Perseid Meteor Shower: Why You Can’t See It in Australia/NZ
Why You Can’t See the Perseid Meteor Shower in Australia (And What to Watch Instead)
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For many around the world, the Perseid meteor shower is a highlight of the summer sky.But if your in Australia or New Zealand, you’re likely to be disappointed. the reason is simple: geography.
The Perseid Problem: A Matter of Latitude
The Perseid meteor shower originates from the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. As Earth passes through this dusty stream each year, small particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the dazzling streaks of light we call meteors. The “radiant” is the point in the sky from which these meteors appear to originate.The critical issue for Southern Hemisphere observers is the location of the Perseid radiant. It never rises high enough in the sky for those living south of 32 degrees latitude. Think of it like trying to see the Sun at midnight – it’s simply on the other side of the planet.
This means that for anyone below this line, the Perseids are effectively invisible. Even for those in the northern parts of australia, the radiant remains stubbornly low on the horizon, offering only a fleeting and frequently enough obscured glimpse. The higher a meteor shower’s radiant is in the sky, the more meteors you’ll see. Unluckily for Australians, the Perseids just don’t get the celestial elevation they need for a notable show.
Look for These Meteor Showers Rather
If you’re keen to witness a meteor shower from Australia or New Zealand, it’s best to set yoru sights on other celestial events. Fortunately, there are some fantastic alternatives that put on a brilliant display for us down under.
The Eta Aquariids: A halley’s Comet Treat
Every May, Earth ploughs through the debris left behind by the famous Comet 1P/Halley. This celestial encounter creates the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which is best viewed in the hours before dawn.For Australian observers, this is often considered the second-best meteor shower of the year, offering a truly memorable experience.
Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids: Late July Delights
As July draws to a close, two more modest meteor showers reach their peak: the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids. This year, they’re expected to peak around July 29th and 30th, with the best viewing opportunities occurring in the hours around midnight.
this is the perfect time to venture out to a dark sky site, away from city lights. Not only will you have the chance to catch these two showers, but the center of the Milky way will also be high overhead in the evening sky, adding an extra layer of cosmic wonder to your night. It’s an ideal prospect to simply relax under the stars and enjoy the natural fireworks.
The Geminids: The Undisputed Champion
When it comes to meteor showers, the Geminids, which peak on December 14th and 15th, are the undisputed champions of the year. Unlike the perseids, the Geminids are visible from all across Australia and New Zealand, putting on a consistently spectacular show.
So, if you’re eager to witness a truly great meteor shower, bypass the Perseids.Instead, plan to head to a dark location this summer and spend a couple of nights soaking in the magic of the cosmos. You won’t be disappointed.