It's not every day that you get to see shooting stars, but there's a dazzling celestial event coming right up that we think is worth the effort of seeing.
The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is set to peak on May 6 and 7. It's tipped to be one of the best – if not the best – meteor showers of the year, with up to 60 meteors per hour visible under clear conditions during peak night.
You can thank Halley's Comet for the show, which leaves a train of debris as it sweeps through the solar system. The Earth occasionally crosses paths with this "rubble", which burns up spectacularly in our atmosphere, leaving long, glowing trains that we see as shooting stars.
If you're an avid stargazer or just keen for some celestial excitement here in Asia, then here's a guide to catching the Eta Aquariids this May.
What is the Eta Aquariids meteor shower?
It's an annual meteor shower that occurs when Earth crosses the trail of debris left by Halley's Comet. It's considered a strong meteor shower, with up to 60 meteors per hour visible under ideal conditions during peak night. These meteors enter our atmosphere at around 65 kilometres per second, producing streaks of light in the sky.
These meteors appear to originate from the constellation Aquarius, specifically from the star Eta Aquarii, hence the name Eta Aquariids.
When is the 2025 Eta Aquariids meteor shower?
The meteor shower is already active! This year, it occurs between April 20 and May 21.
When does the 2025 Eta Aquariids meteor shower peak?
The Eta Aquariids are expected to peak from May 6 to 7.
When is the best time to watch the 2025 Eta Aquariids meteor shower?
Science Centre Singapore recommends watching the meteor shower at 3 am. This is when the radiant point of the meteor shower is higher in the night sky. It's also after the bright gibbous moon sets, so there's no need to worry about its glow drowning out the meteor shower.
How can I see the Eta Aquariid meteor shower?
First, make sure you're in a dark location away from blinding city lights and other sources of light pollution. There's no need for binoculars or a telescope, but give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Locate the Aquarius constellation, but don't stare directly at it. Instead, scan the area around the constellation and look out for stars with long trains shooting across the sky.
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