Latest news with #stargazing
The National
15 hours ago
- Science
- The National
Perseids meteor shower: When and where to view the dazzling show in UAE
Stargazers in the UAE may catch an early glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower on July 24, when moonless, darker skies offer a better chance of spotting shooting stars. While the annual showers typically dazzle in mid-August with up to 100 meteors an hour, this year's peak will coincide with a full moon. On Thursday, however, the Moon will be not be visible, creating ideal conditions for observing celestial events such as the Perseids, active from mid-July until late August. Khadijah Ahmed, operations manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, said the Perseids meteor shower takes place when Earth passes through the densest part of the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. 'On July 24, the shower is still building up, so you might only see 10 to 20 meteors per hour at best, depending on your location, sky conditions and darkness,' she told The National. 'Unfortunately, there is a full moon just before the Perseid peak in August, meaning bright moonlight will wash out many meteors during the peak nights, but that's when you typically get 60 to 100 meteors per hour under moonless conditions.' The Perseids are one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year, which produces bright streaks of light as the particles burn up in the atmosphere, with the most intense activity typically on August 12 and 13. This year, however, conditions are not looking ideal because moonlight is likely to interfere with the shower's visibility. The Dubai Astronomy Group will host a stargazing event on August 12 in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah for the public, with tickets priced at Dh200 ($54) per adult. 'We'll focus more on stargazing, observing all the visible objects in the sky with a sideshow of the meteor,' said Ms Ahmed. 'As the meteor shower will continue till late August, we might host another event depending on the weather to observe the meteors on moonless nights.' Mohamed Usama Ismail, lead of optical astronomy and tours at Al Sadeem Astronomy in Abu Dhabi, said viewing the Perseids, whether on July 24 or during the August peak, comes down to 'timing and luck'. He said visibility can vary from year to year. 'Last year, it was a bit strange,' he said. "People came to observe the Perseids on August 12 and 13 but didn't see much. I wasn't sure why. Then, on August 14, a group visited and saw no fewer than 50 meteors, so it's all about luck.' There have been reports in recent years that the Perseids' intensity is declining and that the shower may not produce as many meteors as it once did. Astronomers believe the showers are weaker now because thicker parts of the comet's debris, which caused intense displays of meteors in the 1990s, have slowly spread out over time, causing fewer visible meteors today. Al Sadeem Astronomy is not hosting a specific event for public viewing of the meteor shower, but tours of its observatory are available regularly. After the showers, the next celestial event set to take place in the UAE will be a total lunar eclipse, appearing in the skies on September 7. The Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, turning a deep reddish colour. 'This is one of the rare astronomical events happening in the UAE in 2025,' said Ms Ahmed. 'We will host an event for the eclipse and encourage everyone to witness it. You don't need any special equipment – just go outside and look up." The first supermoon of the year, the Hunter's Supermoon, will appear on October 7, followed by the Beaver on November 5 and the Cold Supermoon on December 4. There are more meteor showers after the Perseids, including the Orionids' peak on October 21 and 22, followed by the Leonids, peaking on November 17 and 18. The best meteor shower and often the most visible, the Geminids, will peak on December 13 and 14.
Forbes
a day ago
- Science
- Forbes
See A Crescent Moon Embrace Venus And Jupiter: The Night Sky This Week
The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon. (Photo by: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty ... More Images) Each Monday, I pick out North America's celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more. The Night Sky This Week: July 21–27, 2025 As July enters its final stretch, the pre-dawn and post-sunset sky steals the spotlight with an exquisite series of moon-planet encounters. In the early hours of the first part of the week, a waning crescent moon in the east will first meet Venus and Aldebaran, then Jupiter, all the while displaying delicate "Earthshine" light. As it darts in, then out of the sun's glare, it will reappear in the west and, by week's end, join Mars. Here's everything you need to know about stargazing and astronomy this week: Monday, July 21: A Triangle Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran Monday, July 21: A Triangle Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran Wake early this morning — about 45 minutes before sunrise — and look east to witness a panorama of a 15%-lit waning crescent moon above the eastern horizon. Look for a triangle with the moon top, Venus beneath and the bright orange star Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus to the side. Earthshine — the faint glow caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth and onto the lunar surface — will add a magical touch to the view. Above will be the sparkling Pleiades star cluster. Tuesday, July 22: A Chain Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran Tuesday, July 22: A Chain Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran This morning's sky offers one of the richest pre-dawn lineups of the season. A slender 7%-lit crescent moon will hang low in the east, with brilliant Venus to its right, Aldebaran beyond, and the glittering Pleiades cluster above. Wednesday, July 23: Crescent Moon And Jupiter Wednesday, July 23: Crescent Moon And Jupiter Today marks the final morning to glimpse the moon before it enters its new phase. Just 3%-lit, the razor-thin crescent would typically be challenging to spot, but since it will be just five degrees to the left of Jupiter close to the east-northeast, it should be easy pickings in the 45 minutes before sunrise, though a flat, unobstructed horizon and a clear sky will be key. Friday, July 25: A Waxing Crescent Moon Friday, July 25: A Waxing Crescent Moon With the new moon yesterday, the scene is set for some much more convenient post-sunset sights of our natural satellite at its most delicate. Scan the western horizon 30 minutes after sunset for a 2%-lit waxing crescent moon. A cloudless view and possibly binoculars will be needed to spot it. Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus Tonight's crescent moon, now 6%-lit, will be easier to spot and be joined by Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Look west about 45 minutes after sunset to find the moon sitting just two degrees to the left of Regulus. A hot, blue-white star roughly 79 light-years away, Regulus is one of four royal stars of ancient Persia. Sunday, July 27: Waxing Crescent Moon And Mars Sunday, July 27: Waxing Crescent Moon And Mars With the crescent moon now 11% lit, it will be higher in the western sky after sunset than it was last night. Just to its upper left will shine Mars, past its best but still unmistakable. The mostly unlit face of the moon will be faintly illuminated by Earthshine, the ghostly glow on the moon's night side. Though visible to the naked eye, binoculars reveal it in detail, especially during crescent phases. The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
This Montana Map Leads To 45 Stargazing Spots You'll Never Forget
Northern Lights over the North Flathead River, Glacier National Park, Montana Would you go to Montana to go stargazing? If you want to see the stars or the Northern Lights, drive to where others are not. That way lies darkness. Such is the case in eastern Montana, where millions of acres of public land and one of the lowest population densities in the U.S. mean some of its darkest night skies — and a booming reputation for astrotourism. That's hinted at by one of its nicknames — 'Big Sky Country' — but with two designated International Dark Sky Sanctuaries and a less formal Trail to the Stars program of 45 dark sky destinations, eastern Montana is increasingly making the best of its unpolluted, wide-open skies. Gateway To The Stars Near Helena in central Montana, and serving as a gateway to the remote, eastern part of the state, is the lakeside Montana Learning Center. It's home to Montana's largest public-access observatory, which hosts a huge 25-inch aperture Dobsonian, the largest publicly accessible telescope in the state, among others. 'Montana is home to some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, and this year's astronomical events offer an unparalleled view of the night sky,' said Ryan Hannahoe, executive director of the Montana Learning Center, in an email. 'With celestial wonders like northern lights, planetary alignments, and deep-space objects more visible than ever, it's a fantastic time for both seasoned astronomers and curious stargazers to look up and explore the cosmos.' The Montana Learning Center also hosts expert-led camps and classes dedicated to the night sky. A scenic view of a desert landscape under the Milky way in Montana Stargazing Sanctuaries All you need to go stargazing is a dark sky — something you can find using any light pollution map — but parks that protect their night skies are hard to resist. In Montana, there are two International Dark Sky Sanctuaries — the vast landscapes of Glacier National Park in the north and the surreal sandstone formations of Medicine Rocks State Park in the far east. The 'sanctuaries' designation is rare. International Dark Sky Parks are common in the U.S., but sanctuaries are rare. Non-profit DarkSky defines them as 'the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world, whose conservation state is most fragile.' Glacier National Park is the only protected dark sky to span an international border, reaching into Canada's Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Trail To The Stars Selling yourself as a dark place ripe for astrotourism is easy, but coming up with a network of vetted places people can go where dark skies are guaranteed is much harder. However, Montana has done just that, creating a 'Trail To The Stars' program that identifies 45 locations ideal for stargazing, ranging from ranches and cabins to simple campgrounds and country parks. That website is also a one-stop shop for astro-tourism events happening around Montana. Many of the events are held in Glacier National Park, which offers astronomy programs and Logan Pass Star Parties (on July 25 and August 22, 2025), as well as its Dusty Star Observatory Sky Cam that provides a real-time view of the sky. Meanwhile, Medicine Rocks State Park offers a regular 'Dinosaurs and Dark Skies' program of stargazing and fossil phosphorescence. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach Town in Mexico Has Gorgeous Boutique Hotels, Ancient Maya Ruins, and the Whitest Sand in the World
It's all about the laid-back luxury at La Valise Tulum, known for its supersized suite with a bed that can be rolled out onto the patio for stargazing amidst the sound of crashing waves. Swim or scuba through the crystal-clear cenotes , millennia-old sinkholes scattered throughout the jungles near Tulum. The cold waters outdo Tulum's white-sand beaches when it's time for a mid-day cool down. , millennia-old sinkholes scattered throughout the jungles near Tulum. The cold waters outdo Tulum's white-sand beaches when it's time for a mid-day cool down. Step into the jungle at Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza's ARCA for an award-winning dining and craft cocktail experience that feels innovative yet deeply authentic to the richness of one of Mexico's most celebrated regional cuisines. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve hides everything from ancient Maya ruins to natural lazy rivers and technicolor lagoons, making it a must-visit destination, whether you're looking for adventure, history, or connection. Grab a bike to cycle between the beachfront and the town center, whether in search of tacos or to scope out the latest collection of luxury villas transforming downtown Tulum. As oversized all-inclusive resorts began to rise from the sands of Cancún and Playa del Carmen up and down the Riviera Maya, the tiny town of Tulum was still almost unheard of, its bare beaches bordered by dense jungle that hid untouched ruins and cenotes brimming with still, turquoise waters. As word started to get out about its immense beauty and raw, removed feel, it began to morph into Mexico's next destination du jour . "Tulum has changed so much in just the last 10 years," says Brendon Leach, CEO of Colibri Boutique Hotels, a collection of luxe, laid-back beachfront properties in Tulum and Nicaragua. When he first opened Mezzanine two decades ago, he was one of the very first to bring an elevated experience to the beaches of Tulum, rigging up an espresso machine to run off diesel, as there still weren't even power lines reaching this part of the country. It's easy to get nostalgic for the days when Tulum still felt like a carefully guarded secret, but "even with all the ways it has grown and changed, there's still so much to love in Tulum if you know where to look," he says. Untouched and undiscovered Tulum is not, but its magnetism is still manifest in its profound natural beauty, immense history, and pristine beaches scientifically proven to be the whitest in the world. "Tulum attracts a global community of artists, wellness seekers, and cultural explorers who arrive for the turquoise waters, remain for the energy, and return for the sense of connection," says Yves Naman, founder of Namron Hospitality, which operates a handful of hotels and restaurants in Tulum. With more Michelin Guide-listed bars and restaurants than any other destination in this part of Mexico, plus a well-loved wellness scene and a brand-new international airport, Tulum has more going for it than ever, even if the secret is out. Private villas at La Valise Tulum. Fall asleep under the stars at La Valise Tulum, known for its breathtaking second-floor master suite with a king-sized bed that rolls out onto the terrace, allowing guests to bask under the Milky Way. This 11-room luxury boutique hotel sits on a calm stretch of beachfront in South Tulum and offers a mesmerizing menu of activities, ranging from snorkeling and mezcal tastings to yoga, Maya healing treatments, and cacao ceremonies. Dining is also a differentiator, with NÜ Tulum listed in Mexico's Michelin Guide and acclaimed for its open-fire cooking style highlighting locally sourced ingredients. You'll step onto the soft sands of Tulum the second you arrive at Lula, the newest (and my personal favorite!) from the expertly curated collection of properties from Colibri Boutique Hotels. With 19 rooms and suites, plus an intimate spa, boutique, and pool hidden away among tropical foliage, Lula feels decidedly more wellness-focused than its sister properties. The oversized yoga shala hosts daily activities and events, with stunning sea views and sliding glass doors to unwind to the healing sound of waves. Complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and restaurant serving Baja-meets-Mediterranean cuisine, Lula has, in my humble opinion, the only beach club in Tulum worth visiting if you're looking for a laid-back day on the sand. Tulum is far from a resort-driven destination like neighboring Playa del Carmen and Cancún, but visitors looking for an amenity-rich experience will love Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, a World's Best Award-winning property just a short 25-minute drive from town. This luxe resort with 349 oceanfront rooms and suites has five different pools, a gorgeous beachfront, no less than 11 unique culinary experiences, including Michelin Guide-listed Autor, and an award-winning spa designed to replicate the look and feel of a cenote. Stepping inside Azulik feels nothing short of entering a liveable piece of art, its tangle of beach wood, stone, and concrete crafting spaces reminiscent of bird's nests and cocoons across its 48-villa property. Connection to self is central here, with an extensive wellness menu ranging from acro-yoga and tarot readings to energy healings and Mesoamerican temazcal ceremonies. Each villa is lit only by candlelight at night to cut down on light pollution, but fear not: these luxe spaces still have outlets to charge your gear and air conditioning should you crave a little something more than just the sea breezes wafting off the Caribbean. Nearly 300 feet of private, pristine, and adults-only beachfront make The Beach Tulum one of the quieter escapes on the sands of Tulum. Every room offers a private plunge pool or jacuzzi, with plush bi-level rooms offering both private rooftop terraces and direct access to the beach. Together with its next-door neighbor, sister property Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa, it boasts a spa, gym, open-air yoga studio, pools, and dining spots like fan-favorite Ziggy's Beach Club. Aerial view of a centore near Tulum. Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure The unique geology of Mexico's Yucatán has left the jungles surrounding Tulum studded with cenotes, sinkholes filled with spectacularly still, crystalline waters. Immersed among dense tropical foliage, they make for an enchanting, almost mystical place for a swim, or even a scuba excursion, in the heat of the day. El Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos are some of the most impressive cenotes in the area; both are easily accessible from town, so they can get busy during the high season. Naman recommends visiting Cenote Caracol instead, a less-crowded spot with crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites amidst untouched jungle. Centuries ago, the Maya cut a slender channel through dense mangrove forests to facilitate transportation between two technicolor lagoons. Today, this canal is a natural lazy river, at once a testament to the immense history of the land and a relaxing destination to enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. I'll admit I was skeptical about taking a 40-minute float down the river, but once I was bobbing along the water with my guide from Boutique Tours Mexico, I instantly saw the appeal of what is one of Tulum's most unique attractions. The towering Maya pyramids rising from the perfectly white sands of Tulum may be one of the most iconic and easily recognizable images of Mexico, making them a must-visit destination. If you haven't had your fill of history after exploring these seaside temples, fear not: the ruins of Muyil are just minutes from Tulum, with even more impressive sites like Cobá and Chichen Itza only slightly more afield, but still within day-trip distance. "Wellness has always been a major draw to Tulum, even when Tulum was only just starting to register on travelers' radars," says Leach of what remains an integral part of the Tulum experience. Good luck finding a hotel these days that doesn't offer daily yoga classes or healing experiences, giving even beginners a chance to experience this side of Tulum. The more mystically curious will find everything from cacao ceremonies to Maya healing rituals and guided temazcal sweat lodge experiences at wellness-focused destinations like Yäan Healing Sanctuary. Naman recommends sound healing sessions at Holistika, with its dome-shaped space specially designed to augment therapeutic vibrations. A restaurant near palm trees in Tulum. When I sat down to dinner at ARCA, my waiter quickly fixed the positioning of the single blooming lily on my table to face me, the first tiny detail of a dining experience designed to delight from start to finish. The jungle atmosphere of the outdoor dining space at Jose Luis Hinostroza's award-winning ARCA feels both rich and raw, perfectly complementing the food that highlights local ingredients and traditions and uses fire as a key element for flavor. Would you believe I've bonded with multiple colleagues over our shared love of the roasted prawns, a dish that still sticks with me almost a year later? The cocktail menu is not to be missed either; it's also been ranked by World's 50 Best as one of the top bars in the world. Reservations required. The crowning culinary achievement of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is Autor. Recently named one of the best restaurants in the country, the Michelin Guide describes it as "quickly writing itself into Riviera Maya's history" with its contemporary Mexican tasting menus. Autor is good any time, but if you're in town for its Culto a México (CuMé) series, you're in for a real treat. Executive Chef Alan Carias's passion project brings together celebrated chefs for a transformational culinary event. Reservations required. Thai cuisine in Tulum? It's been an unexpected beachside staple at Mezzanine for two decades. Thai chefs lead the team for a menu featuring favorite dishes that seamlessly blend authentic flavors with an abundance of locally sourced ingredients. The elevated dining terrace suspended over the beach is dreamy any time of day, especially so when lit with string lights after pink skies subside and night falls. Reservations recommended. The tacos of Tulum may not compare to those of Mexico City, but they're certainly nothing to scoff at. In downtown Tulum, the best tacos are at Taqueria Honorio, known for its cochinita pibil and lechón , though you really can't go wrong with whatever you order. The spot is so popular it just keeps expanding, but come during the lunch rush and you still might find a line. I've eaten a lot of great food in Tulum, but the eight-course tasting menu at La Zebra by Chef Eleazar Bonilla might be the most memorable experience of all. I won't give away every surprise you'll encounter along the journey, best experienced when expertly paired with local craft beers and wines, though I will say it seems to magnify every flavor and texture you've ever loved about Mexican cuisine, made only better by Bonilla's immense passion for his work. Get there early for sunset drinks at the colorful Frida's Lounge. Reservations required. Tulum has long been known as the place to party on the beach in Mexico, with Papaya Playa Project as one of the most well-known places to stay and play. Papaya Playa's full moon parties are just as festive as you'd imagine, but the music is good enough to draw droves of revelers every day. Entry is pricy, but partiers affirm it's one of the best spots seaside to dance well into the wee hours of the morning. Set back off the sand, the jungle-immersed hotel and restaurant spaces at Gitano transform into Gitano Jungle come nightfall. DJ sets and live music at Saturday Ceremonia parties are a hit, punctuated by pulsing lights and sounds that make it memorable. Store front of La Tiendita. Conie Suarez Bravo/La Tiendita La Troupe is a Tulum favorite, known for its luxe curated collections of beach-ready womenswear handcrafted by more than 150 female makers in southern Mexico. Thoughtful, hand-embroidered designs and a growing selection of home goods root the shop deeply in the region. Locally-produced pieces like pottery, stoneware, clean beauty products, health and wellness tools and treatments, and accessories line the walls at La Tiendita. Muted, earthy tones and textures fit perfectly into the beachy, bohemian Tulum design aesthetic, made even better by the shop's dedication to fair trade principles and local, ethical sourcing. Look no further than MexicArte for a wide array of everything from kitschy keychains and souvenirs to more high-end, handcrafted art pieces, jewelry, and home decor from a wide array of artisans. There are now four different MexicArte outposts located across Tulum and nearby Akumal. Palm trees on a Tulum beach. Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure It's the stunning white sands that stretch up and down the coast that drew development to Tulum in the first place. The heart of Tulum's beachfront is now lined with bohemian boutique hotels, restaurants, shops, yoga studios, and beach clubs galore, even if sections of the other side of the street still retain their jungle-coated, untouched feel. There's just one real road that runs up and down this slender stretch of coast due to Tulum's quick growth, making navigating a breeze (but traffic is nothing less than hectic for much of the day). Just a 15-minute drive from the beach, downtown Tulum still feels relatively small and is dotted with spaces that may be perfect for longer-term stays, like coworking hubs, grocery stores, Airbnbs, and more affordable eateries. However, there is an increasingly impressive array of stylish spots that might tempt you to stay off the beachfront, like the brand-new collection of 10 villas at Trobbu Tulum, offering a luxe private experience and even the option of all-inclusive dining. Much of the northern stretch of Tulum's beachfront has been transformed into the Parque de Jaguar, a protected area encompassing Tulum's beautiful beachside ruins, as well as a small museum dedicated to Maya artifacts, a tangle of hiking trails, and an observation tower offering spectacular ocean views. Just a handful of eco-luxe boutique hotels and restaurants line this stretch of shore, giving the area a tranquil vibe. The park is open from 8:00 AM - 5:00 p.m., but restaurant and hotel guests can enter outside of these hours, so make sure to make a reservation in advance. In Mayan, the name of the 1.3 million-acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve means 'a place where heaven begins.' This sprawling UNESCO-protected reserve south of Tulum truly seems divine in origin, with its miles of untouched white-sand beaches, twisting rivers, multi-colored lagoons, and ancient ruins still being unearthed from amidst the verdant jungle. It sits along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and tempts visitors with activities ranging from snorkeling and diving to paddling in long-hidden cenotes. A person on a lounge chair under a palapa on a Tulum beach. M"Tulum is a year-round destination, but the experience shifts with the seasons," says Naman. The best time to visit Tulum for good weather is December through April, when sunny skies and warm temperatures make for ideal beach weather. In May, prices at hotels and resorts start to drop and crowds thin, meaning "travelers enjoy milder weather, fewer crowds, and good value, making it one of the best times to visit for a more personal and comfortable experience." Travel in the off-season, from June through November, for even more affordable rates. This is Atlantic hurricane season, so check in on hotel cancellation policies and add purchasing travel insurance to your pre-departure to-do list. Warmer weather also means there will be a higher chance of blooms of yellow-brown sargassum seaweed washing ashore. Hotels do their best to keep beaches clear, but it's a climate change-driven reality to keep in mind whenever you travel. Visitors getting a Taxi outside the Tulum airport. MediosTulum's brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport received its first international flight in March 2024, instantly making this beach town much more accessible to travelers. Served by multiple major airlines from cities across the East Coast and Midwest, the new airport cut down what was a 1.5-hour drive from Cancún. However, some will still find this airport to be easier, given the unmatched flight availability to and from Cancún. Both downtown Tulum and the airport also have stops on the newly debuted Tren Maya, a major railway project that was fully completed at the end of 2024. The train now spans five different states in Mexico, connecting beachside hotspots like Tulum and Playa del Carmen with lesser-visited gems like the colonial city of Mérida and ancient ruins like Chichen Itza and Palenque. A bike parked near a Tulum has just one principal seaside street, meaning that during high season, traffic near the beach can be unbearable. Many visitors prefer to simply walk or bike up and down the beachside road, often saving time in the process despite there being little to no demarcation for sidewalks. Traffic aside, most visitors to Tulum rely on taxis for the duration of their stay, including to and from the airport, though fares can be surprisingly expensive. Renting a car is great for day trips, but is mostly unnecessary for those planning to spend the majority of their vacation by the beach. The budget-conscious should consider using ADO buses to pay a flat, affordable rate between town and the airport, which will save a significant amount on the cost of an airport taxi.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The 2025 Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower is upon us! Here's what you need to know
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. peak on July 29. The Southern Delta Aquariid shower is active from July 18 to Aug. 12, as Earth passes through a trail of ancient debris that is suspected to have been shed by the 4-mile-wide (6.4 km) comet 96P Machholz. When this debris hits Earth's atmosphere, the friction created by air molecules causes the particles to ignite, creating the visible streaks we see in the sky. The shower is at its strongest in the week surrounding its peak on July 29, at which time viewers could spot up to eight faint meteors per hour, according to NASA. Shooting stars associated with the shower will appear to emanate from a patch of sky — known as a radiant — in the constellation Aquarius, close to the bright star Delta Aquarii, from which the annual event gets its name. When is the best time to see the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower? Stargazers will have their best chance of spotting a Southern Delta Aquariid in the early morning hours in the week surrounding July 29, according to the American Meteor Association. Around that time, the radiant is at its highest in the southern sky and the waxing crescent moon will be hidden well below the horizon, providing a dark sky in which to hunt for the elusive shooting stars. As its name suggests, the Southern Delta Aquariids will be most visible to stargazers situated in the Southern Hemisphere, where the radiant is higher in the post-sunset sky. However, the shower will still be visible to those north of the equator, albeit at a lower hourly rate. To maximize your chances of catching a Southern Delta Aquariid, first locate the bright star Delta Aquarii in the constellation Aquarius above the southern horizon (or use a stargazing app to help you find it). Then, find a patch of sky 40 degrees away from the radiant in the direction of the local zenith, which is the point directly above your head. Remember: the width of your outstretched fist from your thumb to the outside of your little finger accounts for around 10 degrees in the night sky. The shooting stars seen here will have longer trails compared to those spotted closer to the radiant! You'll have a much better chance of spotting one of the faint shooting stars if you head away from city lights and allow your eyes 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness. After that, it's a case of lying back — ideally on a deckchair, and losing yourself in the night sky. If you see a bright meteor streak across the sky from the north, you may well have spotted a member of the Perseid meteor shower, which has been active since mid-July. Editor's Note: If you capture a picture of a meteor and want to share it with readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@ Solve the daily Crossword
