Twin Meteor Showers to Illuminate Global Skies on July 29–30

Two meteor showers — Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids — will peak together, offering a rare double feature of shooting stars visible across the globe.

What to Expect

• Combined meteor rate: Up to 25 meteors per hour
• Best viewing time: Midnight to 3 a.m., local time
• Moon phase: Nearly moonless night for optimal visibility
• Visibility: Best in Southern Hemisphere, but visible worldwide

Meet the Showers

Meteor Shower	Origin Comet	Meteor Traits	Peak Activity
Southern Delta Aquariids	96P/Machholz	Fast, faint streaks	July 29–31
Alpha Capricornids	169P/NEAT	Slow, bright fireballs (often colorful)	July 29–30

Viewing Tips

• Look southward in the sky, especially from rural or dark-sky locations
• No equipment needed — just your eyes and patience
• Avoid city lights and let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes
• Recline comfortably and bring warm clothes or snacks

Countries with Best Naked-Eye Visibility

Best Visibility Zones

• Southern Hemisphere: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Brazil
• Southern Latitudes (Northern Hemisphere): India, Mexico, Southern U.S. (Texas, Florida), Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia)

Also Visible (Lower Meteor Rates)

• Northern Hemisphere: United States (northern states), Canada, UK, Germany, France, China, Japan

🇮🇳 India-Specific Viewing

• Excellent visibility across India, especially in rural areas
• Best times: 3–4 AM and 7–8 PM on July 29–30
• Look toward the southern horizon, near the constellation Aquarius

Bonus: Perseids Incoming

• The Perseid meteor shower will peak around August 12
• July and August are prime months for stargazing