trash or treasure

Each year two meteor showers converge over our late summer skies - the famous Perseids and the lesser known Delta Aquariids. The best time to watch for both is before the moon rises in late July.

A meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet. As the bits of rock and dust in the stream of debris collide with the earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create fiery streaks across the sky.

Delta Aquariids always peak in late July but the waning gibbous and last quarter moon of 2024 will light up the sky past midnight - making it more challenging to view.

Past 11:00 a.m. on July 16 a meteorite passed over New York and New Jersey. Wrapped in a bright ball of light and trailing loud explosive bangs. Fortunately this stellar light and sound extravaganza did not land on earth or cause any havoc.

Star Fall by Wang Zheng, Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2021

The Southern Delta Aquariids are active beginning in mid-July and are visible until late August. These faint meteors are difficult to spot, and when the moon is visible, they disappear from view. With the moon out our best chance to see the Southern Delta Aquariids is at the shower's peak between August 29th and 30th.

If you are unable to view the Southern Delta Aquariids during their peak look for them again during the Perseids in August. Spot a Southern Delta Aquarids if the meteor is coming from the direction of the constellation Aquarius - its radiant will be in the southern part of the sky. Unlike the Perseid radiant in the northern part of the sky.

The Southern Delta Aquariids are best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere and southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. 

Looking halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from the constellation of Aquarius will improve your chances of viewing the Southern Delta Aquariids. In less than thirty minutes in the dark our eyes adapt and we can begin to see the meteors. 

Be patient - the show will last until dawn, providing plenty of time to catch a glimpse.