Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peaks on May 6th, Moonlight Steals the Show, Affecting Viewing Conditions
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will reach its peak on May 6th, but due to strong moonlight, viewing conditions will be poor, with fewer than 10 meteors expected per hour. The Taipei Astronomical Museum recommends observing from an open area facing east.
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- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 11:41
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Central News Agency (Reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, 2nd) – The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, originating from Halley's Comet, will reach its peak on the 6th. The Taipei Astronomical Museum stated that the best viewing period will be from early morning until dawn on that day, but due to the waxing gibbous moon and strong moonlight interference, the expected number of visible meteors per hour will be less than 10.
The Taipei Astronomical Museum today issued a press release stating that the May night sky offers two noteworthy celestial events. First is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, peaking on the 6th, followed by a series of beautiful planetary conjunctions with the moon appearing from mid to late May.
According to the museum's astronomical forecast, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is active from April 19th to May 28th, with its peak on May 6th. Normally, the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) is about 50 meteors per hour, but due to moonlight interference that evening, viewing conditions are relatively unfavorable, and the expected number of visible meteors per hour will be less than 10.
The Astronomical Museum stated that the Eta Aquarid meteor shower originates from Halley's Comet and will rise from the east at 1:30 AM on the 6th. The best viewing period is until dawn. Its characteristics include high speed and brightness, often accompanied by meteor trails lasting several seconds. The museum suggests that the public find an open area, lie down facing away from the moon, and include the entire sky in their view to increase their chances of catching a meteor.
In addition, the Astronomical Museum stated that in the early mornings of the 14th and 15th, Saturn and Mars will appear in the low eastern sky, not far from the crescent moon. On the 19th and 20th, Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent moon will dance in the western sky, creating a beautiful celestial scene. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150502
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The Taipei Astronomical Museum today issued a press release stating that the May night sky offers two noteworthy celestial events. First is the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, peaking on the 6th, followed by a series of beautiful planetary conjunctions with the moon appearing from mid to late May.
According to the museum's astronomical forecast, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is active from April 19th to May 28th, with its peak on May 6th. Normally, the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) is about 50 meteors per hour, but due to moonlight interference that evening, viewing conditions are relatively unfavorable, and the expected number of visible meteors per hour will be less than 10.
The Astronomical Museum stated that the Eta Aquarid meteor shower originates from Halley's Comet and will rise from the east at 1:30 AM on the 6th. The best viewing period is until dawn. Its characteristics include high speed and brightness, often accompanied by meteor trails lasting several seconds. The museum suggests that the public find an open area, lie down facing away from the moon, and include the entire sky in their view to increase their chances of catching a meteor.
In addition, the Astronomical Museum stated that in the early mornings of the 14th and 15th, Saturn and Mars will appear in the low eastern sky, not far from the crescent moon. On the 19th and 20th, Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent moon will dance in the western sky, creating a beautiful celestial scene. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150502
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship of yours is the power to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.