With summer’s arrival, the heat invites us to spend nights outdoors, whether around a bonfire, partying, or simply marveling at the wonders of the great outdoors and the night sky. One of those wonders is the captivating meteor showers.
The third week of July is marked on the calendar of astronomy geeks as one of the most anticipated, as the night skies will be decorated by the sparkling, magical streaks we can see during the Delta Aquariids shower.
National Geographic reports that the phenomenon will be active from July 18 through August 12, and is predicted to reach its peak overnight appearance between July 29 and 30. This year, the waning crescent moon will set early during the peak hours, leaving the skies dark and ideal for meteor watching.
Southern Delta Aquariids meteors tend to be faint, with observers typically spotting no more than a dozen or two shooting stars per hour. For a more spectacular show, plan to watch in August, when the meteor shower overlaps with the brighter Perseids.
For those in the L.A. area, excellent viewing spots include Joshua Tree National Park, known for its dark skies and minimal light pollution; Angeles National Forest, which offers peaceful, dark surroundings just a short drive from the city; and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where wide-open spaces and clear skies create ideal conditions for spotting meteors.
Though meteor showers are best seen with the naked eye, using a telescope or even binoculars is recommended to make the best out of the experience.