How to see the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in the UK this week, including peak times

Whether you find it beautiful or kind of terrifying, there’s nothing like looking up at a clear night sky to remind ourselves of our tiny place in the universe.

Amidst all the cool stuff going on up there, meteor showers are some of the most common celestial spectacles that we get to witness here on Earth. Last month it was the Lyrids meteor shower and this month it’s the turn of Eta Aquariid. Excitingly, the shower will peak this week – here’s everything you need to know about seeing it in the UK. 

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What is the Eta Aquariid meteor shower?

This shower is made up of debris from Halley’s Comet, the most famous comet in our solar system. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the shower is typically low in the sky and has a possible hourly rate of 50.

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower occurs around this time every year and its name comes from the constellation that it appears to radiate from: Aquarius. 

When will the Eta Aquariid be visible in the UK?

Even though the shower has been active since April 19 and will remain so until May 28, it’ll be at prime visibility later this week.

When do they peak?

The Eta Aquariid will reach peak activity between midnight and dawn on Monday, May 6. Conditions will be particularly good that night because it’s two days before the new moon, when the moon rises and sets with the sun and isn’t in the night sky. In other words, the night sky is dark and ripe for viewing meteors. 

How can I watch?

As with any other cosmic event, your best bet is to head outside and find somewhere away from light pollution with an unobstructed view of the night sky. There’s no need to bring any fancy equipment with you, you should be able to see the shower with the naked eye. Just prepare to play a bit of a waiting game.

To really increase your chances of a spectacular view, set up camp in one of the UK’s best stargazing spots.

When’s the next meteor shower in the UK?

Looking ahead, the next meteor showers will be the Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquariids, with both peaking on July 30. After that there will be the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks on August 12 and 13.