A Couple of Mid-Summer Meteor Showers

People spend a lot more leisure time outdoors during the summer months, so it's no wonder they observe more shooting stars at that time of year. If you can survive the onslaught of mosquitoes, an early mid-summer evening can be a great time to view a few meteors blazing across the sky. And since the August Perseids will be ruined by a Full Moon next month, and since we haven't seen a decent meteor display for some time now, I say get out there in July and enjoy whatever meteors have a fatal close encounter with the Earth's upper atmosphere. Get ready for the Delta Aquarid and Capricornid meteor showers.

The first meteor shower of July, the Delta Aquarids, peaks on the evening of the 27th to the early morning of the 28th. New Moon is on the 29th so ideal observing conditions will prevail. At peak time about 20 bright, yellow meteors can be observed per hour. Because these meteors nearly broadside the Earth, their speed is a moderate 25.5 miles per second.

To maximize your chances of seeing as many meteors as possible you must find a dark sky location from which to observe. Shield yourself from any stray light sources and continually scan the sky. Don't just stare at one area of the sky. If you can see the cloud-like milky gauze of the Milky Way from the observing site you choose, then you can be assured of a decent display of shooting stars.

The second meteor shower you should observe comes a day later on the night of July 29/30 with the peak of the Capricornid meteor shower. The Moon will still be New for observing purposes, so it won't interfere with observing on this night either.

The Capricornids are characterized by their often yellow coloration and their frequent brightness. They are also slow interplanetary interlopers, hitting our atmosphere at around 15 miles per second. Though you can expect only 15 meteors per hour at best under dark sky conditions, the Capricornids are noted for producing brilliant fireballs. That's one incentive for watching this meteor shower.

With both of these meteor showers you can begin observing just after sunset. July's celestial showers should satisfy your shooting star cravings until next month's less than favorable Perseid performance under a Full Moon. Keep your eyes to the skies!