Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s meteor shower, July 28

Few astronomical events are as interesting as meteor showers. They are easy to observe, require no additional equipment and offer a memorable spectacle. Following the meteor showers of the Eta Lyrids, the Eta Aquariids, the Tau Herculides and the Bootids, there are two meteor showers expected at the end of the month. Here's everything an astronomer needs to know.

The Piscis Austrinid meteor shower

This Thursday 28 July, the Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will reach its peak. Interestingly, this swarm will be active between 15 July and 10 August. It was first observed in 1865 by the British astronomer Alexander S. Herschel.

The Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will not be major. It is estimated that only a handful of meteors will be visible per hour, so you will need to pay close attention to enjoy the show. According to PGJ Astronomy, these meteors will be white and particularly ‘slow’ (about 5 km per second).

The Gamma-Draconid meteor shower

The meteor shower of the Gamma-Draconids will also reach its peak. Its period of activity, however, is much smaller: it runs from July 25 to July 31.

Like the previous one, it will be rather small, with an average of only 5 meteors per hour. According to Star Walk, the peak of this meteor shower will be at 5 pm.

This article is translated from Gentside FR.

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