Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower continues
The Delta Aquarid meteor shower will be at its best showing tonight after midnight. Be sure to find a dark area for the greatest viewing conditions possible.
We are entering an exciting period for meteor shower activity! The Southern Delta Aquariids are occurring now. While not a major meteor producer, the S.D. Aquariids will produce bright, long-lasting meteors
Likely an Aquariid meteor shower spotted Saturday night in western Pennsylvania by AccuWeather Astronomy fried Ronald Shawley.
This shower has a very gradual peak. Tonight is likely the overall peak. But, hourly meteor rates will not drop off significantly over the next few nights.
Hourly meteor rates will be higher the further south you are. For example, from Florida and Texas to California, you will be looking at as many as 20 meteors per hour. Meanwhile, the states straddling the Canadian border will have closer to 10 meteors per hour. The absolute highest rates will be near and south of the equator, where 25-30 or higher per hour are expected.
The best time to view this shower is towards midnight and the overnight hours. The moon will set around midnight tonight. The radiant is highest in the sky around 3 a.m., local time.
You can also see a few early Perseid meteors tonight. You will know the difference. The Perseids move across the sky nearly twice as fast as the Aquariid meteors.
Viewing Conditions
Viewing conditions will be absolutely perfect across most of the country east of the Mississippi Sunday night! It will be a pleasant night as well.
Meteor Viewing Tips
Pack a lot of patience. You will have to dedicate a solid hour to being outside without looking at any single light source. That means no phones, fires, street lights or anything! Your eyes will completely adjust to the darkness in about half an hour, then you should see some activity during the next half hour. Good luck! Thanks for reading. Just look up, you never know what you will see!
