Two meteor showers in a single night: When Ukrainians will be able to witness this rare celestial phenomenon
28 July 04:00
In late July, residents of Ukraine and other countries will be able to observe two meteor showers at once, both of which will reach their peak activity almost simultaneously. On the night of July 30–31, the Southern Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids will reach their peaks. Live Science reports this, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Although viewing conditions this year will be less than ideal due to the nearly full moon, astronomers advise not to miss this rare celestial event.
The peak activity of both meteor showers will occur on the night of July 30–31.
At that time, you’ll be able to observe:
- theSouthern Delta Aquarids;
- theAlpha Capricornids.
Such coincidences are rare, so for astronomy enthusiasts, this is one of the most exciting events of the summer.
Why it will be harder to observe this year
The day before the meteor shower peaks, the July full moon—known as the Buck Moon —will occur .
At the peak of the meteor shower, Earth’s natural satellite will be about 98% illuminated, so its light will significantly brighten the night sky.
Because of this, the faintest meteors may be almost invisible.
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How many meteors will be visible
Southern Delta Aquarids
This meteor shower is active:
from July 12 to August 23.
Under ideal conditions, it can produce:
- up to 25 meteors per hour.
However, due to the bright Moon, the actual number of visible meteors will be lower.
Alpha Capricornids
The shower lasts:
from July 3 to August 15.
Its intensity is significantly lower:
- about 5 meteors per hour.
However, this shower is famous for its very bright fireballs—large meteors that can flash in various colors.
When is the best time to watch the meteor shower?
Astronomers recommend observing the sky:
- after midnight;
- until dawn.
It is during this period that the constellation Aquarius, from which the Southern Delta Aquarids appear to “emerge,” rises highest above the horizon.
For the best view, it’s best to:
- go outside the city;
- avoid streetlights;
- allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness;
- avoid using the bright light from your phone.
What Are Fireballs?
Fireballs are particularly large and very bright meteors.
As they enter Earth’s atmosphere, they glow much more intensely than ordinary “shooting stars” and can sometimes take on greenish, bluish, or orange hues.
The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower is known for precisely these spectacular flashes.
If you miss this one—the Perseids are coming up
If cloudy skies or a bright moon prevent you from seeing the July meteors, you’ll soon have the chance to observe one of the year’s most famous meteor showers.
The Perseids will peak on August 12–13.
This year, viewing conditions will be much better, as the peak will coincide almost exactly with the new moon, so the sky will remain dark.
According to astronomers’ forecasts, up to 100 meteors per hour will be visible during the peak of the Perseids.
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