One of the most important dates in the astronomical calendar: the meteor shower of the Aquarid Deltas. This event takes place between July 12 and August 30although as announced by the National Geographic Institute (IGN), its peak this 2023 will be between the night of July 30-31.
What is the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower?
The Delta Aquarids are a meteor shower that experts believe may come from the Comet 96P Machholza short-period comet that orbits the Sun -approximately every 5 years-.
The meteor shower Happens when the earth crosses with him orbital path of a comet. This orbit is filled with particles from the comet’s tail, which enters the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, and is calcined by friction with the air, thus creating the luminous glow that we know as Shooting Star.
Forecast for 2023
from the institution IN G point out that the 2023 will not be a good year to see the meteor shower, since its maximum activity will occur two days before of the full moon of the day August 1.
The maximum of the Rain of the Delta Aquarids expected for the night of July 30-31. But the drawback is that the crescent moon, very close to the full moon -also called a full moon-, will illuminate the sky almost all night, so the visibility conditions will be bad. The best moment for its observation will take place in the hours close to dawn When the Moon will disappear over the horizon.
How to see the Delta Aquarids?
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Although Delta Aquarid meteors are best seen in the southern hemisphere because their radiant is higher in the sky, they are also visible in the northern hemisphere with a somewhat lower activity rate.
If you decide to enjoy the Delta Aquarids this 2023the ING explains different tips to see them in the best way:
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He observation place It can be any as long as it provides dark sky.
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It is preferable observe from a place with few obstacles for the view (such as buildings, trees or mountains), and do not use optical instruments that limit the field of vision.
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Although the Delta Aquarids appear to come from the constellation Aquarius (hence their name), they can be seen anywhere in the sky. it suits direct the gaze towards the darkest areasin the opposite direction to the position of the Moon, if the observation is made when it is present.