In the run up to the much awaited Perseids Meteor Shower, raise your eyes to the star and try to spot a Delta Aquarid.
The Delta Aquarids meteor shower reaches its maximum on the night between the 29th and 30th of July. The radiant will rise due South East and the best time to watch is after midnight when the Delta Aquarids Peak with a frequency of around 15-20 per hour. Follow the star map for an indication of the direction to look in.
Meteor showers are caused by the debris trail of comets as they journey around the sun. The comet behind the Delta Aquarids is not quite known for certain but it is thought to be Comet 96P/Machholz. The radiant, or the point where the majority of the meteors appear to be originating from, falls close to the constellation Aquarius, hence the name, Delta Aquarids.
Meteor showers are observed with the naked eye. No telescope or binoculars. Lie on your back and look up at the night sky to the right of the bright star Vega (but not only). Remember meteors are transient natural phenomena so just chill and be happy when you catch one shooting across the dark sky. Read more about how to meteor watch at http://www.gozospacelab.com/perseid-meteor-shower/
If you’re so inclined tally up the number of meteors you observe, the length of time you were watching the skies and your location. Email us at hello@gozospacelab.com or on messenger at Spacelab 
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