Catch the Best Meteor Shower Show Before the Moon Takes Over
If you're one of those people who looks forward to catching shooting stars every summer, you might want to adjust your plans this year. The popular Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August, is going to be a bit of a letdown in 2025. Why? Because the moon will be stealing the spotlight—literally.
When the Perseids peak around August 12th, the moon will be nearly full and shining brightly. That glow might sound romantic, but for meteor watchers, it’s bad news. Bright moonlight can wash out the sky, making it difficult to spot the fainter meteors that usually make the Perseids so special. As Nick Moskovitz, a planetary astronomer from Lowell Observatory, puts it: "The glare of the moon is really a killer."
But don’t pack up your lawn chairs just yet—there's actually a much better opportunity to catch some meteor action this week. Two lesser-known meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, are peaking on the night of July 29th into the early morning hours of July 30th. And the best part? The moon will only be about 25% full—dim enough to let many of those meteors shine through.
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Between the two showers, up to 20 or 30 meteors per hour could be visible. That’s not a record-breaking number, but with less moonlight in the sky, your chances of seeing some decent activity are much higher than waiting for the Perseids.
So what exactly are you seeing when a meteor streaks across the sky? It’s not a star falling—it’s actually a tiny bit of debris, often no bigger than a grain of sand, burning up as it enters Earth’s atmosphere. That friction creates the flash we see as a "shooting star."
To get the best view, you’ll want to head somewhere dark—far from city lights—and give your eyes at least 15 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Look toward the southern sky after midnight, especially around 2 or 3 a.m. A reclining chair, a warm blanket, and patience will all go a long way.
And while Alpha Capricornids don’t produce a high number of meteors, the ones they do send our way can be spectacular—slow-moving fireballs that light up the sky. Think of them as quality over quantity.
If it’s cloudy on the 29th, don’t worry—the days just before and after can still bring some activity. And if you’re really holding out for the Perseids, you might still catch a few of the brightest ones despite the moonlight. But next year? Mark your calendars, because 2026 is expected to be a banner year with a dark sky and a potential meteor “outburst.”
Until then, this week is your best shot. Don't miss it.
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