The Delta Aquarids Peak Soon—Here's How to See the Shooting Stars With the Naked Eye

Look into the night sky this month, and you may see a few shooting stars to wish upon. The Delta Aquariids meteor shower kicks off on July 18 and ends on August 21. The annual celestial event will reach its peak on July 30, according to EarthSky.org.

The shower is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, but it can be spotted by those living in southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, too. Per NASA, this meteor shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. While the shooting stars can be difficult to see, you may be able to spot them during moon-free evenings before midnight in late July.

For your best chance of viewing the Delta Aquariids, travel away from city lights and air pollution. Lay on your back and take in as much of the night sky as possible, giving your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. According to NASA, looking halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from the constellation of Aquarius will improve your chances of viewing the meteors.

If you're not able to spot the Delta Aquariids, wait until August when it coincides with the Perseids–one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. You will know you're looking at the Delta Aquariids if the meteors are coming from the direction of the constellation Aquarius. The Perseid radiant is in the northern part of the sky, per NASA.