The Southern delta-Aquariid meteor shower (also known as the Southern delta-Aquarids, or Southern δ-Aquariid) usually produces faint meteors, and observing meteor showers can already be tough at the best of times. Getting the best out of a meteor shower requires late nights, dark skies, a little luck, and lots of patience. This shower’s peak coincides with a full moon phase this year, meaning the night skies won’t be at their darkest.
The Southern delta-Aquarid meteors appear to come from the constellation of Aquarius. This means the meteors will seem to originate from a point high in the north eastern sky.
The parent comet of the meteors is 96P/Machholz, and it was discovered by the astronomer Don Machholz at the end of the last century in 1986. Comet 96P/Machholz orbits the sun every 5.3 years, getting eight times closer to the Sun than the Earth. Astronomers believe that the debris field responsible for the Southern delta-Aquariid meteor shower left the comet’s nucleus about 20,000 years ago.
Take a virtual tour and see how the Southern delta-Aquariid meteor shower is generated with this terrific 3D interactive model.
Is it worth me getting out of bed for the Southern delta-Aquarid meteor shower?
Unfortunately, not really. The peak of this year’s Southern delta-Aquarids shower coincides with a full Moon , making viewing difficult.
When and where can I see the Southern delta-Aquarid meteors?
The Southern delta-Aquariid meteor shower lasts from 12th July to 28th August, and peaks with about 25 meteors/hour from 10pm on 30th July. The best shower’s viewing is around 2am on 31st July, when its radiant point is high in the sky. The predicted hourly rate of meteors you’ll see presumes you’re viewing them in a perfectly dark sky and that the shower is directly overhead, so your numbers might vary. But keep your fingers crossed for a spectacular show
Use the above image as your guide. Astronomical images provided by SkySafari, a Simulation Curriculum Company, All rights reserved www.simulationcurriculum.com.
What is a meteor shower?
A meteor (commonly called a “shooting star”) is an unexpected, brief streak of light you might see in the night sky. The streak of light is caused by space debris, which can be as tiny as a single grain of sand and travelling at speeds of up to 75km per second when it hits our atmosphere. When this debris burns up in Earth’s atmosphere, it causes a brief, bright streak of light in the sky, and it’s usually only visible for a few seconds.
A meteor shower is a celestial spectacle where large numbers of meteors, or “shooting stars”, streak across the night sky. These dazzling events occur when Earth passes through the debris trail left by a comet or other object that entered our Solar System and orbited the Sun.
Meteor showers are visible to the naked eye and offer you a mesmerising display of bright streaks of light. We think they add a touch of cosmic wonder to the night.
Where’s the best place to watch a meteor shower?
The best place to see a meteor shower is away from bright city lights and when the night sky is dark with no moonlight. Bright moonlight and light pollution make it harder to see fainter meteors, however you may still be able to see the brighter ones.
Travel out to a dark sky location at one of WA’s Astrotourism Towns. If you’re an astrophotographer, it is an excellent opportunity to image meteors over some of WA’s iconic landscapes.
Do I need a telescope or binoculars to see the Souther delta-Aquariid meteors?
You don’t need either a telescope or binoculars to see a meteor shower. Meteor showers make for a great time to gather with friends under the stars. Simply roll out your favourite picnic rug, pack the drinks and snacks, and start counting how many “shooting stars” you see!
Something interesting
Meteor showers are named after the constellation where the “shooting stars” appear to be coming from. If you have a handy smartphone app that helps you identify objects in the night sky, search for the constellation, and you’ll be looking in the right direction.
You might like to report a fireball!
Be a citizen scientist and report meteor sightings. If you happen to see a very bright meteor (often referred to as a “fireball”), the fireballs team based at WA’s Curtin University would love to know. Report your fireball sighting with the International Meteor Organization.
The International Meteor Organization is a great place to discover more about all things meteors, check out their Meteor Shower Calendar, and you can even become a member.
Where's the Best Place to watch a Meteor Shower?
You need dark night skies for the best views! Choose an Astrotourism Town destination and have happy meteor hunting.