Highlights Delta Aquariid meteor shower is lighting up the sky from July 12 to August 23, 2026, with the peak falling on August 30 to 31.
The best time to watch the meteor shower is from midnight to pre-dawn.
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is an annual celestial event that favours the Southern Hemisphere, though it is still visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
One of the year’s most anticipated celestial events, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower began on July 12 and runs until August 23, 2026.
All you need to know about the Delta Aquariid meteor showerThe Delta Aquariid meteor shower gets its name from Delta Aquarii, also known as Skat, a bright star in the constellation Aquarius.
Highlights Delta Aquariid meteor shower is lighting up the sky from July 12 to August 23, 2026, with the peak falling on August 30 to 31.
It can be best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, though it is still visible from parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
The best time to watch the meteor shower is from midnight to pre-dawn.
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is an annual celestial event that favours the Southern Hemisphere, though it is still visible in the Northern Hemisphere. One of the year’s most anticipated celestial events, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower began on July 12 and runs until August 23, 2026. However, its peak, the best night to watch, falls between July 30 and July 31. Read on to know where and when to watch the astronomical phenomenon.
Love celestial events? Check out our story on how to best view the Perseid Meteor Shower 2026.
All you need to know about the Delta Aquariid meteor shower
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower gets its name from Delta Aquarii, also known as Skat, a bright star in the constellation Aquarius. These meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of approximately 41 kilometres per second and are generally faint. However, some leave glowing gas trails that linger in the sky for a second or two after the meteor has passed.
When to watch: With the full moon and the meteor shower coinciding this year, spotting the meteors is going to be difficult, according to a report on EarthSky. The bright moonlight might wash out the faint streaks of light, so the best viewing time is after midnight and into the pre-dawn hours (between 2 am and 4 am).
Best places for optimal viewing: The meteor shower is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere and the lower latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Cities in the Southern Hemisphere that offer optimal geometric viewing conditions include Sydney (Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Miami (the US), Flagstaff (the US), Santiago (Chile), Yorkshire (the UK), and Sutherland (South Africa).
Tips for best viewing
Find a dark location as far from city light pollution as possible.
Look for the brightest, most brilliant star, Fomalhaut, to guide you to the Delta Aquariid radiant point.
Position yourself so that a structure such as a building or mountain blocks the moon from your direct line of sight. Or keep your back to the moon.
Lie down or sit in a reclining chair to ensure that you have a wide view of the sky.
Take 20 to 30 minutes letting your eyes adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at your phone or other lights.
A binocular or a telescope will narrow your field of vision. It is better to use your naked eyes to spot the meteor streaking across the sky.
(Feature image credit: Kendall Hoopes/Pexels)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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