Get ready for a celestial spectacle as two meteor showers grace the night sky this summer. The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower, peaking in late July, will coincide with the smaller Alpha Capricornids, offering skywatchers a unique doubleheader of shooting stars.
The Southern Delta Aquariids, an annual event in North America's late summer, will reach its peak early Tuesday morning. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect to see between 15 to 20 meteors per hour under dark skies, with even better viewing conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. This meteor shower will continue through August 21, according to the American Meteor Society.
Simultaneously, the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower will be active, producing around five meteors per hour until August 15. While fewer in number, the Alpha Capricornids are known for their bright meteors, making each sighting a memorable experience. "One bright one is worth 20 faint ones," says University of Warwick astronomer Don Pollacco.
What is a Meteor Shower?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris left by comets. The Delta Aquariids originate from the comet 96P/Machholz, while the Alpha Capricornids come from comet 169P/NEAT. As space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, they heat up and create the glowing trails we see as shooting stars.
How to View a Meteor Shower
For the best viewing experience, plan to watch between midnight and the pre-dawn hours. Find a dark location away from city lights and ensure the sky is cloudless. A waning moon, like this year's 30 percent full moon, enhances visibility by reducing light interference. To fully enjoy the show, avoid using your phone, as it can disrupt your night vision. NASA's Bill Cooke advises, "It ruins your night vision."
Looking Ahead
After the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, the next major meteor shower to watch for is the Perseids, peaking in mid-August. The American Meteor Society maintains an updated list of upcoming meteor showers, providing peak viewing dates and moonlight conditions to help enthusiasts plan their stargazing sessions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
