Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peaks This Wednesday (30th)

Phenomenon occurs every year at the end of July

The Delta Aquarids meteor shower will reach its peak this Wednesday (30th). The phenomenon gets its name because the radiant point of the shower—the area in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate—is located near the constellation Aquarius, specifically near one of its brightest stars: Delta Aquarii.

Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Can Be Seen from Mid-July to Late August

Every year, the Delta Aquarids meteor shower occurs from mid-July to late August and is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere. During the peak, viewers can expect to see around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, streaking across the sky at approximately 145,000 km/h (about 90,000 mph).

Meteor showers happen when a large number of rocks left behind by a comet enter Earth’s atmosphere at once. As they fall toward the planet, air resistance causes the rocks to become extremely hot, creating numerous “shooting stars” in the sky.

The comet believed to be the origin of the Delta Aquarids is possibly 96P/Machholz, although scientists are not yet completely certain.

How to Watch the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

To observe the Delta Aquarids, simply locate the constellation Aquarius in the night sky and look in its direction. The constellation is expected to rise around 8 PM local time, in the eastern sky. While the peak is expected in the early hours of Thursday (31st), the meteor shower will remain visible for a few more days afterward.

Tips for a Better Meteor Watching Experience

• Find a dark, secluded location away from city lights. Once you’re there, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness—so avoid checking your phone, as the screen brightness will impair your night vision.
• Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair if the weather is chilly, since watching meteors often involves waiting.
• Once you’ve picked your viewing spot, lie down and gaze up at the sky. Use an interactive star map or a stargazing app to help locate the radiant point. The higher the radiant is above the horizon, the more meteors you are likely to see.
• Although meteors appear to originate from the radiant point near Aquarius, they can be seen across all parts of the sky.
• Be sure to explore astronomy apps to help you locate and track celestial events more easily in the night sky.

Adapted from CNN Brazil