2026 Eta Aquariid meteor shower best before dawn on May 5
May's Eta Aquariid meteor shower is best in 2026 on the morning of May 5. Find a way to block the moonlight and watch in the hours before dawn.
earthsky.orgHere’s a concise update on the Eta Aquariids meteor shower.
- The Eta Aquariids are associated with debris from Halley’s Comet and typically peak in early May, often with a good show before dawn under dark skies.[1][5]
- For 2026, observers are often advised to catch the pre-dawn sky around May 5–6, with a crescent Moon helping darkness but still requiring clear skies for best visibility.[4][1]
- Typical viewing conditions favor low light pollution, an unobstructed horizon, and patience to spot fast, faint meteors that streak near the horizon. Earthgrazers (long, low trajectories) can be memorable when visible.[2][1]
If you’d like, I can tailor tips for Valletta (your location) and fetch the latest local forecast and moon phase for optimal nights. I can also pull a short, location-specific viewing plan for the coming weekend.[1][4]