Catch the Meteor Shower, Photography Tips for NZ Skies

The Meteor Shower

This Week

Photo: Thilina Kaluthotage / NurPhoto via AFP, https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559956/how-to-watch-the-eta-aquariids-meteor-shower-in-new-zealand-this-week

When the night sky lights up with streaks of shooting stars, there’s nothing quite like capturing the magic through your camera lens.

For astrophotographers, night sky enthusiasts, and anyone keen to witness this cosmic show, New Zealand offers some of the world’s darkest and clearest skies. This week, kiwis are in for a treat with the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, a spectacle rooted in debris from Halley’s Comet.

The Meteor Shower Phenomenon

Meteor showers are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights, drawing stargazers and photographers to dark spaces around the world. But what exactly is a meteor shower?

Meteor showers occur when Earth travels through streams of cosmic debris left behind by comets or asteroids. As these tiny particles hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating the brilliant flashes we call meteors, or “shooting stars.”

The Eta Aquariids, visible over New Zealand this week, owe their existence to Halley’s Comet, which leaves a trail of cosmic dust for Earth to pass through every May and October.

Photo: https://thedailyguardian.com/viral-news/eta-aquariids-2025-when-and-how-to-watch-the-meteor-shower/

Spotting the Radiant

During a meteor shower, meteors appear to radiate from a specific point in the sky known as the radiant. For the Eta Aquariids, this radiant lies in the constellation Aquarius, just above the north-eastern horizon.

Here’s a handy tip for this week’s show:

Peak viewing: Thursday, 8/5/2025, between 3am and 6am after the Moon has set
Where to look: Find a spot with a clear view of the north-east sky and look for bright Venus. You do not need a telescope to enjoy or photograph the shower!

Must-Have Gear for Meteor Shower Photography

Photo: AI generated

Before heading out to a remote kiwi hillside or one of our renowned dark-sky reserves, gather the right gear to maximise your chances of capturing jaw-dropping shots.

Camera and Lens

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Choose a model that allows full manual control of settings. Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Full-Frame Camera would be a nice option.
Wide-Angle Lens (14–24mm, f/2.8 or wider): A wide field of view increases your chances of catching a passing meteor and adds landscape appeal. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E would be great one to start with.

Tripod

A sturdy tripod is essential for sharp long exposures. Lightweight, travel-friendly models are great for hiking, but sturdiness is key to avoid blurry stars.

The SIRUI ST-124 Carbon Fiber Tripod with KS-30 Ball Head is light-weight and sturdy, ideal for astrophotography.

Accessories

Shutter Release Cable or Built-in Timer: Minimises camera shake during long exposures. Most cameras now comes with their own app, which allows you to do the settings in the App. However, if you wish to use external remote, the Godox TR-S2 Wireless Timer Remote Control is a good option.
Extra Batteries & Power Bank: Night photography drains power quickly, especially in cold weather. The Nitecore NB10000 10000mAh Gen 3 Power Bank can help you get through the night shoot.
Lens Warmer: Prevents condensation on your lens during cold shoots (a must in NZ’s crisp autumn nights). Put the Nitecore LHH82 Lens Heater on your lens can help with the situation.
Headlamp with Red Light Mode: Preserves your night vision and won’t spoil others’ shots. The SWIT S-2910B Headlight will be your handy companion at night.

Camera Settings & Techniques

Shooting meteors is all about maximising the light hitting your sensor without turning stars into streaks or introducing too much noise. Here’s how to get started:

Manual Mode Switch to full manual mode for complete control over exposure, focus, and white balance.	Aputure Set your lens wide open (f/2.8 or wider, ideally f/1.4) to collect as much light as possible.	ISO Setting Start with ISO 3200 or 6400. Check your camera’s results and balance between image brightness and sensor noise.
Shutter Speed Use the NPF rule or a star exposure calculator app like PhotoPills to determine the maximum shutter speed before star trails appear. For most wide-angle astrophotography, 10–25 seconds is ideal.	Focusing Switch to manual focus. Use Live View and zoom in on a distant, bright star. Adjust until the star is the smallest sharp dot possible. Tip: Take a test shot and review for sharpness before starting your session.	White Balance Dark Skies: Set to 3900K Areas with light pollution: Set to 3400K

Bulb Mode & Intervalometers

For exposures longer than your camera’s built-in max (typically 30 seconds), use bulb mode with a timer remote. Set intervals of 2–5 seconds between shots to boost your chances of capturing meteors.

Step-by-Step Meteor Shower Photography Guide

1. Set Up Your Gear Arrive early to set up, letting your eyes adjust to the darkness. Stabilise your tripod on firm ground.	2. Compose Your Shot Frame the radiant in Aquarius but also consider shooting away from it to capture longer meteor tails. Include an interesting foreground for scale and storytelling.
3. Find & Lock Focus Switch to manual focus. Use Live View and zoom in on a distant, bright star. Adjust until the star is the smallest sharp dot possible.	4. Dial in Your Settings Aperture wide open (as wide as possible) ISO 3200–6400 (adjust after a test shot) & manual White Balance Maximal shutter speed per the NPF rule or exposure calculator (typically 10–25 seconds)
5. Capture the Action Use the remote or timer to trigger the shutter. Set up continuous shooting with your intervalometer to automate the session.	6. Review & Adjust After a few exposures, review your images for focus, exposure, and composition. Adjust settings if needed through the night.

Post-Processing Tips for Meteor Shower Images

Capturing meteors is just the first part; thoughtful post-processing makes your images pop.

We recommend you to use either or both of the software below to edit the images.

Lightroom

Tweak white balance, contrast, and bring out faint meteors. Good tool for noise reduction.

Photoshop

Stack multiple images to create composite shots showing many meteors in one frame (using layer masks. Good tools for noise reduction.

Unlok the Magic of NZ's Night Sky

Meteor showers offer fleeting beauty that rewards the patient and the prepared. The Eta Aquariids, painting streaks across New Zealand’s legendary night sky, is just the start.

With the right gear, smart planning, and a creative eye, your astrophotography can become a portal to the wonders above.

Check the weather, charge your batteries, and find your patch of darkness.

Want to take your meteor shots to the next level? Share your images, tips, and questions with NZ’s astrophotography community and with us too!

The best photos capture more than just streaks of light; they tell the story of hours spent beneath the stars, chasing cosmic history with every click.