Florida’s bright moon will dim Eta Aquarids meteor shower

The quick-firing Eta Aquarids will shoot across Florida skies in the early hours between May 5 and May 6.

Floridians who are willing to stay up to see the Eta Aquarid meteor shower may be able to see spectacular incandescent bits of debris from passing meteors, according to NASA.

Unlike last month’s Lyrid meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids will only have about 10 meteors per hour due to the moon’s brightness. Here’s what Florida Panhandle residents need to know to catch a peek at the meteor shower.

What makes the Eta Aquarids meteor shower special?

Eta Aquarid meteors hail from Halley’s comet, which was last seen by casual observers in our solar system in 1986, according to NASA.

The meteors are known for being quite fast, shooting across the sky at 40.7 miles per second. Their speed is responsible for the long trains of debris that follow in the wake of the meteors.

Stargazers can usually catch the Eta Aquarids meteor shower when they peak in early May.

When is the best time to see Eta Aquarids meteor shower in the Florida Panhandle?

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak in the early morning hours between May 5 and May 6. The sky over the Florida Panhandle will be darkest around 12:45 a.m., but the moon’s luminosity and moderage cloud coverage will obscure views of the shower.

Where to look for Eta Aquarids meteor shower in the sky?

Look for Eta Aquarid meteors in the eastern sky, near the constellation Aquarius. The meteors originate from the area of the constellation that features one of its brightest stars, Eta Aquarii, according to NASA.

Here’s some more specific information regarding where to look in Pensacola, provided by TimeandDate.com.

The direction is in reference to true north, and the altitude measures height in degrees over horizon.

How cloudy will it be?

View of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will be further obscured by sky coverage, according to the National Weather Service. Sky coverage is forecast to be about 55% at 1 a.m. on May 5, and 48% by 4 a.m.

Tips to see Eta Aquarids meteor shower

Seeing the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will require a bit of luck in the Panhandle. Here are some tips to help you have the best chance of catching a meteor:

• Skies in the Florida Panhandle should be darkest around 12:45 a.m., making it the best time to see the Eta Aquarids.
• Find a spot with as little light pollution as possible, like the beach or rural areas.
• Bring something comfortable to sit or lie on, like a lawn chair, blanket or sleeping bag.
• Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

When is the next meteor shower?

There will be a gap between meteor showers following the Eta Aquarids. The Southern delta Aquarids will peak on the night of July 30.

2026 meteor shower calendar

Popular showers, like the Perseids, Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, are just a few months away.

The following meteor showers are still ahead in 2026, according to the American Meteor Society:

• Southern delta Aquarids – July 12 to Aug. 23; peaks on the night of July 30
• Alpha Capricornids – July 3 to Aug. 15; peaks on the night of July 30
• Perseids – July 17 to Aug. 24; peaks on the night of Aug. 12
• Orionids – Oct. 2 to Nov. 7; peaks on the night of Oct. 21
• Southern Taurids – Sept. 20 to Nov. 20; peaks on the night of Nov. 4
• Northern Taurids – Oct. 20 to Dec. 10; peaks on the night of Nov. 11
• Leonids – Nov. 6 to Nov. 30; peaks on the night of Nov. 16
• Geminids – December 4, 2026 to Dec. 17; peaks on the night of Dec. 13
• Ursids – Dec. 17 to Dec. 26; peaks on the night of Dec. 21
• Quadrantids – Dec. 28, 2026 to Jan. 12, 2027; peaks on the night of Jan. 3, 2027