Every summer, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower graces our skies, offering a spectacular celestial display perfect for star gazers. A meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet. As the bits of rock and dust in the stream of debris collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create fiery streaks across the sky.
This year, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower will be visible from 18th July until 12th August, peaking around July 28-29, with up to 25 meteors per hour at its peak.
Though best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, those at mid-latitudes, such as Europe, in the Northern Hemisphere can still enjoy its beauty. Named after the constellation Aquarius, the Delta Aquariids radiate from near the bright star Delta Aquarii.
The best time to view the meteors is during the early morning hours, after midnight when the sky is darkest, and the constellation Aquarius is highest.
For the best meteor shower viewing experience -
- Find your perfect spot: Escape the city lights and find a dark tranquil location away from light pollution, where you can fully immerse yourself in the night sky. It is best to have an unobstructed view towards the south.
- Make yourself comfy: A reclining chair and pillow, a jumper, blanket, and some snacks are always a good idea
- Embrace the darkness: Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness and do not look at your phone. Your naked eye is the best instrument to use to see meteors, don’t use binoculars or a telescope as these have narrow fields of view.
- Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for meteor viewing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the event.
- Check Moon Phases: This year the shower's maximum occurs a few days before New Moon, so observing conditions are favourable
Enhance Your Stargazing Experience
- Be Mindful: Use this time to practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing and the sounds of nature
- Photography: Set up your camera on a tripod with a wide-angle lens to capture long-exposure shots of the meteors.
- Learn about the Stars: Use a star map or stargazing app to identify constellations and other celestial bodies visible during the shower.