Two meteor showers peak this week. Here’s how to watch - CNN

What the report says

CNN reports that two annual meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids, are expected to peak from Thursday night into Friday morning, according to the American Meteor Society. The peak is when Earth moves through the densest stream of debris associated with a shower. Both showers are active for several weeks in July and August, while the Perseids are also underway but will not reach their strongest point until mid-August.

Viewing conditions may be challenging because July’s full moon peaked Wednesday and will keep the night sky bright, reducing the chance of seeing dimmer meteors. CNN cited Bob Lunsford of the American Meteor Society and Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, saying the moon’s presence through the night will make the display difficult to observe. People in the Southern Hemisphere may have a better chance because the showers’ radiant points appear higher in the sky there.

For those attempting to watch, CNN reported Lunsford’s advice to seek a higher-elevation location and face north with the moon behind them to protect night vision from direct moonlight. The Southern Delta Aquariids appear to originate near Aquarius and tend to move quickly, while the Alpha Capricornids appear from Capricornus and are known for brighter meteors. Reported viewing rates are modest: about two to three Southern Delta Aquariids per hour depending on hemisphere, and about three Alpha Capricornids per hour.

Beyond the spectacle, CNN noted that meteor shower observations help scientists track streams of particles in space and assess potential hazards for spacecraft and crews. The next major opportunity for skywatchers is expected with the Perseid meteor shower in August, which EarthSky says could offer a stronger display if skies are clear.