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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
How To Catch Two Meteor Showers Lighting Up US Skies This Week
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The night sky is gearing up for a double bill of celestial spectacles this week. Skywatchers in the United States are in for a treat as two distinct meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, are both set to reach their peak in late July, promising a double feature of "shooting stars." What Are Meteor Showers? Several times each year, as the Earth journeys around the sun, our planet crosses paths with streams of debris left behind by comets (and occasionally those from asteroids.) When these fragments enter Earth's atmosphere, the friction of their passage generates intense heat, causing the debris to burn up. This process often makes the surrounding air glow momentarily, creating a fiery trail—what we commonly refer to as a "shooting star." Meteor showers happen when many "shooting stars" seem to originate from the same point in the sky. A meteor shower composite created from 44 individual photos that includes the Milky Way. A meteor shower composite created from 44 individual photos that includes the Milky Will The Meteor Showers Peak? The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids are distinct phenomena, originating from different cosmic sources. They are both set to reach peak activity in the early morning hours of July 30. Viewers will have a good chance to spot these celestial streaks, as moonlight interference is expected to be minimal; the moon will be only about a quarter full, making for brighter and clearer sightings in locations far removed from urban light pollution. For those eager to catch the show, Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, told the Associated Press that with each shower potentially producing up to a dozen visible meteors per hour under dark conditions, their combined effect will certainly "add up." He describes both as "very nice classic meteor showers," encouraging enthusiasts to "look for flashes of light in the night sky." Observing these events doesn't require specialized astronomical equipment. The important thing is finding a location away from distracting city lights. The viewing window for both showers extends beyond their peak, remaining visible through August 12. How and Where to See the Meteor Showers To maximize your chances of witnessing this natural light show, timing and location are crucial. The optimal period for meteor shower viewing is typically in the predawn hours, when the moon is positioned low in the sky, minimizing its light. The primary challenges to a clear view are competing light sources, whether from a bright moon or artificial urban glow. Therefore, clear, cloudless nights offer the best opportunities. It's also vital to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness—so avoid checking your phone or other light-emitting devices during your viewing session. Simply recline, gaze upward and be patient. The Alpha Capricornids, in particular, may offer a slightly more dramatic visual. Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, told the AP that these meteors tend to move slower, which could result in tails that appear to linger in the sky for a bit longer. When Is The Next Meteor Shower? After these July spectacles, skywatchers can mark their calendars for the next significant event. The Perseid meteor shower, widely considered one of the most popular and reliable annual displays, is set to reach its maximum activity in mid-August. So, this week, remember to cast your gaze skyward in the early morning if you're in the US. It's a prime opportunity to witness the beauty of our solar system's cosmic debris. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about meteors? Let us know via science@
Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Don't Miss Tuesday Night's Triple Meteor Shower Bonanza — What To Know
Watch the Perseid meteor shower in 2019 on the beacon tower of the Great Wall in China Are you ready to see two meteor showers peak — just as a third gets going? Late Tuesday, July 29, and into the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, sees the peak of two meteor showers as summer's 'shooting star' season gets underway. The Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids will peak simultaneously under mostly favorable conditions, with the moon setting early in the evening to leave skies dark enough to catch up to 30 meteors per hour. Just to add to the excitement, the annual Perseids meteor shower — which peaks in August — could add to the show. Here's everything you need to know about the three overlapping meteor showers Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower: What To Know Peak night: July 29/30 Meteors per hour: up to 25 It's often overlooked because of the more prolific Perseid meteor shower that occurs just a few weeks later, but this year, the Delta Aquariids will arguably take center stage. With the Perseids bound to be badly affected by the moon, the Delta Aquarids could see about 25 meteors — albeit rather faint ones — visible in moonless night skies on the peak night. However, getting far from light pollution would be wise. It's a meteor shower with a broad peak, so you can start looking for them on any clear night in late July and early August, but note that its radiant point — where the meteors appear to come from — is low in the south as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. Alpha Capricornid Meteor Shower: What To Know Peak night: July 29/30 Meteors per hour: up to 5 A minor meteor shower, the Alpha Capricornids began on July 12 and will ramble on until Aug. 12. Its 'shooting stars' — fragments left behind in the inner solar system by comets — will number around five, which may add to the spectacle created by the Delta Aquariids and the Perseids. Although they may be relatively scant, Alpha Capricornids can often be bright fireballs, so they are worth looking out for. Perseid Meteor Shower: What To Know Peak night: Aug. 12-13 Meteors per hour: up to 75-100 The Perseid meteor shower — one of the year's most prolific in the Northern Hemisphere — kicked off on Jul. 17 and will continue to produce "shooting stars" until Aug. 23. That's lucky because its peak night on Aug. 12-13 occurs only a few nights after a full moon. With a bleached sky, only the very brightest Perseids will be visible, making the last few nights of July the best time to see them. During this period, expect about 5-15 meteors per hour. The radiant point of the Perseids lies in the constellation Perseus, but meteors can appear throughout the sky. How To Watch A Meteor Shower For the best viewing experience, find a dark location away from city lights and check weather forecasts for clear skies. Observing is best done with the naked eye rather than through telescopes or binoculars. Consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket, and avoid bright screens that can impair night vision. Remember to dress warmly, use bug spray, bring snacks, and take breaks from watching the sky every 30 minutes. For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
