This is a column of ionised gas slowly fading from view as it loses energy. The typical meteor results from a particle - the size of a grain of sand - vaporising in Earth's atmosphere when it enters at 134,000mph.Īnything larger than a grape will produce a fireball, which is often accompanied by a persistent afterglow known as a meteor train. Perspective makes meteor showers appear to emanate from a single point in the sky known as the shower radiant.
Meteors are sometimes called shooting stars, although they actually have nothing to do with stars. What exactly is a meteor shower?Ī meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris stream occupying the orbit of a comet or, in simpler terms, when a number of meteors flash across the sky from roughly the same point. Here, we have compiled a complete guide on when, where and how you can see all the meteor showers of 2022. It is recommended that those planning to watch the shower start from around 2am, to increase chances of spotting the meteors, as the radiant of the shower - which lies above the southern horizon - will reach its highest point around 3.30am.īut don't worry if you miss out on seeing the shower that time, as there are plenty of other opportunities to see the sky full of streaks of light. The meteor shower adopted its name from the Aquarius constellation, near the bright star Delta Aquarii, in the night sky from which it appears to be travelling directly outward. Although it will be best viewed from the southern hemisphere, those living at mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere will still be able to see the celestial event. One of the more moderate meteor showers, the Delta Aquariids start off the summer in the northern hemisphere. The Delta Aquariids meteor shower will hit its peak on July 30, allowing stargazers to see a steady stream of meteors over several days but at a low rate per hour. Stargazers have already enjoyed the Eta Aquarids and Tau Herculid meteor showers in May 2022, but there are other phenomenons about to grace our skies in 2022.
0 kommentar(er)
