Three separate meteor shower events will take place in late July, offering the best viewing opportunities for stargazers. The Alpha Capricornids, Southern Delta Aquariids, and Perseids are among the most anticipated showers of the year.
According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), late July is an optimal time to witness meteors streaking across the sky. The moon’s position in the evening sky will not hinder visibility, making it easier for viewers to see the meteors. To get the best view, spectators are advised to lie flat on their backs in a dark region away from light pollution.
The Alpha Capricornids, peaking on July 30, are known to produce fireballs with rates of three to five per hour. The shower’s radiant appears near the double star Alpha Capricorni, visible in the east at around 8 p.m. Local Daylight Time (LDT). It is recommended to view this shower later in the night, when the radiant has gained more altitude and the moon has set.
The Southern Delta Aquariids will also reach their peak on July 30, with rates of five to 10 meteors per hour. This shower appears near southwestern Aquarius, just west of the star Delta Aquarii, at a distance of about 40 degrees from the Alpha Capricornids. The radiant rises in the east at around 10 p.m. LDT and is highest in the sky around 3 a.m. LDT.
The Perseids, considered one of the best meteor showers of the year, began on July 17 and will last until Aug. 23. They are known for their fireballs, which often leave streaks of light and color behind as they track through the sky. The Perseids originate from the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle and can be viewed in all directions but are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere during pre-dawn hours.
This year’s Perseid peak is expected to occur around Aug. 12, according to EarthSky.org. To witness this shower, look toward the constellation Perseus, where the radiant of the Perseids appears to originate.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/3-meteor-showers-happening-late-july/story?id=124032949