The annual Delta Aquariid meteor shower will peak this Wednesday, sending a “shooting star” shower across Hampshire and the rest of England.
While it will remain active until August 23, the Delta Aquariid marks the start of the summer meteor season in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is one of two meteor showers that converge in the summer, alongside the more famous Perseids, which is set to peak on August 12 or 13 in the UK.
The Delta Aquariids get their name from the constellation in the night sky that they appear to radiate from – the constellation of Aquarius, near the bright star Delta Aquarii.
Southampton residents may have to leave the city to find the best view of the meteor shower, website Go Stargazing has suggested.
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The experts listed five car parks in the New Forest as top places to be during the shower’s peak on Wednesday.
For those living in Southampton, residents may have to travel a little bit away from the city to get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower.
According to the website Go Stargazing there are a few spots recommended for low levels of light pollution that are within a drivable distance.
In Bramshaw near Lyndhurst, Roundhill, Longcross and Cadman’s Pool car parks are all considered top places to view the phenomenon.
Stoney Cross and Bolderwood car parks are also highly rated as top spots by Go Stargazing.
The Royal Museums Greenwich has also issued tips on how to get the best view of the Delta Aquariid shower.
Its website says to ensure to check the weather forecast ahead of time, and if the forecast isn’t favourable, find a different location to observe from or view the meteor shower on another day.
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The website suggests to make sure that you are in a dark sky area and have an unobstructed view towards the south.
It says to lie down to ensure a wide view of the sky, and to use the naked eye rather than binoculars with narrow fields of view.
Hopeful viewers should also allow their eyes to adapt to the dark and should not look at any lights, or their phones, to maintain the dark adaptation.
