The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks this week, from July 28 to 30, and is set to produce one of the most dramatic meteor displays of the year. Here’s how to observe this stunning celestial show.
The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower is active from mid-July to mid-August each year, peaking around July 30. The shower gets its name from the constellation Aquarius, where the meteors appear to radiate from.
This year, the peak of the shower coincides with a new Moon on July 28, meaning dark skies for optimal viewing. Under ideal conditions, observers can see up to 20 Southern Delta Aquariids meteors per hour.
The meteors in this shower are known for their medium-slow velocity, producing long streaks of light across the sky. Some Southern Delta Aquariids can also be very bright, appearing as fireballs.
The best time to observe the Southern Delta Aquariids is in the early morning hours after midnight, when the radiant point in Aquarius climbs highest above the horizon. The meteors can be seen in all parts of the sky, so you don’t need to look directly at Aquarius.
To observe the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower:
• Go to a dark location away from city lights. The darker the sky, the more meteors you’ll see.
• Dress for the weather and bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfort. Meteors are best observed while lying down.
• Give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Turn off any lights and avoid looking at your phone.
• Face south and look up at an angle of about 45 degrees from the radiant point in Aquarius. You’ll see meteors all across the sky.
• Be patient. It can take up to an hour for your eyes to tune into the slower meteors of this shower. The longer you observe, the more meteors you’ll see.
• The meteors will appear as “shooting stars” – streaks of light that flash across your field of view and often leave a trail that lingers for a second or two.
• If you have binoculars or a telescope, leave them behind. These instruments have a small field of view and you’ll miss most of the meteors. Your naked eyes see the whole sky.
The Southern Delta Aquariids are produced by debris left behind by the comet 96P/Machholz. As Earth travels through this debris stream each July, the particles collide with our atmosphere at speeds of 25 miles per second, burning up and creating the streaks of light we call meteors.
The peak of the Southern Delta Aquariids coincides with the new Moon this year, meaning dark skies for optimal viewing. So if you have a clear night between now and July 30, head outside after midnight and look for these dramatic meteors streaking across the southern sky. With patience and dark adapated eyes, you’re sure to catch some stunning fireballs produced by this long-lasting meteor shower.
Clear skies! And happy meteor watching.
