Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids: The Two Meteor Showers You Don't Know About

 Every summer, the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids Meteor Showers occur. Normally, they would occur within the time frame between July 12 to August 23.

Delta Aquariids

Meteor showers are caused when the Earth passes the orbital path of a comet. When this occurs, bits of debris fall through the atmosphere and burn up on re-entry. This is what causes the streaks in the sky. 

The Delta Aquariids peaked on July 27 and ended on July 29. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower takes its name from Delta Aquarii, a star in the constellation Aquarius. The Delta Aquariids was discovered in 1986 and is believed to come from comet 96P Machholz. It is expected that there will be 25 meteors an hour, and they will appear faint. 

The Alpha Capricornids first started appearing on July 3. It peaked on July 30 and disappeared on August 15. The Alpha Capricornids are harder to spot than the Delta Aquariids. The Alpha Capricornids will be seen on both sides of the equator.

Alpha Capricornids

The best way to spot meteor showers is to go to an open area with no artificial light. It will be harder to see if the weather causes poor visibility. It is best if there are clear skies. Have fun gazing through the starry skies.

Locations of Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids in the Sky

Sources:

“Alpha Capricornids.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Capricornids. 

“Southern Delta Aquariids.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Delta_Aquariids.