Two meteor showers will grace our skies this week in a celestial double-act.
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The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will both peak between July 28-30.
The Southern Delta Aquariids is visible from mid-July to mid-August but likely to exhibit peak activity on July 28 or 29.
This meteor shower is best viewed in the pre-dawn hours, away from the city lights.
Under perfect conditions, you can expect to see about 25 shooting stars an hour.
The Alpha Capricornids shower will also peak this week, expected to be brightest on July 30.
It started as early as July 7 and continues until around August 15.
This shower is less frequent but is known for its slow-moving, colourful and bright meteors.
Meteor showers are leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids, according to NASA.
When comets orbit the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
