When to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower in Arizona this week

Be prepared to get up early if you'd like to see some shooting stars.

May 5, 2025

Image: A time-lapse photo of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in 2019.

A time-lapse photo of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in 2019. Paul Balfe/CC BY 2.0/Flickr (cropped)

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Skywatchers of Arizona, better set your alarms. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is set to peak during the early morning hours this week, causing a flurry of shooting stars to streak through the pre-dawn skies above our state.

The springtime astronomical phenomenon — which peaks on May 5 and 6 — will bring upward of 30 meteors per hour, each of which are born of the remnants of one of the world’s most famous comets.

As with any skywatching experience, it’s best to escape the light pollution of downtown Phoenix and other brightly lit areas to maximize your chances of seeing the most meteors.

Here’s a viewing guide for how to see the 2025 Eta Aquariids meteor shower in Arizona, including when and where to look.

When are the Eta Aquariids meteor shower?

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower occur every spring from late April through early May, peaking around May 5 and 6.

What do the Eta Aquariids have to do with Halley's comet?

The fabled comet is the source of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, as it leaves behind a trail of dust, ice and other particles on its 76-year journey around the solar system. Each spring, the Earth passes through this cosmic debris, which transforms into meteors after coming in contact with the atmosphere.

When is the best time to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower in Arizona?

While meteors from the Eta Aquariids will be visible throughout this month, the best viewing opportunity is during the shower’s peak on Monday and Tuesday when upwards of 10 to 15 shooting stars are visible per hour.

What time is the meteor shower tonight in Arizona?

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower will be most active during the pre-dawn hours between 3 and 5 a.m.

Where should you look to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower in Arizona?

Look toward the southern sky near the constellation Aquarius, approximately 45 degrees above the horizon. Meteors will appear to radiate from this area, though they may streak across various parts of the sky.

What will viewing conditions be like?

Arizona is in the midst of some stormy weather this week, so skies might be obscured by clouds during the early morning hours. The moon will set at approximately 3 a.m. each morning, so its light won’t detract from your viewing experience.

Where are the best locations for viewing tonight’s meteor shower?

Any spot that’s as dark as possible with little or any light pollution.

Benjamin Leatherman is a staff writer for Phoenix New Times where he focuses primarily on arts, culture, music and nightlife. He joined New Times in 2003. Prior to that, he contributed to magazines such as Tips & Tricks and The Wrestler. Benjamin has earned multiple awards from the Arizona Press Club including an award for sports enterprise reporting in 2009 and an award for statewide arts reporting in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s of arts in journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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