Meteor showers to light up the UK night sky as Delta Aquariid peaks this week after the Buck Moon. Here's when and how to watch both celestial events at their best.

Meteor showers 2026: If you enjoy watching the night sky, this week offers a rare chance to witness two spectacular celestial events. The meteor shower season continues with the Delta Aquariid meteor shower reaching its peak, while July's Buck Moon, the last full moon of the month, will also brighten the skies.

Although the bright moonlight may reduce the number of meteors visible during the peak, astronomy enthusiasts can still expect an exciting few nights of stargazing.

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Buck Moon will shine over the skies this week

Before the meteor showers reach their peak, the Buck Moon will dominate the night sky. The full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will reach its peak at 3:36 p.m. BST on July 29. While it will not be visible above the UK horizon at that exact time, it will still appear full to the naked eye on the nights of July 28 and July 29.

The Buck Moon gets its name from the time of year when male deer begin growing new antlers.

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According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, July's full moon is also known as the "Thunder Moon" because summer thunderstorms are common during this period.

Where weather conditions will be best for moon viewing

Weather forecasts suggest favourable conditions for people hoping to enjoy the Buck Moon. Much of central, southern, and eastern England is expected to have mostly clear skies and mild weather, creating excellent viewing opportunities.

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Meanwhile, northern and western regions could experience more cloud cover, although widespread rain is not expected.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, skies are likely to be mixed, with periods of cloud, occasional showers, and clear spells. Western Scotland may see the cloudiest conditions, while eastern and northern parts are expected to have better chances of clearer skies.

Delta Aquariid meteor shower reaches its peak

The highlight for many skywatchers will be one of the year's most anticipated meteor showers.

The Delta Aquariid meteor shower has been active since July 12 and will continue until August 23, but it is expected to reach its maximum activity between the nights of July 30 and July 31.

The shower gets its name because the meteors appear to radiate from the area near Delta Aquarii, a bright star in the constellation Aquarius.

Under ideal dark-sky conditions, observers can often spot numerous meteors streaking across the sky during the peak.

Buck Moon may affect meteor shower visibility

There is one challenge for people hoping to see the meteor showers this week. The bright Buck Moon will be in its waning gibbous phase during the Delta Aquariid peak, and its light is expected to wash out many of the fainter meteors.

Even so, brighter shooting stars should still be visible, especially from locations with minimal light pollution.

Best tips to watch the meteor showers

The Royal Museums Greenwich recommends several simple steps to improve your chances of seeing the meteor showers.

They advise skywatchers to:

• "Make sure that you are in a dark sky area and have an unobstructed view towards the south."
• "Lie down on a blanket or sit in a lawn chair to ensure that you have a wide view of the sky."
• "Your naked eye is the best instrument to use to see meteors – don't use binoculars or a telescope as these have narrow fields of view."
• "Allow your eyes to adapt to the dark and don't look at any lights or at your phone to keep your eyes adapted to the dark."

Following these tips can greatly improve your chances of catching fast-moving meteors as they flash across the sky.

More meteor showers are coming this summer

The Delta Aquariid event is not the only opportunity for skywatchers this season.

Another of the year's most famous meteor showers, the Perseid meteor shower, is already active from July 17 through August 24.

The Perseids are expected to peak overnight on August 12 and August 13, when they typically produce one of the highest numbers of meteors visible each year.

The summer's astronomical events do not end with the meteor showers.

A partial solar eclipse is also scheduled to be visible in parts of the UK later this summer. During the event, the Moon is expected to cover approximately 90% to 96% of the Sun, providing another exciting spectacle for skywatchers.