How to see Delta Aquariid meteor shower in UK this week
Here is all you need to know about the Delta Aquariid meteor shower and how to view it in the UK.
What is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower?
As explained by the National Space Centre (NSC) website, meteor showers are when the Earth passes through the debris of a comet.
"The dust and gas left behind by the comet burn up in the atmosphere causing a shooting star."
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The Delta Aquariids marks the start of the summer meteor season in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is one of two meteor showers that converge in the summer, alongside the more famous Perseids, which is set to peak on August 12/13 in the UK.
The Delta Aquariids get their name from the constellation in the night sky that they appear to radiate from - the constellation of Aquarius, near the bright star Delta Aquarii.
How to see the Delta Aquariid meteor shower in the UK
Despite the Delta Aquariid meteor shower being more visible in the southern hemisphere, those in the northern hemisphere will still be able to catch a glimpse.
NSC says to face towards the south-east, with the meteors appearing to originate from near the star Delta Aquarii.
However, the meteors can appear all over the sky, and as RMG explains, meteors will appear longer the further away from the radiant you look.
What's visible in the night sky in the UK 2025
The meteor shower can be best viewed just after midnight, with RMG predicting a "steady stream of meteors" expected over several days.
While the shower doesn't have a noticeable peak, it's expected that it will reach its maximum rate on July 30.
Tips on how to best view the Delta Aquariid meteor shower
The Royal Museums Greenwich has provided its tips on viewing the meteor shower.
Its website says to ensure to check the weather forecast ahead of time, and if the forecast isn't favourable, find a different location to observe from or view the meteor shower on another day.
It adds that in 2025, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower's maximum occurs six days after New Moon, which took place on July 24, so observing conditions are "reasonably favourable".
Top tips on viewing the shower include:
Make sure that you are in a dark sky area and have an unobstructed view towards the south
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Lie down on a blanket or sit in a lawn chair to ensure that you have a wide view of the sky
Your naked eye is the best instrument to use to see meteors – don't use binoculars or a telescope as these have narrow fields of view
Allow your eyes to adapt to the dark and don't look at any lights, or at your phone, to maintain your dark adaptation
The Go Stargazing website also has some of the publicly accessible dark sky sites in the UK.
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