Current:Home > FinanceBack-to-back meteor showers this week How to watch Delta Aquarids and Alpha Capricornids -EverVision Finance
Back-to-back meteor showers this week How to watch Delta Aquarids and Alpha Capricornids
View
Date:2025-04-12 23:37:33
Stargazers in southern states can rejoice over two meteor showers peaking around the same time as July flashes away.
Both the southern Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids peak periods will nearly crossover on Tuesday, according the American Meteor Society. Observers can see the dual showers in the southern hemisphere and southern latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
These celestial events are best observed after midnight as some aren't visible prior and before the moon rises, EarthSky reported.
The Delta Aquarrids move at a medium speed, while the Alpha Capricornids moves at a slower pace, according to the Society for Popular Astronomy.
The double meteor showers serve a teaser for next month's Perseids, the most popular shower of the year expected to peak on August 11 and 12.
How to watch the Southern Delta Aquariids
The Southern Delta Aquariids will peak at on the night of July 29 going into July 30 when the moon will be 30% full, according to AMS. Moonlight should be a minor factor to watch this shower this year as the waning crescent moon rises in the early morning hours.
This shower, active between July 18 through August 21, is best observed from the southern tropics. AMS experts recommend to look toward the southwestern sky if the moon is above the horizon when viewing.
The celestial point in the sky where the paths of meteors seem to originate from, also known as the radiant, can be found north of the equator and located lower in the southern sky, according to the AMS.
"These are usually faint meteors that lack both persistent trains and fireballs," the AMS wrote.
How to watch the Alpha Capricornids
The Alpha Capricornids are expected to peak on the night of July 30 going into July 31 when the moon will be 20% full, according to AMS.
The shower started being active on July 7 and will continue through August 15. This event can be seen equally on either side of the equator, AMS reported.
"This shower is not very strong and rarely produces in excess of five shower members per hour," the AMS wrote. "What is notable about this shower is the number of bright fireballs produced during its activity period."
veryGood! (87)
Related
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Prosecutors say a reckless driving suspect bit an NYPD officer’s finger tip off
- What is Hamas? What to know about the group attacking Israel
- Jada Pinkett Smith says she and Will Smith haven't been together since 2016, 'live separately'
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Connor Bedard debut: Highlights, winners and losers from NHL's opening night
- Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown arrested in Southern California in connection to mother’s slaying
- Man claiming to have bomb climbs Santa Monica's iconic Ferris wheel as park is evacuated
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Bipartisan resolution to support Israel has over 400 co-sponsors: Texas congressman
Ranking
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Amazon sellers say they made a good living — until Amazon figured it out
- Iraqi man arrested in Germany over alleged involvement in war crimes as a member of IS
- California law banning large-capacity gun magazines likely to survive lawsuit, court says
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown in custody on first-degree murder charge in mother's slaying
- Huge rocket motors arrive at Los Angeles museum for space shuttle Endeavour display
- Gaza residents describe their horror as Israeli forces bombard city: There is no safe place
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
National Coming Out Day: Where to find support, resources and community
Democratic challenger raises more campaign cash than GOP incumbent in Mississippi governor’s race
Shadowy snitch takes starring role in bribery trial of veteran DEA agents
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Prosecutors say a reckless driving suspect bit an NYPD officer’s finger tip off
Woman faces charges after 58-year-old man dies in her care at Michigan nursing home
Rena Sofer returns to ‘General Hospital’ as fan favorite Lois after more than 25 years