Look up: Delta Aquariid meteor shower peaks over Saudi Arabia

Arab News

a day ago

RIYADH: Stargazers across Saudi Arabia and the wider region are in for a celestial treat in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, as the annual Delta Aquariid meteor shower reaches its peak.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, weather and moon conditions are expected to offer ideal viewing, especially in areas away from city lights.
Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said the best time to observe the meteor shower will be after 3 a.m. local time, when the radiant point in the constellation Aquarius climbs higher in the southern sky.
The early setting of the moon will also ensure darker skies for stargazing.
Observers can expect approximately 18 meteors per hour during peak activity, potentially reaching 25 under ideal conditions.
Abu Zahra noted that these fast-moving meteors often produce bright trails and occasional fireballs.
While visible in both hemispheres, the Delta Aquariids are best seen from the tropics and and southern lattitudes, where the radiant point sits higher above the horizon.
Abu Zahra noted that no special equipment is needed, just a clear, dark sky, as well as allowing 20 minutes for eyes to adapt to darkness and committing at least one full hour to observation for optimal results.
The Delta Aquariid shower occurs annually between July 12 and Aug. 23 as Earth passes through debris left by Comet 96P/Machholz.
Dust particles ignite upon entering the atmosphere at 41 kilometers per second, vaporizing at altitudes of 70-100 kilometers to create luminous streaks.
Although the peak occurs early on Wednesday, the meteor activity will continue into early August and gradually blend with the more intense Perseid meteor shower, which peaks mid-August.