Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Set to Light Up Sydney Skies This May

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Another month, another stellar event set to adorn Sydney’s skies. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, May’s most anticipated celestial display, will peak overnight from May 5 to 6.

Beyond its radiant beauty, the Eta Aquarids are known for their exceptionally bright streaks, with up to 50 fast-moving meteors per hour expected at peak activity. Tempted to catch the show? Here’s your complete viewing guide.

What is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower?

Citing Star Walk and TimeOut, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is a rapid and notoriously unpredictable celestial event that occurs each May when Earth crosses the debris stream of Halley’s Comet. What makes this display especially mesmerizing is the speed at which the meteors hit the atmosphere, estimated at around 65 km/second, causing them to burn up into bright, glowing streaks.

Best time to view the Eta Aquarid meteor shower

Projected to peak overnight from May 5 to 6, the best time to view the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is typically during the pre-dawn hours. Based on previous patterns, activity is strongest between 2 AM and 6 AM local time, so be sure to set your alarm and head out during these hours for the best chance of catching the show.

How to see the Eta Aquarid meteor shower in Sydney?

In Sydney, focus your gaze on the northern horizon near the point of the Aquarius constellation during peak hours. Don’t worry if you spend a while looking up without spotting anything, noting that meteor showers are famously unpredictable.

When it comes to equipment, stargazers won’t need any fancy gear for the Eta Aquarid. Just pick a spot with clear skies, away from city lights, and let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 30 minutes.

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