Get ready to make wishes upon shooting stars this July, as a rare double meteor shower peaks just before August.
While fireworks may be a distant memory, the night sky continues to offer a spectacular display this month. Following the radiant Buck Moon and the stunning Northern Lights, the cosmos are gearing up for a celestial spectacle as two meteor showers peak simultaneously.
The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will both reach their peak in a rare celestial event, just before August begins. While the showers have differing activity periods, their peaks overlap, offering a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness double the number of meteors streaking across the night sky.
The less-active Alpha Capricornids, known for their faint display, provide an added bonus alongside the Delta Aquariids. While the Capricornids are generally considered weak, they are renowned for producing bright fireballs, adding a dramatic element to the spectacle.
The American Meteor Society (AMS) suggests that viewing the Delta Aquariids away from the moon's light will increase the chances of spotting these fainter meteors. The waning crescent moon, rising in the early morning hours, will have minimal impact on visibility. For optimal viewing, direct your gaze towards the southwestern sky.
Similarly, the Alpha Capricornids can be observed equally well from both sides of the equator, offering a global opportunity to witness this celestial event.
The peak of the Delta Aquariids is expected to occur late on the night of July 29 into the early hours of July 30. The Alpha Capricornids are predicted to reach maximum activity late on July 30 into the early morning of July 31. This overlap means that July 30 will be the night to catch both meteor showers at their peak.
While weather conditions play a crucial role in visibility, with clear skies providing the best viewing experience, the celestial spectacle promises to be a memorable event for sky-watchers. So, mark your calendars and prepare to witness a double dose of celestial fireworks.
Following the double meteor shower, the Perseids, often regarded as the "best meteor shower of the year," will be active from July 14 and peak between August 11-12, offering another opportunity for stargazing enthusiasts to make wishes upon shooting stars.