The Delta Aquarids meteor shower is set to peak tonight, offering stargazers in the UK a celestial display visible to the naked eye. The shower, active from July 12 to August 23, reaches its zenith in the early hours of July 29 and 30. While best viewed from the southern hemisphere, those at mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere can still catch a glimpse.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by comets, causing dust and rock to burn up in the atmosphere. The Delta Aquarids' radiant lies in the constellation Aquarius near the star Delta Aquarii. To maximise viewing, experts recommend looking away from the radiant point, as meteors appear longer further from it.
The Royal Museums Greenwich advises starting observations from around 2am, with the radiant reaching its highest point at about 3:30am. A dark sky free from moonlight and artificial lights is ideal. The Moon, currently in its waxing gibbous phase with 60-70% illumination, may slightly hinder visibility.
Viewers should use only their naked eyes, as binoculars or telescopes have narrow fields of view. Lying on a blanket or using a lawn chair provides a wide, unobstructed view towards the south. Allowing eyes to adapt to darkness and avoiding smartphone use enhances the experience.
The Delta Aquarids produce a steady stream of about 20 meteors per hour at peak. The parent comet is suspected to be 96P Machholz, discovered in 1986 by amateur astronomer Donald Machholz. Despite the Moon's brightness, tonight offers a prime opportunity for meteor enthusiasts across the UK.
