Double Meteor Shower peaks on July 30–31 overnight, but Buck Moon might steal spotlight; here’s how sky‑gazers can get the best view

Two meteor showers are set to peak overnight from Thursday into Friday, yet most skywatchers should not expect a dazzling celestial display. Astronomers say both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will reach peak activity just one night after the full July Buck Moon. With the moon still 98 percent full, its brightness will wash out much of the spectacle.

Why visibility will be limited

The timing of the showers coincides with a nearly full moon, flooding the sky with light and making faint meteors difficult to spot. According to the American Meteor Society, this will severely compromise activity, especially for the Southern Delta Aquariids, which are already known for producing faint meteors without persistent trains or fireballs.

Southern Delta Aquariids

The Southern Delta Aquariids are active from July 23 through August 23 and are best viewed from the southern tropics. North of the equator, the radiant sits lower in the southern sky, reducing visibility. At peak, the shower can produce a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) of 25 meteors, traveling at about 25 miles per second (41 km/sec). The parent object is believed to be Comet 96P/Machholz.

In 2026, the peak falls on the night of July 30–31, but again the moon will be 98 percent full, limiting the view.

Alpha Capricornids

The Alpha Capricornids are active from July 12 through August 12. This shower is weaker, rarely producing more than five meteors per hour at its peak. However, it is known for creating bright fireballs, which can be striking even when overall activity is low.

Best Places to Watch

According to the American Meteor Society, “The Delta Aquariids are another strong shower best seen from the southern tropics. North of the equator the radiant is located lower in the southern sky and therefore rates are less than seen from further south.”

The Alpha Capricornids, by contrast, are not very strong and rarely produce more than five meteors per hour at their peak. This shower is seen equally well on either side of the equator. In 2026, the full moon occurs only two days prior to the peak, which means activity will be severely compromised by the bright moonlight.

According to FOX Weather, those hoping to watch the celestial event should plan to look up between midnight and dawn, when viewing conditions are expected to be at their best. Skywatchers across the southern United States, Mexico and the Caribbean are likely to have the best opportunity to see the meteors.