Overview
- Both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids are forecast to peak overnight July 30–31, according to the American Meteor Society.
- The Buck Moon reaches near‑full on July 29 at about 98 percent illumination and will brighten the night sky, which will hide many faint meteors during the peak.
- The Southern Delta Aquariids typically produce many but usually faint streaks best seen from southern latitudes with ideal rates up to roughly 25 meteors per hour under dark skies.
- The Alpha Capricornids have a much lower hourly rate, about 3–5 meteors, but are known for slow, bright fireballs that stand the best chance of being seen through moonlight.
- Observers are advised to watch between midnight and dawn from dark sites, block the Moon behind terrain or buildings, let eyes adapt for 20–30 minutes, and use the upcoming Perseid peak on Aug. 12–13 under a new moon as a better viewing opportunity while scientists continue to study the Delta Aquariids' uncertain parentage.