As summer unfolds over Prescott, July brings two celestial events that promise to captivate both seasoned astronomers and casual skywatchers alike: the new moon on July 24, and the Delta Aquarid meteor shower, peaking around July 30. These offer ideal conditions for stargazing, with dark skies and minimal moonlight.
The new-moon phase on July 24 marks when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible from our vantage. This absence of moonlight provides the darkest skies of the lunar cycle, making it an excellent opportunity to observe faint celestial objects such as distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. For Prescott residents this means clear, unobstructed views of the night sky, free from the usual light pollution.
The Delta Aquarid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of July 29 into the early morning of July 30. This annual event is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Comet 96P/Machholz. As these fragments enter our atmosphere they burn up, creating streaks of light across the sky. The Delta Aquarid shower is known for its steady stream of meteors, averaging 15–20 per hour under optimal conditions. It has been observed for centuries, and was first scientifically documented in the 19th century. Its radiant point, where it appears to us to originate, lies in the constellation Aquarius, near the star Delta Aquarii.
While the shower is best viewed from the southern hemisphere, observers in Prescott can still enjoy the spectacle. To locate the radiant, look to the southern sky after midnight. The meteors will be visible across the sky, but those radiating from the direction of Aquarius will appear to move in straight lines, while others may have curved paths.
To make the most of these celestial events, consider finding a dark location away from city lights, such as Lynx Lake or the Prescott National Forest, to ensure the darkest skies possible. For the best meteor viewing plan to be outside between 2am and dawn, when the radiant will be higher in the sky, increasing the number of visible meteors. Bring a reclining chair or blanket to lie on, dress warmly as temperatures can drop during the night, and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, avoiding bright lights or screens that can disrupt night vision. Patience is key, as meteor showers can be unpredictable; some periods may have many, others may have none.
July offers a rare combination of events for stargazers in Prescott. The new moon ensures dark skies, while the Delta Aquarids provide a celestial display that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or casual observer, these events are opportunities to connect with the cosmos and appreciate the wonders of the universe. Check the weather forecast before heading out, as clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. Happy stargazing!
If you would like to learn more about the sky, telescopes, or socialize with other amateur astronomers, visit us at prescottastronomyclub.org or Facebook @PrescottAstronomyClub to find the next star party, Star Talk, or event.
Adam England is the owner of Manzanita Financial and moonlights as an amateur astronomer, writer, and interplanetary conquest consultant. Follow his rants and exploits on Twitter @AZSalesman or at Facebook.com/insuredbyadam.
