Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight

YouTube screenshot of meteor striking Earth. (The Epoch Times)

The Delta Aquarids are expected to be at their best from July 28 to 29, although the waxing moon may dampen the light show.

Typically, about 15 to 20 meteors per hour can be seen at the maximum hourly rate. The best time to watch is an hour or two before dawn local time. Look for small, yellowish streaks in the southeast after local midnight.

Viewers at tropical latitudes will have the best chance of seeing these meteors due to the location of the radiant near the star Delta Aquarius in the constellation of Aquarius.

These meteors arise as the Earth passes through icy particles shed by a comet, probably 96P/Machholz, as it orbits the sun. Their velocity is around 42 kilometers (26 miles) per second.

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