How To Catch Two Meteor Showers Lighting Up US Skies This Week
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The night sky is gearing up for a double bill of celestial spectacles this week.
Skywatchers in the United States are in for a treat as two distinct meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, are both set to reach their peak in late July, promising a double feature of "shooting stars."
What Are Meteor Showers?
Several times each year, as the Earth journeys around the sun, our planet crosses paths with streams of debris left behind by comets (and occasionally those from asteroids.)
When these fragments enter Earth's atmosphere, the friction of their passage generates intense heat, causing the debris to burn up.
This process often makes the surrounding air glow momentarily, creating a fiery trail—what we commonly refer to as a "shooting star."
Meteor showers happen when many "shooting stars" seem to originate from the same point in the sky.
A meteor shower composite created from 44 individual photos that includes the Milky Way.
A meteor shower composite created from 44 individual photos that includes the Milky Way.When Will The Meteor Showers Peak?
The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids are distinct phenomena, originating from different cosmic sources. They are both set to reach peak activity in the early morning hours of July 30.
Viewers will have a good chance to spot these celestial streaks, as moonlight interference is expected to be minimal; the moon will be only about a quarter full, making for brighter and clearer sightings in locations far removed from urban light pollution.
For those eager to catch the show, Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, told the Associated Press that with each shower potentially producing up to a dozen visible meteors per hour under dark conditions, their combined effect will certainly "add up."
He describes both as "very nice classic meteor showers," encouraging enthusiasts to "look for flashes of light in the night sky."
Observing these events doesn't require specialized astronomical equipment. The important thing is finding a location away from distracting city lights. The viewing window for both showers extends beyond their peak, remaining visible through August 12.
How and Where to See the Meteor Showers
To maximize your chances of witnessing this natural light show, timing and location are crucial.
The optimal period for meteor shower viewing is typically in the predawn hours, when the moon is positioned low in the sky, minimizing its light.
The primary challenges to a clear view are competing light sources, whether from a bright moon or artificial urban glow. Therefore, clear, cloudless nights offer the best opportunities.
It's also vital to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness—so avoid checking your phone or other light-emitting devices during your viewing session. Simply recline, gaze upward and be patient.
The Alpha Capricornids, in particular, may offer a slightly more dramatic visual. Nick Moskovitz of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, told the AP that these meteors tend to move slower, which could result in tails that appear to linger in the sky for a bit longer.
When Is The Next Meteor Shower?
After these July spectacles, skywatchers can mark their calendars for the next significant event. The Perseid meteor shower, widely considered one of the most popular and reliable annual displays, is set to reach its maximum activity in mid-August.
So, this week, remember to cast your gaze skyward in the early morning if you're in the US. It's a prime opportunity to witness the beauty of our solar system's cosmic debris.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about meteors? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
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