Capricornids

Just about a day after the Delta Aquarids is another meteor shower best observed from the southern hemisphere, the Delta Capricornids. Until more recently the parent body that produced the meteor stream remained unidentified. Comet 169P/NEAT has now been matched to the orbital elements of the Capricornids.

The radiant for these shooting stars is near Capricornus’ brightest star, Algiedi. Around 1:00 am on peak night the constellation is due south for most northern hemisphere viewers. Your observing window should be centered on that time frame.

These interplanetary interlopers are fairly slow, hitting our atmosphere at around 15 miles per second. Similar to their day older cousins the Delta Aquarids, the Capricornids are characterized by their often yellow coloration and their frequent brightness. However, two distinct differences are apparent: the Capricornids’ peak rate is only about eight or less meteors per hour; and they are noted for producing brilliant fireballs.