07/16/2025
Mark your calendars, grab a blanket, and look up July is bringing three of the year’s most magical meteor showers to the night sky.
First up: the Alpha Capricornids, active starting around July 12. While they’re not the most prolific (averaging about 5 meteors per hour), what they lack in numbers, they make up for in brightness.
These meteors are known for their vivid glow and long-lasting trails, making them easy to spot even if you're in a light-polluted city. Best viewed just after sunset, they peak around July 29–30 and are visible from both hemispheres, with a slight edge for Southern Hemisphere stargazers.
Then come the Southern Delta Aquariids, peaking around July 30. Originating from Comet 96P/Machholz, these subtle meteors are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, where they climb higher in the night sky. Expect a steady stream of 20–25 meteors per hour, especially after midnight. Thanks to a dark Moon this year, viewing conditions are near-perfect and if we’re lucky, we might even get a surprise outburst like those seen in 1977 and 2003.
Last but never least, the crowd-favorite Perseids return. Active from mid-July through late August, they reach their peak on the nights of August 12–13, with an expected 50–75 meteors per hour under dark skies. They're the Northern Hemisphere’s crown jewel of meteor showers, though this year’s bright Moon may dim the show slightly at peak. The good news? The Perseids are active for weeks—so you’ll have plenty of chances to catch them lighting up the sky.
Wherever you are on Earth, all you need is a cozy spot away from city lights, a clear sky, and a little patience. The universe is putting on a show don’t miss it.
📸 Credit: Skywatching predictions compiled from International Meteor Organization, NASA, and historical observation records.
