How to watch the Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids meteor showers this July
July will give stargazers two opportunities to check out meteor showers. Here's what to know if you plan on tuning in.
Both the Southern Delta Aquariids – stemming from the constellation Aquarius – and the Alpha Capricornids – stemming from the constellation Capricorn – will appear in the night sky this month, according to the American Meteor Society.
The Delta Aquariids produce medium-speed meteors that are faint, while the Alpha Capricornids produce slow-moving bright meteors.
The Aquariids will be the grander of the two showers and is believed to be remnants of the comet 96P Machholz. During the shower's peak, viewers could witness 15 to 20 shooting stars each hour. The Capricornids, stemming from the periodic comet 169P/NEAT, will show viewers five shooting stars per hour, according to EarthSky.org.
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The Delta Aquariids meteor shower is active from July 18 to Aug. 12, peaking from July 29 to July 30. They are best seen from the southern tropics. This year's waxing crescent moon setting before the radiant is high in the sky means viewing conditions will be most favorable during the morning hours.
The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower is active from July 12 to Aug. 12, peaking from July 29 to July 30. The Capricornids will provide good viewing experiences on either side of the equator and are best viewed during the evening and early at night.
The best spot for viewing is a dark area away from city lights with a clear view of the sky. If it's a high-altitude location, that's even better.
Make sure you arrive about half an hour before the showers begin to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. This allows you to better see fainter meteors, according to Starwalk.Space.
Alongside this double spectacle, viewers may also see early activity from the Perseids meteor shower.
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Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: July meteor showers, Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids, peaking soon
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