Meteor showers up next week

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said meteor showers would be active this month, peaking on July 9, when short-lived minor showers with a maximum of three meteors per hour are expected.

Weathermen said astronomy enthusiasts could watch out for Pegasid meteor showers from July 7 to 13.

The second meteor shower this July is the Southern Delta Aquarid, which would be observed from July 28 to 31.

“Its estimated peak date will be before midnight and onward on July 28,” Pagasa said.

The Delta Aquarids are part of a complex of radiants in Aquarius, Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, all of which combine with sporadic and early Perseid activity to provide a nice display of meteors on moonless mornings in late July, Pagasa said.

A meteor shower normally produces about five to 10 meteors per hour, with overall activity of about 30 meteors per hour under good sky conditions.

The third meteor shower this month, Alpha Capricornids, will be active from July 3 to Aug. 15, with estimated peak date on July 30.

The Capricornids are bright and most are yellow in color.

“Capricornids are noted for producing brilliant fireballs,” the weather bureau said.

“This meteor shower is noted for its bright, sometimes fireball-class events, which combine with low apparent velocity. Some are among the most impressive and attractive astronomical objects an observer could wish to see. A minor enhancement of the shower is expected to have four meteors per hour rate,” Pagasa said.

Meteors are easiest to spot by the naked eye if there is no moonlight and light pollution. Meteors in a shower appear to come from one area of the sky, but they melt as soon as they enter the earth’s atmosphere due to extreme heat.     – Helen Flores