Eta Aquariids 2027: peak on 6 May, Moon 0% lit
The Eta Aquariids peak on 6 May and are active from 19 April to 28 May. At the peak the Moon will be 0% lit: good conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 05:52 CEST, with about 16 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 19 April – 28 May
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 50 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 0% ·
- Radiant
- Aquarius (RA 338°, Dec -1°)
- Speed
- 66 km/s
- Parent body
- 1P/Halley
In 2028: peak on 5 May, Moon 89% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 05:52 CEST | 16 | 03:49 CEST | 7 hrs 30 mins |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 04:43 TRT | 17 | 02:38 TRT | 7 hrs 30 mins |
| São PauloBrazil | 05:37 BRT | 28 | 01:35 BRT | 11 hrs 10 mins |
| Mexico CityMexico | 05:11 CST | 32 | 02:12 CST | 9 hrs 20 mins |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | 05:24 BRT | 28 | 01:21 BRT | 11 hrs 10 mins |
| AnkaraTürkiye | 04:33 TRT | 18 | 02:22 TRT | 7 hrs 40 mins |
| BursaTürkiye | 04:50 TRT | 18 | 02:38 TRT | 7 hrs 40 mins |
| IzmirTürkiye | 05:01 TRT | 19 | 02:45 TRT | 7 hrs 50 mins |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | 06:34 ART | 35 | 02:25 ART | 11 hrs 30 mins |
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | 05:20 BRT | 28 | 01:25 BRT | 11 hrs |
* Estimate for a dark rural sky, taking the radiant’s altitude and the Moon into account. From a city you will see far fewer. Local time for each city.
ZHR: meteors per hour with the radiant overhead and a perfectly dark sky. In practice you see fewer.
How to watch
No telescope or binoculars needed. Find a dark spot away from lights, lie back looking at the highest part of the sky and give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt. Meteors appear in every direction; their trails point back to the radiant.
Frequently asked questions
What time are the most Eta Aquariids visible?
When the radiant is high and the sky is dark, usually in the second half of the night. From Madrid, on the peak night the best time is around 05:52 CEST.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 0% lit. Above 65 % with the Moon high, faint meteors are lost; try watching when the Moon is below the horizon, or with your back to it.
Source and accuracy
IAU 031 ETA