Over the next two days, Sydneysiders can witness a rare celestial event, atoning for the weather with a dazzling display of distant meteors going about their business.
A double meteor shower has been visible for the past few days, with tonight (July 30) and tomorrow (July 31) being the final chances for anyone in Sydney to catch the show, spurred by the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids.
Anyone who wants to view the meteor showers should avoid as many bright lights as possible, with open, clear skies being the ideal conditions to watch the show. Not only is it a great way to spend the evening, but a nice little dose of motivation to explore the beautiful spots outside of the city centre.
The Southern Delta Aquariids typically occur between mid-July and late August each year, but when exactly this collection of around 15 to 25 meteors zips through the night sky differs each year. The event isn’t usually as big or dramatic as some of the other meteor showers that fly over Sydney throughout the year, but they are still rare sights as they are more pronounced over the Southern Hemisphere.
The breakup of the Machholz comet causes Southern Delta Aquariids, while the Alpha Capricornids breaks away from comet 169P/NEAT. The latter is generally less common over the Southern Hemisphere, so being able to catch the two showers concurrently is a great excuse to feed your inner astronomer.
As with all meteor showers, these are best viewed around midnight when the moon has set, meaning its light will be less likely to interfere with the show. You’ll also want as little clouds as possible, which is why heading to spots outside of Sydney is recommended.
A good idea is to download the Sky Map app to monitor conditions and ensure you’re well-placed for the meteor show. You’ll want to pay attention to the best stargazing spots in and around Sydney.
The Blue Mountains is generally your best bet. Amateur astronomers love to head out to Springwood Lookout, the entry for which is along Boomerang Road. You can also head down to Martin’s Lookout, which is located at the end of Farm Road.
If you want to stick closer to the city, you could take your chances at Badu Mangroves Bird Refuge, one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets and a wetland area just a short drive from Rhodes. Just make sure to be around from as much light (including street lights) as possible. Use a torch to find your way, and then turn it off and give your eyes around 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Read More
- Looking for a different type of show? Check out where to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics live in Sydney
- Art lover? Check out our top picks for Sydney Fringe Festival
