Get ready for an exciting week of sky-watching, as three meteor showers are gracing the night sky. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies and are far from city lights, head out after dark for a chance to witness these celestial events.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through clouds of debris left behind by comets or asteroids. As these tiny particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating the streaks of light we call meteors. This week marks the peak of two major meteor showers: the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquarids. These showers are caused by debris from two different comets, and their peak timing is a mere coincidence. The good news is that both showers originate from the southern sky, allowing you to observe them simultaneously.
If you spot a meteor, you can identify which shower it belongs to by observing its features. According to Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society, Alpha Capricornids meteors are brighter and move slower, lasting for a few seconds. On the other hand, Southern Delta Aquarids meteors are fainter, faster, and visible for a shorter duration.
While these two showers are at their peak, a third meteor shower is just beginning. The Perseids, one of the most famous annual meteor showers, is set to peak in early August, but you might catch a glimpse of early arrivals if you look towards the north.
To enjoy any meteor shower, you need to escape light pollution. Find a dark location, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and avoid looking at light sources like your phone. Settle in comfortably and gaze upwards. Many meteor watchers find deck chairs a comfortable and portable option for a good view. Clear skies and a dark moon are essential for optimal viewing, so if you’re lucky enough to have those conditions, get ready for a captivating display of shooting stars after dark.
