Meteor show, planetary alignment to dazzle in eastern skies overnight

Starry Night
Photo credit: Getty Images

RNZ

The area from Gisborne to Wairarapa is expected to be a good viewing spot for a meteor shower early Sunday morning.

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower should be visible from about 2am until sunrise.

At the same time, planets Saturn, Mars, Venus and Jupiter will be aligned and visible in the same area of the sky - a rare occurrence itself.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said forecasts show the clearest skies between Wairarapa and Gisborne.

"And parts of the Bay of Plenty, especially coastal areas, could be lucky with periods of clear skies as well.

"The rest of the North Island also has a better chance than the South Island."

Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the best viewing time will be about 5:30am Sunday - and up to about 20 to 40 meteors could be seen an hour.

The International Space Station is also busy making a pass over Aotearoa today - and sending back snapshots on social media.

RNZ