Oregonians are gearing up for the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which will peak in the early hours of May 6, 2026. However, a bright moon may dim the celestial display, making it harder to spot those shooting stars.
The Eta Aquarids are known for their long, lingering streaks rather than bright fireballs. Under ideal conditions, observers can see up to 50 meteors per hour. Yet, in the Northern Hemisphere, including Oregon, that number typically drops to between 10 and 30 meteors per hour due to light pollution and atmospheric conditions.
This year, the moon will be nearly full, which could obstruct a clear view of the night sky. According to local astronomer Nico Adams, “You’re looking for bright streaks that appear in the corner of your eye for a fraction of a second.” He emphasizes that stargazers should find a dark spot away from city lights for the best chance at spotting these meteors.
Key facts about the Eta Aquarids:
- The meteor shower is active from mid-April through late May each year.
- This year’s peak viewing will occur on May 6 during the early morning hours.
- The meteors travel at approximately 40 miles per second.
Despite the challenges posed by moonlight, Oregonians won’t need any special equipment to enjoy this celestial show. Teri Gee, an astronomy enthusiast from Portland, notes that “the farther south you are, the better you’ll see it,” suggesting that those willing to travel slightly away from urban areas might have a better experience.
The Eta Aquarids are caused by debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, which orbits the sun approximately every 76 years. This year marks nearly 3,000 years since Halley’s Comet last left its trail of debris that Earth is now passing through.
After the Eta Aquarids, stargazers can look forward to other meteor showers later in the summer. The Southern Delta Aquarids will be most active between July 30–31, followed by the Perseids peaking on August 12–13.
