This year has been full of space-related history and celebrations, and it is not over yet! The Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower spans over a month but will peak at the end of July (28th-31st). You will need to be patient and look closely, as it is not one of the brightest meteor showers. You will do best to wait until after the moon sets to get the best views, but with Fountain Hills being a Dark Sky Community, it is a great place to view the shower! Grab a blanket or some chairs and get cozy watching the sky!
What can you expect from this meteor shower?
There will be 10-15 meteor flashes every hour during peak time, traveling around 25 miles per second. The best time to observe this shower will be the predawn hours of 2:00-4:00 AM. Make sure to watch the weather though, as cloud coverage can block the view. It is also recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Seeing a meteor shower requires a bit of dedication and interest, so grab some snacks, your family, and enjoy a night outdoors!
Dark Sky Community Information
Fountain Hills began its process of becoming a Dark Sky Community in 2015. The major challenge at first was to update the outdoor lighting in the town to meet the requirements of the International Dark Sky Association. Harsh LED lights at night reflect a glare that results in poor sky viewing conditions. The purpose of being a Dark Sky Community is to enjoy viewing the stars and amazing events like the Aquarid Meteor Shower. Fountain Hills is also nationally recognized for its Library Telescope Loaner Program. Fountain Hills successfully achieved the title of a Dark Sky Community on November 3, 2016.
For more information, visit the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association.
