance in 2061. But even in its absence, Halley’s Comet continues to shape our sky—and the Eta Aquariids are living proof.
Officially known as 1P/Halley, the comet has been tracked for centuries. Its appearances have been documented since at least 240 BCE, and possibly as far back as 466 BCE. What’s less widely known is that Halley doesn’t just put on a show when it visits—it leaves a trail of debris in its wake that Earth passes through twice each year.
One of those times is in early May, when our planet crosses through this ancient cosmic dust trail. Each tiny particle, most no larger than a grain of sand, hits Earth’s atmosphere at astonishing speeds—around 66 kilometers per second (that’s over 148,000 mph). As these particles burn up in the atmosphere, they become meteors—the brilliant “shooting stars” that captivate skywatchers.
What Makes the Eta Aquariids So Special?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is one of two meteor showers associated with Halley’s Comet (the other being the Orionids in October). While both are visually stunning, the Eta Aquariids are often considered more impressive, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
This shower is known for:
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Fast-moving meteors: Their extreme speed can result in bright, long-lasting trails.
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Persistent trains: Many meteors leave glowing streaks in the sky that linger for several seconds.
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Earthgrazers: Occasionally, meteors will skim across the atmosphere at shallow angles, producing dramatic, slow-moving arcs of light across the horizon.
At its peak, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere may see up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate is lower—typically between 10 and 20 per hour—but still very much worth staying up (or waking up) for.
When and How to Watch the Eta Aquariids
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is active from April 15 to May 27, but the best viewing will happen on the early mornings of May 5 and May 6, when the shower reaches its peak. The ideal time to watch is just before dawn, typically between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time.
Here are some tips to maximize your experience:
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Get away from city lights: Light pollution can significantly reduce how many meteors you see. Aim for a dark-sky location like a park, a rural area, or even a rooftop.
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Give your eyes time to adjust: It takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to darkness. Avoid looking at phones or flashlights, as this can reset your night vision.
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Dress warmly and lie down: Even in May, pre-dawn hours can be chilly. Wear layers, bring a blanket, and recline so you can comfortably watch the sky without straining your neck.
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Be patient: Meteor showers don’t follow a strict schedule. Some minutes might pass without a single streak, then several meteors might flash across the sky in a row.
Where in the Sky to Look
The radiant—the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate—is in the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquarii (hence the name). While meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, tracing their paths will reveal they seem to come from this region.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Aquarius rises higher in the sky during the early morning hours, making for an ideal viewing window. In the Northern Hemisphere, the radiant remains closer to the horizon, which slightly reduces visibility—but meteors will still be visible across the entire sky.
Capturing the Moment: How to Photograph the Eta Aquariids
If you want to preserve this cosmic moment, here are some photography tips that will help you capture those fleeting streaks of light:
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Use a tripod – Stability is key to sharp night sky images.
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Choose a wide-angle lens – This lets you capture a larger portion of the sky.
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Use long exposures – Settings like 15 to 30 seconds will let you catch the light trail of a meteor.
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Manual focus to infinity – Autofocus won’t work well in low light, so manually focus on a bright star or distant light.
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Remote shutter or timer – Prevent camera shake by avoiding physical contact during exposure.
Take multiple shots in a row—you’ll increase your chances of capturing a meteor.
A Global Spectacle With Ancient Roots
Although the Eta Aquariids shine brightest in the Southern Hemisphere, this is a global event, visible from nearly anywhere on Earth with a clear, dark sky. There’s something profound in watching these meteors, knowing they are fragments of a comet that has passed through our solar system countless times—perhaps even witnessed by ancient civilizations.
It’s not just a sky show—it’s a connection to deep time. The particles you’re watching burn up tonight were once part of a comet that whizzed past Earth centuries ago. These tiny remnants of Halley’s Comet have waited, drifting silently through space, until now—when they collide with our atmosphere and light up the night.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Meteor Shower
In a world that often moves too fast and demands too much, moments like the Eta Aquariid meteor shower offer something rare: wonder. You don’t need a telescope, a science degree, or any special gear. All you need is a bit of time, a clear sky, and a willingness to look up.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone looking for a peaceful, inspiring moment under the stars, this event is worth your time. It’s a chance to witness the beauty of our universe—and to remember that even in the quiet of a spring night, the cosmos is alive with motion, memory, and light.
So set an early alarm. Grab a blanket. And join the ancient tradition of watching the sky light up with the remnants of one of humanity’s most legendary visitors.
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