Look Up! A Double Meteor Shower Lights Up the Night Sky This Week

This week, you can experience magic as two meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, reach their peak.

These celestial events offer a chance to see shooting stars without any special equipment.

Whether you’re a stargazer or just curious, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this cosmic show in 2025.

When to Watch the Double Meteor Shower

The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids both peak overnight from July 29 to July 30, 2025. The best time to look up is after midnight, especially around 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. local time, when the sky is darkest and the meteor showers’ radiant points—where the meteors seem to come from—are high in the sky.

The Southern Delta Aquariids will be active from July 18 to August 21, while the Alpha Capricornids run from July 7 to August 15. You can catch meteors a few days before and after the peak, but July 30 is the prime night for viewing.

A waxing crescent moon, only 27% full, will set before midnight, leaving the sky dark for better visibility.

Where to See the Shooting Stars

To get the best view, find a spot far from city lights, like a rural park or open field. The Southern Delta Aquariids are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, where their radiant point in the constellation Aquarius is higher in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, look toward the southern horizon. The Alpha Capricornids, radiating from the constellation Capricornus, are also visible in the southern sky.

These meteors are known for their bright, slow-moving fireballs, making them easier to spot even in less-than-ideal conditions. No binoculars or telescopes are needed—just your eyes and a clear view of the sky. Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best experience.

Tips for a Great Meteor-Watching Experience

Bring a blanket or a reclining chair to stay comfortable while looking up. Check the weather forecast for clear skies, as clouds can block your view. The Southern Delta Aquariids can produce 15 to 20 meteors per hour, while the Alpha Capricornids add about 5 to 10, with some spectacular fireballs. Together, you might see up to 30 meteors per hour under perfect conditions.

Avoid looking at your phone, as the bright screen can ruin your night vision. If you want to find the radiant points, apps like Stellarium can help, but meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so keep your gaze wide. For a fun outing, invite friends or family to share the experience and maybe even count the shooting stars together.

This double meteor shower is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe. Whether you’re in the Southern Hemisphere or the northern U.S., the night sky is ready to put on a show.

On July 29-30, find a dark spot, and enjoy the cosmic fireworks!

You might also want to read: What We Know About the Asteroid That Might Hit Earth in 2032