Southern Delta Aquarids meteor showers visible by end July

MANILA, Philippines - The public can watch out for the annual Southern Delta Aquarids meteor showers from July 28 to 31, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said sky watchers can expect five to 10 meteors per hour or even 15 meteors per hour under good sky conditions.

“The meteor shower will be best observed from July 28 to 31 and the estimated peak will be before midnight and onward from July 30,” PAGASA said in its monthly astronomical diary.

“The Southern Delta Aquarids are part of a complex of radiants in Aquarius, Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, all of which combine with sporadic and early Perseid activity to provide a nice display of meteors on moonless mornings in late July,” according to PAGASA.

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the Delta Aquarids are active beginning in mid-July and are visible until late August.

“If you are unable to view the Delta Aquarids during their peak, look for them again during the Perseids in August,” NASA said on its website.

NASA said the Delta Aquarids are best viewed in the southern hemisphere and southern latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The Philippines is located in the northern hemisphere.

The Delta Aquarids appear to come from the constellation Aquarius. The third brightest star within this constellation is called Delta.

NASA said meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When comets come around the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits.