δ Aquarids
The meteor shower of the δ Aquarids takes place every year between July 12 and August 23, reaching its maximum around July 30.
The meteors of the δ Aquarids are best observed in the southern hemisphere because their radiant is higher in the sky, but they are also visible in the northern hemisphere with a somewhat lower activity rate.
What to expect in 2024?
2024 will be a good year to see this shower because the maximum will occur three days after the waning moon, and our satellite won’t hinder its vision.
The maximum activity will take place on July 31, with a broad peak, and both the night of 30 to 31 and the following will be favorable for the observation.
The 'radiant' of the δ Aquarids.
Why do they happen?
The meteors from the δ Aquarids are thought to originate from comet 96P Machholz, a short-period comet that orbits the Sun about every 5 years. Meteor showers happen when our planet crosses the orbital path of a comet. This orbit is filled with particles from the comet's tail, which enter the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, and are burnt by friction with the air, creating the luminous glow that we know as a meteor or shooting star.
The corresponding meteor shower seems to have a single center of origin, a point from which all shooting stars seem to emerge. That point is called "radiant" and its location is used to name the meteor shower. Thus, the δ Aquarids have their radiant in the star delta, called Skat, in the constellation of Aquarius.
How to see the δ Aquarids?
They can be observed from any location as long as it provides a dark sky. It is preferable to observe from a place that has few obstacles that limit our sight (such as buildings, trees or mountains), and not to use optical instruments that reduce our field of vision. Even though the δ Aquarids seem to come from the constellation of Aquarius (hence its name), they can be seen anywhere in the sky. It is advisable to look at the darkest areas, in the opposite direction to the position of the Moon if the observation is made before it sets. The most comfortable strategy is to lie down and wait for your eyes to get used to the darkness.