Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower · 2026
Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquariids are dust shed by Halley's Comet (1P/Halley), and they peak the night of May 5-6, 2026. NASA puts the overall rate near 50 meteors per hour, but because the radiant sits low for U.S. observers the Northern Hemisphere typically sees closer to 10 per hour, often as long, horizon-skimming 'earthgrazers.' A near-new Moon makes 2026 favorable. For an RV trip, Big Bend's full-hookup RV sites and famously dark skies make it a strong base.
Peak & active window
Peak night of May 5-6, 2026; active Apr 20 - May 21, 2026 (per NASA)
Rate & parent body
About 50/hr at peak overall; ~10/hr from the Northern Hemisphere · Parent comet: 1P/Halley (Halley's Comet) · Fast meteors and earthgrazers · New moon = favorable in 2026
Where to watch
Any dark, low-light-pollution site with a clear eastern horizon before dawn works; the radiant near Aquarius sits low for U.S. viewers, so the predawn hours are best.
Nearest RV base
Big Bend National Park, TX - the Rio Grande Village RV Park offers full-hookup RV sites, and NASA-dark Big Bend has the least light pollution of any National Park unit in the lower 48 states.
Watch it honestly
The ~50/hr figure is an ideal Southern-Hemisphere maximum; from the U.S. you should honestly expect far fewer, and clouds or light pollution cut that further. Aim for the dark hours just before dawn with a clear eastern horizon. No telescope is needed - dark-adapt your eyes for 20-30 minutes. Counts vary and are never guaranteed.
Confirm the peak timing and conditions with the source: NASA - Eta Aquarids .