- Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower expected to peak Monday night through early Tuesday.
- Up to 25 meteors per hour, joined by Alpha Capricornids, visible in North America.
- Ideal viewing on Wednesday night with decreased moonlight, according to NASA.
The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower is set to peak from Monday night through early Tuesday, offering a celestial display visible across North America. According to the American Meteor Society, up to 25 meteors per hour can be seen, depending on the viewer’s location. This meteor shower will be accompanied by the Alpha Capricornids, which are known for their bright fireballs, with an additional five meteors per hour expected.
NASA explains that fireball meteors are particularly bright, surpassing the brightness of Venus, and are caused by larger meteors exceeding one meter in diameter. The Southern Delta Aquariids will continue until August 21, while the Alpha Capricornids will last through August 15.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by comets and asteroids in orbit around the sun. Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, noted that the debris path of the Southern Delta Aquariids is widespread, allowing for a consistent meteor count during the peak days.
Wednesday night is predicted to be the best time to view both meteor showers, as the moon’s illumination will decrease by 8% each night, providing darker skies. On Wednesday, the moon will be 16% full, compared to 34% on Monday, enhancing visibility.
NASA’s Bill Cooke advises that avoiding digital screens can help improve night vision, making it easier to see the meteor shower. As the moonlight diminishes, stargazers are encouraged to find a dark spot away from city lights to fully enjoy the celestial show.
