Rare double meteor shower to be visible in France this month

A ‘double’ meteor shower will be visible in skies over France at the end of July and is expected to coincide with clear skies to give budding astronomers a pristine view of this rare phenomenon. 

The Delta Aquarids meteor shower started on July 12 and will last until August 23, but many evenings will be difficult to view. 

Its intensity will peak on July 30. A combination of predicted clear skies, and a waning moon means the brightness from the shooting stars will be significantly more visible.

At the same time, the Alpha Capricornids – a less powerful meteor shower – will also take place, in a similar part of the sky.

The Delta Aquarids shower will make around 20 shooting stars visible in the sky per hour, with the Alpha Capricornids adding another five or so. 

How can I watch the shower?

The light show will be at its most powerful around midnight (leading into July 31), and whilst it will be brighter in the southern hemisphere, those in the north will be able to view it. 

It will be possible to see the shower with the naked eye, although using a telescope will greatly increase your chances. 

For the best results, set yourself up on an elevated area in a place with little light pollution, and look at the areas darkest in the sky (as far from the moon as possible). You should give your eyes around half an hour to adjust to the darkness, so the shooting stars are more prominent. 

See our previous article: PHOTOS: See the Pyrenees… from Marseille