Delta Aquariids meteor shower – how to see fireballs shoot across night sky THIS week

STARGAZERS are in for a bright celestial treat not to be missed this week as the Delta Aquariids meteor shower rains down.

Provided the skies remain clear, people should be able to see something in the skies from Thursday until Sunday.

It’s all to do with the New Moon, which means it won’t be visible and the sky will be super dark to see the shower clearly.

And experts predict that there could be as many as 20 meteors whizzing about per hour.

When’s the best time to see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower?

Although it is better to watch from the Southern Hemisphere, stargazers in the UK and the US still stand a good chance of seeing them.

According astronomers at Royal Museums Greenwich, the shower will reach its highest point around 3:30am.

For the best opportunity of catching it, start looking out from 2am onwards.

And be sure to check the forecast before.

If it’s going to be too cloudy, don’t waste your time – better to try on one of the other nights.

The peak is expected on Saturday, so if all looks well definitely prioritise this day.

How to see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower

To get a glimpse of the shower, it’s best to be in a dark sky area where there is nothing obstructing your view in the direction you need to look up, which is south.

You want a really wide view of the sky.

Believe it or not, you don’t need a telescope to get a good view.

The ideal way is by laying on a blanket on the ground outside and starring up.

And if you can, keep off your phone – looking at any lights prevent your eyes from adapting to the dark.

Nasa also has some advice.

The space agency says: “Looking halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from the constellation of Aquarius will improve your chances of viewing the Delta Aquariids.

“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.

“Be patient—the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”

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