METEOR SHOWERS
Astronomy lovers will also be in for a treat in coming weeks, with the Delta Aquariids and Perseid meteor showers making an appearance in Singapore.
Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids, according to the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
“Every year the Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colourful streaks in the sky,” said NASA.
The Delta Aquariids meteor shower will peak on Jul 30 and be most visible from 2am onwards.
But founder of the Stargazing Singapore hobby group, Ms Gerardyn Brittos, said it is considered a “small” event with hardly any visible meteors appearing over Singapore.
The Perseid meteor shower, on the other hand, will be one of the “most prominent and brightest” events when it peaks from 4am on Aug 12 and Aug 13.
It is “famous for producing a large number of bright meteors including fireballs”, said Ms Brittos.
While no equipment is needed, she advised eager stargazers to face the north-east.
“Perseids can be observed in any open area like a park, beach, rooftop of an open multi-storey carpark or sky gardens with unblocked surroundings,” she said.
“With or without the moon, it will not affect the visibility of the meteors as they are bright.”