How Many Days Until the Eta Aquariids?
Find out how many days are left until the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks in 2027, the exact date, and simple tips on how to watch it.
⏱️ Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Remaining Time Breakdown
- Total Months span: ~6.6 months
- Total Weeks factor: 28.6 weeks
- Business Days Left: 144 Days
- Target Day: Thursday
What Is the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower?
The Eta Aquariids are a fast, bright meteor shower that appears every May. They are named after the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius, near the point where the meteors seem to radiate.
This shower is famous for its speed. Eta Aquariid meteors race into the atmosphere at around 40 miles per second, and many leave long glowing trails that can linger for several seconds after they pass.
The Eta Aquariids are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics, where they can produce up to 40 or 50 meteors an hour. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere see fewer, but the fast, bright meteors still make it worth a look.
When Can You See the Eta Aquariids in 2027?
The Eta Aquariids peak on Thursday, May 6, 2027. The shower stays active for several weeks around this date, giving a wider window than many other showers.
The best time to watch is in the hours just before dawn, when the constellation Aquarius rises. For northern viewers especially, that pre-dawn window is key, since the radiant sits low in the sky.
Where Do the Eta Aquariids Come From?
The Eta Aquariids come from the most famous comet of all, Halley's Comet. This is the same legendary comet that gives us the Orionids in October, making it responsible for two showers each year.
Although Halley's Comet itself only passes by roughly every 76 years, Earth crosses the trail of dust it has left behind twice annually. In May, that crossing produces the Eta Aquariids, built from tiny fragments the comet has shed over thousands of years.
How to Watch the Eta Aquariids
No telescope or binoculars are needed for the Eta Aquariids. Because the meteors streak across wide stretches of the sky, your own eyes give the best view.
Find a dark location away from city lights, look toward the eastern sky before dawn, and let your eyes adjust for about twenty minutes. Since this shower favors the pre-dawn hours and lower latitudes, timing and a clear horizon make a big difference.