Rare double meteor shower to light up the night sky this July

Heads up, stargazers! Two meteor showers will be observable in the night sky this month.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) astronomical diary for July, the first meteor shower, Southern Delta Aquariid, is expected to take place from July 12 to Aug. 23, with its peak set on July 30.

At its peak, the spectacular lights display is expected to produce 25 meteors per hour, offering a breathtaking celestial experience from 8:19 p.m. each day to 5:13 a.m. the next day in Manila.

You can also witness another meteor shower, Piscis Austrinid, from July 15 to Aug. 10, with a July 28 peak. It's expected to produce five meteors per hour and will be active between 8:48 p.m. and 5:12 a.m. each day within the said period.

"The radiant point is highest in the sky around 02:00 a.m. and will likely produce its greatest show just before sunrise," the state weather bureau said.

To make the best of your viewing experience, PAGASA suggests "choosing a dark observation site away from the city lights under clear and moonless sky conditions."

"Meteor showers are observable through the naked eye, and no special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars is needed," it added.