Viewing the Southern delta Aquariids in 2017

The Southern delta Aquariids (SDA) are active from July 21 through August 23 with maximum activity occurring on July 30. This shower possesses a very asymmetric activity profile in that it quickly reaches maximum activity and then slowly dissipates throughout August. When the shower becomes active, the radiant lies in southwestern Aquarius, not far from the Capricornus border. The nearest bright star is 3rd magnitude Deneb Algedi (delta Capricornii) which lies 6 degrees to the northwest. The radiant travels nearly a degree eastward each night and at maximum activity on the 30th it lies in central Aquarius, 4 degrees west of the 3rd magnitude star known as Skat (delta Aquarii). After maximum the radiant traverses eastern Aquarius and enters southwestern Pisces before the activity totally dissipates.

Unlike the Perseids of August, the Southern delta Aquariids possess a flat maximum were rates will be good for several nights surrounding maximum. The quoted zenith hourly rate for this shower is 25, but observations from equatorial locations where the radiant lies high in the sky has produced rates in excess of 30. Realistic maximum rates from dark sky sites at latitude 30N would be 20 meteors per hour and 10 at 50N.

As seen from mid-northern latitudes, the radiant rises near 2200 (10pm) local daylight saving time. Little activity is seen at this time and it is better to wait at least until midnight when the radiant has gained more altitude. The radiant lies highest in the sky near 0300 and this is the best time to try and view activity from this source.

The Southern delta Aquariids (SDA) are originated from the breakup of what are now the Marsden and Kracht Sungrazing comets. The animation below represent the streams of meteoroids hitting our atmosphere:

This year the moonlight situation is favorable for the Southern delta Aquariids as the moon is at its first quarter phase on July 30th. For viewers in mid-northern latitudes the half-illuminated moon will set near 0100, leaving the remainder of the morning free of interfering moonlight. While viewing this activity you will notice other meteors that are not members of this shower. Most active will be the swift Perseids, which will usually have a north to south trajectory. The other notable shower is the slow alpha Capricornids, which will shoot from a radiant in northwestern Capricornus. Of course there will also be random activity shooting in all directions having variable velocities. To best see the Southern delta Aquariids I would suggest facing due south approximately half-way up in the sky. Most of the SDA activity will shoot upward into your field of view. Most of these meteors are on the faint side and easily missed. It helps to find a dark location away from street lights to increase your chances of viewing more activity. Take advantage of the favorable schedule this year as next year the SDA’s will be spoiled by a bright moon.

Tags: Southern delta Aquariids

Robert Lunsford

Bob has been interested in the stars as far back as he can recall His first experience with meteors was a biggie, the 1966 Leonid shower. In 1980, a major awaking occurred. He received a sample copy of Meteor News. He was amazed to learn there was a group actually devoted strictly to meteor observing! He joined the group also started to view some of the minor showers list among the pages of Meteor News. Lastly, he was contracted by Springer Publishing in 2007 to write a book on observing meteors. The book is now available and hopefully will be a useful guide to all interested in the enjoyable field of meteor observing.