Meteor shower calendar 2026 | Royal Observatory
Want to see shooting stars? Check the key dates for major meteor showers in the UK in 2026, and how to see them in the night sky
www.rmg.co.ukHere are the latest widely reported details for May 2026 meteor showers.
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Eta Aquariids: Peak around May 5–6, 2026, with best viewing in the pre-dawn hours. Expect roughly 40–60 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions, though moonlight (waning gibbous through May) can reduce visible rates. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere typically have the best views, with northern observers still seeing activity but at reduced rates.[2][4][6]
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Eta Lyrids: Active May 5–14, peaking around May 10, 2026, at a modest rate of about 3–5 meteors per hour under dark skies; the Moon’s illumination will influence visibility.[1]
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Viewing tips: For Eta Aquariids, dawn is the favored window; block moonlight when possible and choose a dark, open-sky site with a clear horizon. The shower’s radiant lies near Aquarius and rises earlier for observers at mid-latitudes, aiding early morning viewing.[4][2]
Illustration example
- A simple “meteor shower forecast” chart could show: dates (May 4–7), expected hourly rates (0–60), Moon phase (waning gibbous to last quarter), and best viewing window (pre-dawn). This helps plan where and when to look.
Would you like me to pull a current viewing forecast for your exact location in New York City and generate a short viewing checklist or a lightweight sky-chart tailored to your local conditions? I can also summarize moon phase and optimal times for the May 2026 Eta Aquariids and Eta Lyrids for NYC.[2][4]