Two Meteor Showers Peak July 30: Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids

The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers both peak on Thursday, July 30, though visibility may be reduced by the full moon on July 29. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a comet's debris trail. The Southern Delta Aquariids may originate from Comet 96P/Machholz, while the Alpha Capricornids come from Comet 169P/NEAT. The Southern Delta Aquariids produce frequent faint streaks, and the Alpha Capricornids are known for slower, dazzling fireballs, according to astronomer Alex Gianninas of Connecticut College. Both showers are best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere. The July full moon, called the Buck moon, will cause a bright sky, but Don Pollacco of the University of Warwick notes that "one bright one is worth 20 faint ones." Viewers should avoid light pollution and bright screens. The Perseids will peak August 12-13, the Orionids October 21-22, and the Southern Taurids November 4-5.