Halley's Comet itself will not be visible in 2025, as its next predicted appearance in the inner Solar System is in mid-2061. The comet has an orbital period of about 72–80 years and last appeared in 1986
. However, you can see meteor showers caused by debris from Halley's Comet in 2025:
- Eta Aquarids meteor shower : This shower occurs annually around early May and is caused by Earth passing through dust left by Halley's Comet. In 2025, it is expected to be active from April 20 to May 21, peaking on the night of May 5 into early May 6. The meteors appear to radiate from near the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius and can be seen from both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The shower typically produces 20-30 meteors per hour at peak under good conditions
- Orionids meteor shower : Another meteor shower linked to Halley's Comet, occurring annually in October. In 2025, the peak is expected on the morning of October 21, with favorable viewing conditions due to no moon interference. The Orionids appear to radiate from the Orion constellation and can produce about 20 meteors per hour at peak
Where to see these meteor showers:
- Find a dark location away from city lights with a clear view of the sky.
- Look toward the constellation Aquarius for the Eta Aquarids in early May, especially before dawn.
- For the Orionids in October, look toward the Orion constellation after midnight.
- No telescope or binoculars are needed; the best view is with the naked eye.
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for at least 30 minutes for optimal viewing
In summary, while Halley's Comet itself won't be visible in 2025, you can witness spectacular meteor showers caused by its debris, notably the Eta Aquarids in early May and the Orionids in October, by observing the skies in the appropriate constellations during their peak times
