The solar system really is a gift that keeps on giving. So far this year the UK has been treated to a whole host of cosmic spectacles. In 2023 alone, the northern lights keep gracing us with their ethereal presence, stargazers witnessed a ‘once in a lifetime’ green comet and an asteroid thought to be one of the nearest misses ever recorded passed by Earth.
And there’s more to come. This weekend not one but two meteor showers will whizz across the night sky. Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornids have been active since the beginning of July but both peak on Sunday, July 30, meaning that this weekend will be your best chance at catching a glimpse of them. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower?
The Delta Aquariid commences the summer meteor season in the northern hemisphere. Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) describes it as a ‘steady stream of meteors over several days but a low rate per hour’. It will be active until August 23.
It estimates a possible rate of 25 meteors per hour. It comes from debris left by a ‘parent comet’, though experts are uncertain about the comet responsible. Jake Foster, an astronomer from the observatory, said: 'When the Earth passes through the field of debris, small particulates fall into the atmosphere, burning up to produce the bright streaks of light we know as shooting stars.’
What is the Alpha Capricornids meteor shower?
This shower is definitely more quality over quantity, with the Royal Greenwich Observatory describing it as ‘yellow slow fireballs’. At its peak, you should expect sonly up to five meteors per hour – though they usually leave a dazzling bright trail behind them.
It happens as a result of debris from the 169P/NEAT comet, which burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere every April. Alpha Capricornids will remain active until August 15.
Where is best to see the meteor showers in the UK this weekend?
For the best view, stargazers will need to look southeast and hope for clear and dark conditions. So, head to an open space in the countryside or your nearest national park, away from built up areas and light pollution.
What time will the meteor showers be most visible?
Foster told the Metro that shooting stars will ‘rise from the southern horizon at around 11pm BST’ and will continue through the night at a rate of up to 25 an hour.
If you miss these ones, another shower known as Perseids is also active right now and will peak mid-August with as many as 100 meteors per hour.
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