Prepare for a spectacular celestial event with a meteor shower doubleheader. This year, the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower, which peaks in late July, will coincide with the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower, a smaller but notable display.
The Delta Aquariids are a late summer phenomenon in North America, with this year’s peak expected in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Under optimal dark sky conditions, observers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect to see 15 to 20 meteors per hour, with viewing conditions even better in the Southern Hemisphere. This shower will continue until August 21.
Simultaneously, the Alpha Capricornids, which produce about five meteors per hour, will be visible through August 15. Although less prolific, the Alpha Capricornids are known for occasionally producing particularly bright meteors, according to University of Warwick astronomer Don Pollacco.
What is a Meteor Shower?
Meteor showers are annual events that do not require special equipment to enjoy. They are caused by debris from comets entering Earth’s atmosphere, where they burn up and create streaks of light in the sky. The Delta Aquariids are linked to comet 96P/Machholz, while the Alpha Capricornids originate from comet 169P/NEAT.
As these space rocks, ranging from tiny dust particles to larger boulders, travel through the atmosphere, they heat up due to air resistance, resulting in a glowing trail—commonly referred to as a “shooting star.”
How to View Meteor Showers
The best time to view meteor showers is between midnight and dawn. For optimal visibility, find a dark location away from city lights and check for clear skies. Meteor showers are brightest on moonless nights or when the moon is at its smallest phase. Avoid checking your phone, as the light can impair your night vision, says NASA’s Bill Cooke.
In particular, the Southern Hemisphere will have the best views of the Delta Aquariids. A waning moon, about 30% full, will provide clearer viewing conditions after midnight.
What’s Next?
For those eager for more celestial events, the next major meteor shower will be the Perseids, peaking in mid-August. The American Meteor Society provides an updated list of upcoming meteor showers, including peak viewing times and moonlight conditions.
