Barcelona prepares for a silent appointment with the sky. On the nights of July 30 and 31, clouds permitting, the city will experience one of the most anticipated astronomical spectacles of the summer: the Delta Aquarids star shower. Although less mediatic than the Perseids, their long, faint streaks – often visible in different directions – offer a more intimate experience, ideal for those seeking to contemplate the sky without crowds or flashes.
The phenomenon, which began in mid-July and will last until August 23, will experience its peak of activity in the early hours of Wednesday 31, although good conditions are also expected during the nights of Tuesday 30 and Thursday 1.
According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), this year the Moon will be in the crescent phase, which means less natural light pollution and greater visibility. Between 2:00 and 4:00 h will be the best time to observe up to 25 meteors per hour with the naked eye, as long as the environment is dark and the eyesight is adapted.
Where to see them near Barcelona
There is no need to leave the city to enjoy the show. Some viewpoints of Montjuïc, if you choose well and avoid brightly lit areas, allow a decent observation without much travel. But if you are looking for a purer experience, there are options nearby: the Collserola trails, the Santa Creu d’Olorda mountain range or Puig Madrona, west of Baix Llobregat, offer darker skies and silence.
And if you are up for a short getaway, places like the mountain of Montserrat or the Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination, are a safe bet. The Observatori de Pujalt, in Alta Anoia, also organizes guided sessions to learn how to read the sky while enjoying the meteor shower.
No telescope is needed: just a mat, comfortable clothes and the desire to look up. The Delta Aquarids invite you to stop, to reconnect with the environment and to let yourself be carried away by a natural spectacle that occurs only once a year. And in a summer where short getaways and outdoor activities are booming, the meteor showers are consolidated as one of the most magical (and free) ways to enjoy your free time.