Two overlapping meteor showers will peak overnight on July 29 into July 30, giving Carolina stargazers a rare summer treat. The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids will send shooting stars streaking across the night sky, especially in southern-facing areas with low light pollution.
The Southern Delta Aquariids, likely originating from comet 96P/Machholz, may produce up to 20 meteors per hour. These meteors move fast—about 25 miles per second—and sometimes leave glowing trails. Meanwhile, the Alpha Capricornids, which stem from comet 169P/NEAT, are slower but known for their occasional fireballs with long, dramatic tails.
While both showers are typically best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, viewers across the Carolinas may still catch a glimpse—especially after midnight and before dawn. The American Meteor Society recommends waiting until later in the night when the moon sets and the meteor radiants rise higher in the sky.
This week may also be the best time to view the famous Perseids, which will peak in August under a full moon. Because the moon is only 25% full now, experts suggest heading out early to catch bright Perseid meteors before moonlight interferes.
If you want to get your own shots of the meteors, you’ll need a long-exposure camera. Go to a very dark place where you have an unobstructed view toward the northern sky. The best place would be a remote mountain with north-facing views.
You can find the dark spots in your area using the official light pollution map here.
Happy meteor hunting!
