Summary
This week, two meteor showers called the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will be visible, producing up to 30 meteors per hour. The moonlight during the Perseid meteor shower in August may make it harder to see, so the current meteor showers might offer better viewing.
Key Facts
- The best chance to see meteors is during the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids showers this week.
- The peak nights for these meteor showers are July 29th and 30th.
- The moon will be about 25% full, making it easier to see meteors compared to the Perseids in August.
- Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through debris left by comets or asteroids.
- Tiny rock bits entering Earth's atmosphere create bright flashes, known as shooting stars.
- Viewing is best after midnight in areas away from artificial lights.
- The Southern Delta Aquariids are best viewed with an open view of the southern sky.
- The Alpha Capricornids produce fewer meteors, but they appear as bright, slow fireballs.
