Where to see the Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower across Lancashire on July 30

Over Lancashire, the Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower will peak.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 30, astronomers in East Lancashire could see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower, which is expected to peak at up to 25 meteors per hour. With the greatest viewing hours anticipated between midnight and dawn, the event signals the start of the Northern Hemisphere's summer meteor shower season.

The greatest places to watch Delta Aquariids are those with low levels of light pollution. The best visibility will come from clear, black skies, and Lancashire has a number of black Sky Discovery Sites that fit the bill. Slaidburn and Gisburn Forest, Beacon Fell Country Park, and Crook O'Lune Picnic Site in the Forest of Bowland are among the designated locations.


Preston's Deepdale Labour and Social Club


Preston's Brockholes Nature Reserve


Preston's Moor Park is home to Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory.


Preston's Alston Observatory


Preston's Beacon Fell Visitor Centre


Cricket Club of Blackpool


Embankment of Pilling, Pilling


Clitheroe's Slaidburn Visitor Parking Lot


Clitheroe's Gisburn Forest Hub


Torrisholme's Church of the Ascension


Halton Green's Crook O'Lune Picnic Site


Lancaster's Caton Moor Windfarm


Stargazers can stay at Clerk Laith Lodge near Newton-in-Bowland, Graystock Lodge in Cockerham, or Bowland Wild Boar Park in Preston for longer viewing sessions or overnight stays.

Because the meteors seem to originate close to the star Delta Aquarii, the Delta Aquariids are named after the constellation Aquarius. Because the shower happens just a few days before a New Moon, there will be less lunar interference, making this year's viewing conditions favourable.

Although there is still debate on the Delta Aquariids' origin, recent research suggests Comet 96P/Machholz as the most likely source. The comet, which was discovered by astronomer Donald Machholz in 1986, is thought to be four miles (6.4 km) in diameter and completes one cycle around the Sun every 5.2 years. The yearly meteor shower is caused by ice vaporising and releasing dust and rock debris as the comet gets closer to the Sun. This debris burns when it enters Earth's atmosphere.