These shooting stars are known as the Delta Aquarids or Delta Capricornids, named after the constellations of Aquarius and Capricorn, from which they originate. But what exactly are these shooting stars?
These are fragments of asteroids that disintegrated as they approached the sun. Since then, this dust has been orbiting through space, and fragments of it pass close to Earth every five years. Charbel Kazandjian, head of the star pole in Nançay (Cher) explains, “In reality, it’s a small piece of rock or dust entering the atmosphere. There are numerous particles that orbit the sun, including this dust. When it enters the atmosphere, it’s similar to rubbing your hands together; it heats up. The dust moves so quickly that it creates friction against the atmosphere and, so to speak, catches fire. A scientist might tell me it’s not fire, but that’s a way to visualize it. You see in the sky a small piece of rock igniting; it’s a meteor, a shooting star.” Astronomers are forecasting a dual shower of these shooting stars, the Delta Aquarids and the Capricornids, with rates of up to twenty-five meteors per hour.
Where to watch to catch all the action?
From midnight onward, the celestial display promises to be spectacular. The Delta Aquarids and the Delta Capricornids, as their names suggest, emanate from the constellations of Capricorn and Aquarius… and it’s not merely about astrological signs.
Pole of Stars in Nançay (Cher) © Radio France –
Alexandre Motto
Charbel Kazandjian offers valuable guidance: “Don’t worry, Aquarius and Capricorn; it’s directly south. Grab a compass, and you’ll know where to look in the sky.” However, “don’t expect a constant stream; they won’t appear every second.” There might be “two shooting stars per minute. So take your time. Relax on a mat or a deckchair, and gaze quietly at the southern sky. Wait until night falls between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. to see them properly.“
Duration and size of meteors
The fleeting duration of shooting stars provides an indication of the size of the particles interacting with our atmosphere. “What you observe, lasting one second or less, are the smaller particles, which are dust.” the scientific mediator continues. “Larger stones, measuring up to five centimeters, produce ‘shooting stars’ that last several seconds.” Occasionally, exceptionally large objects are visible. “This happened last September, creating a significant flash that illuminated the sky! That’s a meteor passing over the star pole that ended up landing on a garden table in Cher. With such sizable objects, we can indeed determine the coordinates of their origin, how they entered the atmosphere, their altitude upon entry and exit, and pinpoint their landing location in the forest.“
If you miss the breathtaking display of shooting stars, you can anticipate the Perseids around August 10, 2024, as a substitute. The Pôle des Etoiles de Nançay is also organizing a night of stargazing at the city’s stadium, featuring scientific activities. Additionally, the night before, a “VIP” evening will be held, allowing everyone to attend as long as they book online, providing an opportunity to contemplate the sky with the assistance of the Popular Astronomy Society of the Center.
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Understanding the Delta Aquarids and Delta Capricornids: A Celestial Spectacle
These shooting stars have a name: they are called the Delta Aquarids or Delta Capricornids, named after the constellations of Aquarius and Capricorn, from which they originate. But what exactly are these fascinating celestial phenomena?
These shooting stars are fragments of asteroids that broke up as they approached the Sun. Since then, this dust has been circulating in space, and some of it passes close to Earth every five years. Charbel Kazandjian, head of the star pole in Nançay (Cher), explains: “In fact, it’s a small piece of rock or dust that enters the atmosphere. There are many things orbiting the sun, including this dust. When it enters the atmosphere, it heats up like when you rub your hands together. The dust moves so fast that it rubs against the atmosphere, catching fire, so to speak. A scientist might say it’s not fire, but that’s how we can imagine it. You see in the sky a small piece of rock that catches fire—it’s a meteor, a shooting star.” Astronomers predict a double shower of these shooting stars, with a frequency of up to twenty-five meteors per hour.
Where to Watch to Not Miss the Show?
From midnight, the celestial spectacle promises to be grandiose. The Delta Aquarids and the Delta Capricornids, as their names imply, originate from the constellations of Capricorn and Aquarius. But it’s not just astrological signs—it’s a celestial event that stargazers look forward to!
© Radio France ⎯
Alexandre Motto
As Charbel Kazandjian advises, “Don’t worry, Aquarius and Capricorn are due south. Grab a compass, and you’ll know which way to look at the sky.” However, he cautions, “don’t expect rain; it doesn’t come every second.” You might see “two shooting stars per minute, so you have to be patient. Get on a mat or deckchair and quietly look at the southern sky. Wait until night falls between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. to see them properly.“
Duration and Size of Meteors
The duration, however fleeting, of the shooting stars offers an indication of the size of the pebbles interacting with our atmosphere. “What you see, which lasts a second or less, are small stars—they are dust.” continues our scientific mediator. “The larger stones, measuring around five centimeters, produce ‘shooting stars’ that last several seconds.” Sometimes, objects of exceptional size appear. Last September, an extraordinary flash lit up the sky as a meteor passed over the “star pole“, ultimately landing in a garden table in Cher. “With these fairly large objects, we can pinpoint the coordinates of where they originated, as well as their entry altitude and trajectory, which can lead us to their resting place in the forest.“
Benefits of Stargazing
Watching meteor showers has several benefits:
- Stress relief: Stargazing can be a calming and meditative experience, allowing you to unwind and disconnect from daily stresses.
- Connection to nature: Observing celestial events connects you to the universe and harmonizes your relationship with nature.
- Educational opportunity: Meteor showers are an excellent chance to learn about astronomy. Use this time to familiarize yourself with constellations and celestial navigation.
Practical Tips for Stargazers
What to Bring:
- Blankets or chairs: for comfortable viewing.
- Snacks and drinks: to make your experience more enjoyable.
- Cameras: to capture the beauty of the night sky.
- Binoculars or telescopes: for an enhanced viewing experience.
Best Observation Locations:
- Parks: Look for spots with minimal light pollution.
- Rooftops: Urban rooftops can provide a clear vantage point.
- Camping sites: A great way to combine the beauty of nature with stargazing.
Upcoming Meteor Showers
If you miss the Delta Aquarids and Capricornids, fear not! You can look forward to the Perseids, which will peak around August 10, 2024. The Pôle des Etoiles de Nançay is also organizing a night of stars at the city’s stadium, featuring scientific activities. There’s even a “VIP” evening the day before, where stargazers can pre-register for a special viewing experience organized by the Popular Astronomy Society of the Center.
