Another meteor shower visible by end of the month

MANILA, Philippines - Astronomy enthusiasts can watch out for the annual Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower later this month, the weather bureau said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the meteor shower will be visible in the country from July 28 to 31.

“The estimated peak date will be before midnight and onward on July 29,” PAGASA said.

According to PAGASA, the showers 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.

“The stream normally produces about five to 10 meteors per hour, with overall activity of about 15 meteors per hour under good sky conditions,” the weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said major planets in the solar system will be visible in the night sky this month.

“Mercury will stand at about 15 degrees above the west northwestern horizon 30 minutes after sunset. The planet will continue to move downward the horizon until it will be no longer visible in the sky for observation on the last week of the month,” it said.

Mars and Saturn will be visible at the west southwestern horizon after sunset. Both planets will be found among the background stars of the constellation Virgo, the Virgin.

Uranus and Neptune will be observed from midnight until sunrise throughout the month. Both planets will be found at the east southeastern horizon and will lie among the background stars of the constellations Pisces, the Fish and Aquarius, the Water Bearer, respectively.

PAGASA said the pairing of Jupiter and Venus will be a spectacular sight before dawn during the month.