Tonight’s Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower: How to Catch the Show

The Delta Aquariids meteor shower is set to light up the night sky tonight, and it’s going to be a beautiful sight. This happens when the Earth moves through a stream of dust and debris left behind by a comet. As these tiny bits of material enter our atmosphere, they create bright streaks of light, also known as shooting stars.

So, what’s the comet making this possible? Well, many believe it’s a sun-grazing comet called Comet 96P/Machholz. Although Earth started crossing through this debris trail on July 12, the peak of the shower is tonight, so it’s your best chance to see it!

After tonight, the meteor shower will continue until around August 25, but you really want to catch the peak. Comet 96P/Machholz itself is about four miles wide and takes a bit over five years to orbit the sun. As it gets close to the sun, its ice vaporizes, releasing little rocks and dust to form this wonderful meteor shower.

For the best viewing experience, find a place away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Once the sun sets, look toward the darkest parts of the sky. NASA recommends watching from midnight until about 2 AM for the best chance of seeing meteors.

In parts of the UK, including Shropshire, the skies are expected to be clear tonight. If you’re in Shropshire and want a good spot to see the show, you have some great options. There are four Dark Sky Discovery Sites located around the Long Mynd, perfect for stargazing.

These sites not only have less light pollution, but they also provide access for everyone to enjoy the night sky. Some notable locations include Stapeley Hill—known for its Bronze Age stone circle, which is always open at night, and the Forestry Commission car park at Lower Down, Clun, where you can venture to the Bury Ditches Iron Age hill fort.

If you’re in or near Shrewsbury, head to Lythbank for darker skies or Titterstone Clee Hill car park for a good view. The Bog at Stiperstones also offers a unique setting, accessible 24 hours a day for stargazing enthusiasts.

Don’t worry if you miss the Delta Aquariids tonight; there’s another meteor shower on the horizon. The Perseids will peak on August 12 and 13, offering what NASA calls the “best meteor shower of the year.”