People on Earth Will Be Able to Watch a Rare “Horizontal” Meteor Shower at the End of July
On the night of July 30–31, the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower will reach its peak. The most unusual feature of this annual event is that the meteors will appear to travel almost parallel to the horizon, moving from side to side across the sky rather than falling straight downward.
The best viewing conditions will be in the Southern Hemisphere. However, observers in the Northern Hemisphere will also be able to enjoy the spectacle. Because the constellation's radiant remains low above the northern horizon, the meteors will appear to skim across the sky, leaving longer and more visible trails than usual.
At its peak, the shower is expected to produce up to 25 meteors per hour. The stream originates from Comet 96P/Machholz, which approaches the Sun every five years. As the comet is heated by the Sun, its ice rapidly evaporates, releasing dust particles that form a trail through space. When Earth passes through this debris stream, the tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light.
No telescope is required to observe this rare celestial event—the meteor shower will be clearly visible to the naked eye. The best experience will be from a dark location away from city lights under clear, cloudless skies.
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