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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.
Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Twin meteor showers to dazzle the skies tonight: How to watch the celestial spectacle
If you're someone who loves a good sky show, mark your calendars for July 29 and 30. This week, the night sky has something magical in store: twin meteor showers- the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will be peaking at the same time, offering a rare double treat. As July comes to an end, these two meteor showers will light up the night in a stunning cosmic coincidence. Astronomers are predicting at least 25 meteors per hour i.e nearly one every couple of minutes. While meteor showers aren't uncommon (there are over 900 every year), having two peaks together is rare. Additionally, with the moon only about 27 per cent full, its dim light won't interfere much making the meteors more visible. 'This is just an amazing coincidence,' says Nicholas Moskovitz, a planetary astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Arizona was quoted as saying by 'Almost all meteor showers peak in the early morning hours between 2 and 4 a.m., so your best chance to catch them is after midnight, ideally around 3 a.m.' Meteor showers are basically nature's fireworks, caused when Earth passes through trails of debris left behind by comets. Southern Delta Aquariids come from Comet 96P/Machholz, which orbits the Sun every five years. On the other hand, Alpha Capricornids are produced by Comet 169P/NEAT, discovered in 2002. This one swings by the Sun every 4.2 years. As Earth crosses their paths, tiny bits of comet dust burn up in our atmosphere, creating the bright streaks we see as meteors or 'shooting stars.' The double meteor shower will peak in the early hours of July 30, but you can still catch it before and after, especially through July 31. In fact, the meteor showers will continue to be active until August 12, though the best display will be around the end of July. While the Southern Hemisphere gets the best view with constellations Aquarius and Capricornus gleaming their skies, viewers in India and other Northern Hemisphere regions can still get a good show, especially if you look toward the southern horizon. Time it right: Head out after midnight, with 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. being the perfect hours. Find a dark place: Rural areas or rooftops with minimal light pollution are ideal. No equipment needed: No telescopes or binoculars required. Even if clouds come over, don't worry. These showers last more than a week, so there's still time to catch them. Just step out before dawn and soak in the quiet wonder of the night sky. (This article has been curated by Kaashvi Khubyani, who is an intern with The Indian Express.)
