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Time of India
30-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
25 Meteors Every Hour? Skywatchers Gear Up for Twin Showers on July 29–30
If you're someone who loves spending time under the stars, this might be the moment you've been waiting for. Two meteor showers — the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids — are expected to peak between July 29 and the early hours of July 30, offering a spectacular sky show with up to 25 meteors per hour in ideal conditions. According to forecasts by the American Meteor Society and the International Meteor Organization, this rare celestial overlap comes with nearly perfect viewing conditions — no bright Moon, calm skies, and a wide viewing window. If you're in a dark, open area with clear weather, you could catch some of the best meteors of the season. Why tonight stands out It's not very common for two meteor showers to peak on the same night– and what makes tonight even better is that there's no moonlight to get in the way. Out of the two showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids will likely put on the bigger show, with around 20 meteors per hour. The Alpha Capricornids won't produce as many, but they're known for bright, slow-moving fireballs that are easy to spot– even if you're not a regular skywatcher. Where these meteors come from These aren't random sparks in the sky– they're bits of cosmic dust and debris left behind by ancient comets. As Earth moves through these leftover trails, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, appearing as meteors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Southern Delta Aquariids are linked to Comet 96P/Machholz, while the Alpha Capricornids are believed to come from Comet 169P/NEAT. Best time and way to watch tonight Though activity began in mid‑July, the widely visible peak falls between July 29–30. The Southern Delta Aquariids peak is broad, offering good visibility for several nights around this window. Here's how to make the most of it: Head out after midnight, ideally between 2 AM and 4 AM Face the southern sky, especially if you're watching from India or other parts of the Northern Hemisphere Find a dark, open spot– far from streetlights or buildings Give your eyes at least 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness Avoid using your phone while watching to maintain your night vision The sky show continues– even after tonight If it's cloudy where you are or you just can't step out tonight, don't worry– you still have time. The Delta Aquariids will stay active until August 12, and the Alpha Capricornids will continue to send out the occasional bright meteor over the next few days. So whether you're really into astronomy or just want to enjoy a quiet moment under the night sky, tonight's a great chance to see two meteor showers at once– and you don't even need a telescope. Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Double Meteor Shower: Two meteor showers are peaking tonight, here's how to see them
This one's a double bonanza for the stargazers! You don't have to run to a Coldplay concert to witness a sky full of stars, for tonight, the sky is set to host not just one but two meteor showers at their peak! The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids . This rare cosmic double‑feature promises up to 25 shooting stars per hour, with fireballs lighting up the dark skies. Cherry on the cake? You don't even need a telescope to witness the surreal wonder under the sky! Double meteor shower: What makes it special On the night of July 29–30, Earth slices through debris trails from two comets simultaneously. The Southern Delta Aquariids, shed by Comet 96P/Machholz, produce faint but steady meteors, best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Alpha Capricornids, from Comet 169P/NEAT, offer rarer but brighter fireballs that light up the night sky. The Southern Delta Aquariids are a meteor shower visible from mid-July to mid-August each year, peaking on 28 or 29 July. The shower travels at a velocity of 25 miles per second, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS), and is best seen by those living further south. On the other hand, Alpha Capricornids is a meteor shower that takes place as early as 7 July and continues until around 15 August. The meteor shower was discovered by Hungarian astronomer Miklos von Konkoly-Thege in 1871. This shower has infrequent but relatively bright meteors, with some fireballs. Individually, each shower is mild: the Aquariids typically generate 15–20 meteors per hour, and the Capricornids around 5 per hour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo However, together, they offer a lovely blend: they deliver a show of up to 25 meteors per hour, and under dark, moon‑free skies, even more. How to witness the celestial star show (when and where) Time: The best viewing time is typically after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant point of the shower (the constellation Aquarius) is highest in the sky. Capricornids peak around midnight, while Aquariids crest closer to 2-3 a.m. local time. The moon will be a waxing crescent with minimal illumination (23–27% of its surface lit up), setting early in the evening, which provides darker skies and better visibility for even fainter meteors. Look direction: Look towards the southern sky to observe the Southern Delta Aquariids. The radiant point (where the meteors seem to originate) for the Alpha Capricornids is within the constellation Capricornus, which is located in the southern part of the sky. However, meteors can appear anywhere, so scanning the entire southern sky is best. Location: Find a spot far away from city lights and light pollution, such as rural areas or national forests. Consider looking for certified International Dark Sky Parks, which offer optimal viewing conditions. Eyes on the sky, no equipment needed: Give your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adapt to the darkness for optimal viewing. Avoid looking at any bright lights, including your phone, during this time. You don't need a telescope or binoculars to see the meteors; your naked eyes are sufficient. In fact, meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so a wider field of view is better. Be patient: Alpha Capricornids are known for producing fewer meteors (about 5 per hour at their peak) but are notable for their bright fireballs. The shower will last until dawn, giving you plenty of time to catch glimpses of meteors. The Southern Delta Aquariids tend to be fainter than other meteor showers like the Perseids, so patience is crucial for spotting them. What's next? Think you might miss this window for the free of cost light show? Don't worry! The legendary Perseid meteor shower is gearing up and will peak on August 12–13, though a bright full moon may dampen visibility this year. However, Eta Aquariids and early Perseid activity might sneak into tonight's show, especially if you catch meteors flying from northern skies. Stargazers ready for exceptional meteor shower on November 21-22
NDTV
29-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Two Meteor Showers To Light Up Sky At Same Time In July: Here Are Best Viewing Tips
Stargazers are set for a spectacular celestial display as they can enjoy two meteor showers, the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, which will peak simultaneously on the night of July 29 and July 30. "This is just an amazing coincidence," Nicholas Moskovitz, a planetary astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Arizona, said as quoted by Active from July 18 to August 12, the Southern Delta Aquariids are expected to produce 15-20 meteors per hour. It is known for faint, but fast meteors without fireballs. It originates from Comet 96P/Machholz. Meanwhile, Alpha Capricornids will remain active till August 12 and will produce 3-5 meteors per hour. Known for bright, slow-moving and colourful fireballs, Alpha Capricornids originate from Comet 169P/NEAT. Southern Delta Aquariids are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. Overall, stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere will have a better viewing experience. It will be visible from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers can look south in the predawn hours on July 30. What Are The Best Viewing Tips? The best time to watch is after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant points are highest in the sky. Dark-sky locations away from city lights, ideally in rural areas or certified International Dark Sky Parks, are the best places to watch showers. A 27% full moon will set early, which will minimise light pollution and enhance viewing conditions. Experts have said that the best way to enjoy a meteor shower is with your naked eyes, as it may occur anywhere across vast stretches of sky. Using a telescope or pair of binoculars is not advised. "Almost all meteor showers peak in the early morning hours between 2:00 and 4:00 am, so your best chance to catch them is after midnight, ideally around 3:00 am," Moskovitz added.
News18
29-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Twin Meteor Showers To Light Up Skies On July 29–30: All You Need To Know
Last Updated: The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids will peak together, with astronomers predicting at least 25 meteors per hour. As July 2025 draws to a close, sky watchers can look forward to a spectacular display featuring not one, but two meteor showers peaking simultaneously. On the night of July 29, 2025, extending into the early hours of July 30, 2025, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids are expected to produce dozens of stunning meteors per hour. With the moon only 27 percent full, the meteors will be easily visible. This event will be observable worldwide, and the moonless night will ensure dark skies, increasing the likelihood of spotting bright shooting stars. The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids will peak together, with astronomers predicting at least 25 meteors per hour. What Causes These Twin Meteor Showers? Meteor showers are typically caused by debris from comets or asteroids entering Earth's atmosphere. NASA explains that the Southern Delta Aquariids are produced by the comet 96P/Machholz, which passes the sun every five years. Comet 169P/NEAT, discovered in 2002, is responsible for the Alpha Capricornids meteor shower and orbits the Sun approximately every 4.2 years. Both meteor showers will reach their peak in the early morning of July 30, 2025, but will continue to be active until August 12, 2025. When and where to watch Though both hemispheres will get a glimpse, theview will be more clearer down South. The constellations Aquarius and Capricornus rise higher there. Early morning before sunrise offers the best views. City lights can spoil the show, better to go rural. You'll have to find a dark and open spot and look southward. You won't need binoculars, just patience and clear skies. There's a full week of activity around the peak night. The Southern Delta Aquariids remain strong until 31 July. So even if clouds roll in, all is not lost. view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 08:10 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time Out
28-07-2025
- Science
- Time Out
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower peaks over Asia on July 30 – here's how to catch it
If you love all things stars and astronomy, then the next couple of weeks has lots in store for you. On July 30, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower is set to peak, which should promise a glimpse of its glowing meteor trains in the event of good weather and clear skies. Later in August, the Perseid meteor shower – one of the most prolific of the year – is also expected to peak, meaning you have plenty of opportunity to wish upon a shooting star. For now, here's when and how to catch the Delta Aquariid meteor shower in Asia. What is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower? The Delta Aquariid is a meteor shower that originates from Comet 96P/Machholz, which orbits the Sun about once every five years. The meteor shower appears to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, hence the 'Aquariid' in its name. The Delta Aquariids are not known for their having high meteor counts, but its meteors flash by steadily at a rate of two to five per hour. According to EarthSky, 5 to 10 percent of Delta Aqauriid mtoers leave persistent trains, which are glowing ionised gas trails which linger a second or two after the meteor has passed. When will the Delta Aquariid meteor shower be visible? Technically, you can step out any time between now and late August to catch a glimpse of the Delta Aquariids. However, the meteor shower peaks on July 30 at around 5am – your best chance of catching the celestial show. Can I see the Delta Aquariid meteor shower with my naked eye? Yes, you can! Cross your fingers and hope for clear skies as that's when you'll get the best view of the meteor shower, no special equipment needed. But if the weather doesn't quite play along, you can always bring out a telescope or binoculars to enhance the experience. You'll also want to give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness so it's best if you avoid looking at your screens and phone. Where is the best place to view the Delta Aquariid meteor shower? Find some where away from city or street lights, such as a park, reservoir, or beach. Look about halfway between the horizon and the zenith and 45 degrees from Aquarius, where the meteors are expected to originate.
