Viewing conditions improve as meteor showers peak this week

In North America, the week starting July 28, 2025, presents an excellent opportunity for stargazers, particularly with the alignment of the waxing crescent moon and multiple meteor showers reaching their peak. As the month of July comes to a close, celestial events draw attention, with the moon being notably visible alongside Mars shortly after sunset on July 28. On July 29, the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers reach their peak, providing a spectacular display. Observers in southern regions may experience the best views, as the Delta Aquariids potentially offer up to 20 meteors per hour, alongside the modest contribution from the Alpha Capricornids, ranging from 5 to 10 meteors. The conditions for viewing these meteor showers are notably favorable due to the waxing crescent moon, which sets early in the evening, ensuring the sky remains dark for most of the night. For optimal viewing, it is recommended to find a dark location and direct attention towards the southeast or south after midnight when the meteor activity peaks. Stargazers are likely to catch long, lingering trails from the Delta Aquariids as well as the brighter, more sporadic Alpha Capricornids. As the week progresses, the lunar phase continues to captivate. By July 30, the crescent moon, lit to about 36%, will appear near Spica, one of the brightest stars in the constellation Virgo. Observers will have another chance to witness the moon in close proximity to notable celestial objects as the week draws to a close, culminating in its passage near Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius. This alignment occurs on August 3 and provides a fitting end to an exciting week of astronomical events in the night sky.