The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks during the early hours of May 6, 2026. However, a bright moon may hinder visibility this year.
The Eta Aquarids are active annually from mid-April until late May. Under ideal conditions, they can produce up to 50 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, observers typically see closer to 10 to 30 meteors per hour.
Meteors from this shower travel at approximately 40 miles per second. They are known for their long streaks rather than bright fireballs. The meteors originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet.
Oregon is forecasted to have mostly clear skies during the peak hours. Yet, there is a 66% to 84% chance of cloud cover along the Oregon Coast, which could further obscure the view.
Expert opinions:
- Teri Gee noted, “The farther south you are, the better you’ll see it.”
- Nico Adams advised that viewers should look for bright streaks appearing in their peripheral vision.
- Experts assert that Oregonians won’t need any special equipment to enjoy the display.
The Eta Aquarids will remain active until May 28, 2026. Following this event, the Southern Delta Aquarids will be most active between July 30–31, and the Perseids will peak on August 12–13.
