Some of the best moments to see a meteor shower kicking off in the night sky are in July, when the Delta Aquariids can be spotted.
The shower has gradually become more visible throughout the month, with it set to hit peak visibility on Tuesday, July 30.
Their name comes from their radiant (the point in the sky from which the Southern Delta Aquariids appear to come), known as the constellation Aquarius, while the third-brightest star within this constellation is called Delta.
With people gearing up to capture the streaks lighting the sky, here’s everything you need to know about the Delta Aquariids.
When can you see the meteor shower?
The Delta Aquariids is set to peak around midnight on Tuesday, July 30 but should already have become visible by now, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
The shower heralds the summer’s meteor action and is thought to come from the Comet 96P or Machholz.
Meteor showers occur as a stream of debris left behind by comets passes Earth. Rock and dust collide with the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, creating impressive fiery streaks across the sky.
July 30 is expected to be the best time to capture the Delta Aquariids, with a peak hourly rate of meteors.
If unable to view them during their peak, the Perseids shower will be visible in August.
How can you spot the Delta Aquariids?
Meteor watching can prove trying for beginners because showers can be so fleeting.However, these are some of the best tips to give you a better chance of enjoying the meteors:
- Look for an area away from any lights.
- Lie down on your back with your eyes focused the sky, without becoming distracted from lights, including your phone or tablet.
- Be patient and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness (this can take around 20 minutes).
- Look towards the direction where the sky is darkest.
