Forty Fiery Arrows Per Hour: Peak Activity of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower Expected on May 6

The Eta Aquarids Meteors Owe Their Existence to Halley's Comet, Observed in 1986

On May 6, 2025, Russian astronomers will be able to observe the impressive Eta Aquarids meteor shower. According to experts from the Moscow Planetarium, enthusiasts will be able to see up to 40 meteors per hour.

Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

This unique astronomical phenomenon will begin in the constellation Aquarius. The best visibility is expected in the Southern Hemisphere. Russians will be able to observe the meteor shower shortly before dawn on the southeastern horizon.

The peak activity of the May Aquarids will occur on the night of May 6, 2025, at 6:00 AM Moscow time. Up to 40 meteors per hour are expected.
Experts from the Moscow Planetarium

This impressive meteor shower is a direct legacy of Halley's Comet. Twice a year, our planet passes through the dust trail left by it. The comet itself, which gave rise to this celestial show, rarely appears in the field of view of earthlings — it was last observed in 1986, and the next appearance is expected only in 2061.

Eta Aquarid meteors are characterized by high speed and often leave bright trails that can remain visible for several seconds. This makes them especially attractive for observation even without special equipment.

Experts advise starting observations around 03:00 AM Moscow time to catch the maximum number of meteors. In clear weather, the chances of seeing this natural phenomenon are very high.

For those who cannot observe the phenomenon in person, many observatories are planning a live broadcast of the meteor shower in real-time.

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