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Star light, star bright – another meteor shower is now visible in Singapore skies. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is now active, but set to peak this week on July 29 and 30. Granted that the skies are clear and the moon is not too bright, you may have a chance of seeing the glowing trains of the meteors in local skies. Here's when and how to catch the celestial show in Singapore.
What is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower?
The Delta Aquariid is a meteor shower that originates from Comet 96P/Machholz, which orbits the Sun about once every five years. The meteor shower appears to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, hence the 'Aquariid' in its name.
The Delta Aquariid is not known for having high meteor counts, but its meteors flash by steadily at a rate of two to five per hour. According to EarthSky, 5 to 10 percent of Delta Aquariid meteors leave persistent trains, which are glowing ionised gas trails which linger a second or two after the meteor has passed.
When will the Delta Aquariid meteor shower be visible in Singapore?
Technically, you can step out any time between now and mid-August to catch a glimpse of the Delta Aquariids. However, the meteor shower peaks on July 29 and 30, between 2 am and 5:30 am – your best chance of catching the celestial show.
Can I see the Delta Aquariid meteor shower in Singapore with my naked eye?
Yes, you can!
Cross your fingers and hope for clear skies as that's when you'll get the best view of the meteor shower, no special equipment needed. But if the weather doesn't quite play along, you can always bring out a telescope or binoculars to enhance the experience. You'll also want to give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness so it's best if you avoid looking at your screens and phone.
Where is the best place to view the Delta Aquariid meteor shower in Singapore?
Find somewhere away from city or street lights, such as a park, reservoir, or beach. Give your eyes at least half an hour to adjust to the darkness and look about halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from Aquarius.
Otherwise, you can also head to the Science Centre Observatory for its usual Friday stargazing session.
When can we view the next meteor shower in Singapore?
The next one to look forward to is the Perseid meteor shower, which usually peaks from August 12 to 13. Although the Perseids are more visible in the Northern Hemisphere, we may still be able to catch some meteors if the weather conditions are favourable.
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