Like every year, the month of July will say goodbye with the peak of the Delta Aquarid meteor shower that although we will be able to observe even in the month of August (along with the Perseids ), it is now when we will be able to see them in its maximum splendor. That is why we now offer you all the information about the Delta Aquarids 2021: How and when to see the meteor shower in July
Delta Aquarids 2021: How and when to see the July meteor shower
The month of July is one of the most “active” months when it comes to astronomical phenomena . During this month it has been possible to witness, for example, the opposition of the Sun to Pluto (July 17) or how the asteroid Pallas ceased its usual movement towards the east and began its retrograde cycle (July 18), but if there is a This is an important event that is the Delta Aquarids 2021.
More than a month to observe this magnificent light show, with up to 25 shooting stars per hour during intensity peaks and which is perhaps one of the most observed by astronomy lovers because it occurs precisely in summer, a time that invites go out and enjoy a night in which the sky is covered with stars.
When to observe the peak of the Delta Aquarids 2021?
But when will we be able to observe the Delta Aquarids 2021? The truth is that this meteor shower began to be seen on July 12 and will continue to be present in our skies until August 23, although it will be at dawn from next Wednesday, July 28 to Thursday, July 29, when we will witness its maximum. apogee.
A show that no one will want to miss, although the National Geographic Institute (IGN) has already reported that this year the Delta Aquarids will not be able to be observed at all well because it coincides with the Full Moon.
How to observe the Delta Aquarids 2021?
However, if you want to be able to see the Delta Aquarids 2021, it is not necessary that you use any specific equipment since the meteor shower can be seen just by looking at the sky, although it is recommended that you wait until it is early morning (around 02:00 hours) and that you look for a corner isolated from all light.
Therefore, if you have the opportunity (let us not forget that in many corners of Spain there is a curfew again) it is better to get away from the cities and their light pollution. Also, once you start the sky, you should allow at least half an hour for the eyes to get used to the darkness.
To observe them well, it only remains to turn in the right direction. NASA recommends ” setting a point between the horizon and the zenith, approximately 45 ° , rather in a North, East or West direction because they come from the South, near the constellation Aquarius, because if you see them coming from the front, you will only see a single flash, without any trace of light «.
How did the Delta Aquarids originate?
The meteor swarm is observed as we say every year from mid-July to mid-August, with a peak generally in late July. The origin of the swarm dates back to the rupture of a comet that gave rise to the current comets Marsden and Kracht.
It is a meteor shower that every year is relatively impressive thanks to its large number of meteors per hour. Therefore, during intensity peaks, it is not uncommon to be able to observe up to more than 25 meteors per hour.
