Double Meteor Showers Tonight: How to Watch the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids Peak Together

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Discover the rare simultaneous peak of two major meteor showers: the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids.
Best viewing time is between 1 AM and 3 AM on July 29–30, 2025.
Moonlight will be minimal, enhancing visibility of faint meteors and bright fireballs.
Ideal viewing spot is facing south, away from city light pollution, with a comfortable chair or blanket.
This event provides a unique opportunity to see dozens of shooting stars in one night.

Shower Name	Peak Dates	Characteristics	Best Viewing Location
Southern Delta Aquariids	Mid-July to August 12	Generally faint meteors, slow speed (~25 mi/s), fewer fireballs	Southern Hemisphere, especially southernmost regions
Alpha Capricornids	Late July to early August	Notable for bright, slow-moving fireballs	Visible in both hemispheres, best looking south

What’s Happening Tonight?

From the evening of July 29 into the early hours of July 30, 2025, the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers simultaneously reach their peak. This dual meteor shower offers sky watchers in both hemispheres a spectacular opportunity to see dozens of meteors per hour streaking through the night sky.

Why Is This Night Special?

Highest concentration of visible meteors occurs tonight, despite the usual active periods.
The moon will only be 27% full, so its brightness won’t significantly diminish meteor visibility.
Expect to see faint shooting stars from the Southern Delta Aquariids and slow, bright fireballs from the Alpha Capricornids.

What Are These Meteor Showers?

Shower Name	Peak Dates	Characteristics	Best Viewing Location
Southern Delta Aquariids	Mid-July to August 12	Generally faint meteors, slow speed (~25 mi/s), fewer fireballs	Southern Hemisphere, especially southernmost regions
Alpha Capricornids	Late July to early August	Notable for bright, slow-moving fireballs	Visible in both hemispheres, best looking south

When and Where to Watch

– Best Time: Between 1 AM and 3 AM local time on July 29–30.

– Where to Look: Face south, scanning the sky about halfway up from the horizon to the zenith, and aim roughly 45 degrees from the constellation Aquarius for the Delta Aquariids.

– What to Bring: A blanket or reclining chair for comfort, and try to find a location away from city light pollution.

Additional Viewing Tips

Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness.
Avoid looking at your phone or other bright devices while sky watching.
The showers are best appreciated with the naked eye rather than telescopes or binoculars.

What’s Next?

This dual peak precedes the highly anticipated Perseid meteor shower in mid-August, one of the best annual meteor showers. However, the Perseids this year may be partially obscured by a brighter moon, making tonight’s double meteor show a can’t-miss event.

Why It Matters

Meteor showers are caused by Earth passing through debris left by comets or asteroids, particles burning up high in our atmosphere to create these beautiful streaks of light. This natural spectacle connects us with cosmic history and fuels ongoing interest in astronomy and space science.

Get ready tonight. Step outside, look up, and witness the wonders of space right from your own backyard.

Clear skies and happy meteor watching!