Two dazzling meteor showers are set to light up across Australia this weekend, with Perth observers having the opportunity to see as many as 20 meteors per hour.
The Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids showers are expected to peak on the night of July 30 and 31, primarily appearing in the southern hemisphere — including Perth.
Although the meteors will have to compete with an almost-full moon, experts say the Alpha Capricornids could produce some captivating fireballs that may outshine the moon.
The Delta Aquariids is set to become visible from 8pm (AWST) on the 30th, however optimal viewing is set to be at around 3am on August 1st in areas outside of the city. But the full moon may make the fainter meteors harder to spot.
Meanwhile, the weaker and smaller Alpha Capricornids shower typically produces about five visible meteors per hour during its peak, as opposed to the Delta Aquariids which produces 20.
However, the Alpha Capricornids shower makes up for its lack of meteor numbers by bringing bright fireballs to the sky, which will be observable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
The enchanting showers remain active from July 12th to August 23rd.
The best way to view meteor showers is by lying on your back and looking up at the sky with a wide view.