✦ Meteor Shower
Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower 2026
64
days
:
13
hrs
:
47
min
:
23
sec
The Southern Delta Aquariids are a broad, low-rate shower active through most of late summer. Unlike many showers they lack a sharp peak — meteor rates stay near 25 per hour for several nights around July 29–30. They are associated with Comet 96P/Machholz, and radiate from the constellation Aquarius. The shower favours the Southern Hemisphere but is visible worldwide. For many observers it serves as a warm-up for the Perseids two weeks later; the two showers often overlap in the sky during the first week of August.
2026 Conditions
Peak Night
Jul 29-30
Max Meteors/Hour
25
Moon Conditions
🌕 Poor
Speed
Medium (41 km/s)
About the Southern Delta Aquariids
A warm-up act for the Perseids. Best from southern latitudes, but still visible in the north.
Active period: Jul 12 – Aug 23
Parent body: Comet 96P/Machholz
Radiant: Aquarius
How to Watch
- Find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the sky
- Lie on your back and look straight up — no telescope or binoculars needed
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness
- Best viewing is usually after midnight when the radiant is highest
- Dress warm and bring a blanket — you'll be lying still for a while
Don't Miss the Southern Delta Aquariids
Get a reminder the day before the peak so you can plan your viewing.