Delta Aquariids 2026: Peak July 30–31 – When and Where to Watch?
The Southern Delta Aquariids are a summer meteor shower that precedes the much more popular Perseids. Although less widely known, the shower can produce a worthwhile display under dark skies, and its activity overlaps with the beginning of the Perseid season, making it possible to observe meteors from both showers during the same nights.
See also the meteor shower calendar and the Perseids guide.
Meteor Shower Calendar 2026
Compare peak dates, shower activity, Moon conditions and the best observing nights in Poland.
Open the meteor calendar
Perseids 2026
Check the peak night, expected activity and a practical observing plan for the most popular meteor shower of the summer.
Open the Perseids guideSouthern Delta Aquariids 2026 – key information
Southern Delta Aquariids 2026 — key facts at a glance
The summary below contains the key information needed to plan your observation: timing, conditions, viewing direction and practical preparation.
CONTENTS
- 📋 Key information about the Delta Aquariids
- 🕐 When are the Delta Aquariids in 2026?
- 📍 Where should you look for the Delta Aquariids?
- 🌕 Will the Moon interfere in 2026?
- 🌠 What are the Delta Aquariids and where do they come from?
- 🎒 How to prepare in 10 minutes
- 📷 How to photograph the Delta Aquariids?
- ❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When are the Delta Aquariids in 2026?
The Southern Delta Aquariids are active through much of July and into August, with maximum activity around the night of 30/31 July. The shower has a broad maximum, so observing on neighbouring nights can also be worthwhile.
Where should you look for the Delta Aquariids?
The radiant lies in Aquarius, low in the southern sky on summer nights. For this reason, the shower is better seen from lower latitudes than from Poland, although observations from Poland are still possible. Choose a location with an unobstructed view toward the southern horizon.
Will the Moon interfere in 2026?
In 2026 the Moon around the shower maximum is extremely bright — about 98% full — which strongly reduces the visibility of fainter meteors. Observe away from the Moon whenever possible and concentrate on the brightest events.
What are the Delta Aquariids and where do they come from?
The shower is associated with comet 96P/Machholz, a short-period object that orbits the Sun roughly every five years. The shower takes its name from the star Delta Aquarii, close to the location of its radiant.
How to prepare for the Delta Aquariids in 10 minutes
- Choose a location with an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
- Plan your observation after midnight, when the radiant climbs higher above the horizon.
- Whenever possible, observe in the direction opposite the Moon.
- Bring a blanket or reclining chair — July nights are well suited to longer, comfortable observing sessions.
- Check the cloud forecast using the live storm and precipitation radar.
How to photograph the Delta Aquariids?
A tripod, a wide-angle lens and a sequence of long exposures work best. More practical settings are available in the guide on how to photograph the night sky and stars.
NIGHT-SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
How to photograph the night sky and meteors?
Learn camera settings, lens choice, manual focusing and how to work with a long sequence of exposures.
Frequently asked questions about the Delta Aquariids
When are the Delta Aquariids in 2026?
The maximum falls during the night of 30/31 July 2026.
How many Delta Aquariid meteors can you see?
Under ideal conditions the ZHR is about 25 meteors per hour, although the very bright Moon in 2026 greatly reduces the number likely to be visible.
Where do the Delta Aquariids come from?
The shower is associated with comet 96P/Machholz.
Are the Delta Aquariids clearly visible from Poland?
The radiant lies low in the southern sky, so conditions are less favourable than at lower latitudes, but observations from Poland are still possible.
Do the Delta Aquariids overlap with the Perseids?
Yes. The later part of Southern Delta Aquariid activity overlaps with the beginning of the Perseid season in August.
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Read next: more meteor showers and observing tools
Compare nearby meteor showers, check the Moon phase and prepare your camera before the next observing night.
Eta Aquariids 2026
Check the previous shower in the annual calendar, including its maximum, Moon conditions and the best observing hours.
View the previous showerPerseids 2026
Continue to the next shower and plan your location, observing time and an alternative night in case of cloud cover.
View the next shower
Moon Phases 2026
Compare the shower maximum with the full Moon, new Moon, moonrise and moonset before choosing your observing night.
Check Moon phasesHow to Photograph the Night Sky and Meteors
Camera and phone settings, tripod use, focus, ISO, exposure time and preparation of a sequence of meteor photographs.
Open the photography guide