The night and pre-dawn skies are offering various treats to star gazers these days, be it with visibility of five planets and a crescent moon together or seeing Comet Neowise in all its glory in the northern hemisphere.?
Another treat awaits star gazers as the Delta Aquariid meteor shower reaches its peak between July 28 and July 29.?
According to NASA, the Delta Aquariids are active in the beginning of mid-July and are visible until late-August. The meteors are faint but can be spotted if there's no moon. The best chance to see the Delta Aquariids is when meteor rates rise during the shower's peak at the end of July, which is early next week.?
Even though the meteor reaches its peak at the end of July, don¡¯t stick to the date-if you have a chance to be in a dark place anytime before that as the moon is still a waxing crescent, it could be a good opportunity. The showers offer more meteors after midnight and is best viewed during the predawn hours for all time zones around the world.?
The Delta Aquariids seem to originate from the constellation Aquarius (but do not actually do). These are best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere or southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, according to NASA.?
Also Read: Meteor Shower Visible Right In Beginning Of May
Here are Delta Aquarids viewing tips by NASA:?
¡®Find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. Looking halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from the constellation of Aquarius will improve your chances of viewing the Delta Aquariids. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient¡ªthe show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse¡¯.?
If you need any help with location in the constellation you can always use some apps that map out the entire sky.?
Meteors are leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. ¡®When comets come around the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits¡¯.?
Also Read: Lyrid Meteor Shower Visible With Naked Eyes
When Earth passes through these debris trails, bits collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery streaks in the sky.?