SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES – Two meteor showers are set to collide in the night sky this week, providing a spectacular display for stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Meteor Showers to Peak on July 28 and 30 The Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers will reach their peak between Monday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 30, according to Associate Professor Devika Kamath, an astrophysicist at Macquarie University.
The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower will be the third strongest of the year, producing up to 20 meteors per hour, while the Alpha Capricornids shower will be weaker, with about five meteors per hour.
The meteor showers will be best visible at midnight AEST for the Delta Aquariids and 4 am AEST for the Alpha Capricornids.
The moon will be out of the way, allowing for clearer and darker skies.
Perseid Meteor Shower Not Visible from Australia The Perseid meteor shower, considered the best of the year, will reach its peak on August 12 but will not be visible from Australia.
The shower is only visible in the summer skies of the Northern Hemisphere.
Viewing Tips To catch the meteor showers, experts recommend finding a dark spot away from artificial light sources and allowing 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Hillsides and parks are ideal locations, and bringing blankets and snacks can make for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Next Meteor Shower Visible in Australia The Geminids meteor shower, which will arrive late in the year, will be the next opportunity for Australians to witness a spectacular display.
It is expected to reach its peak between December 14 and 15 and will be visible from across the Australian continent.