Get ready to witness a celestial double bill as two meteor showers peak around the same time this July.
Stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere and those in southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere are in for a treat this July, with two meteor showers reaching their peak almost simultaneously. The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will both be visible on Tuesday night, July 30th, offering a celestial double bill for keen-eyed observers.
According to the American Meteor Society, both showers are best observed after midnight, when the skies are darkest and before the moon rises.
The Southern Delta Aquariids, active between July 18th and August 21st, are known for their medium speed. This shower is most visible from the southern tropics, and observers should look towards the southwestern sky, unless the moon is above the horizon. The radiant, the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate, is located lower in the southern sky north of the equator. While the meteors themselves are usually faint and lack persistent trains or fireballs, they offer a fascinating sight.
The Alpha Capricornids, visible from both sides of the equator, are active between July 7th and August 15th. While the peak of this shower falls on July 30th, it's not known for its strength, producing only about five meteors per hour. However, its defining characteristic is its tendency to produce bright fireballs, offering a captivating spectacle for those lucky enough to catch them.
Both showers serve as a warm-up for the Perseids, the most popular meteor shower of the year, which is expected to peak on August 11th and 12th.
To maximise your chances of catching the Southern Delta Aquariids, the American Meteor Society recommends heading out on the night of July 29th into the early hours of July 30th. The moon will be 30% full, but as it will be a waning crescent, its light will be minimal.
For the Alpha Capricornids, the best viewing night is July 30th into July 31st. With the moon being only 20% full, it won't interfere with your viewing pleasure.
To enjoy the spectacle, find a dark spot away from artificial lights, lie back and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Happy stargazing!