Stargazers and space lovers, get ready! A rare cosmic combo of meteor showers and a total lunar eclipse is lighting up the skies this week. The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids meteor showers will peak, while a full lunar eclipse adds drama to the night sky. It’s a perfect week to explore both meteor action and moon magic in one go.
Twin Meteor Showers Take Center Stage
This week, Earth crosses paths with two comet debris fields, igniting a spectacular double meteor display. First up, the Alpha Capricornids, famous for their bright fireballs, are expected to peak around 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Although visible worldwide, they’re best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re watching from North America, look low in the southern sky for the best view.
Hot on their heels, the Southern Delta Aquariids will peak around 3 a.m. ET. These meteors appear to stream from the Aquarius constellation and offer a stronger show than the Capricornids. Southern Hemisphere viewers could see 20 to 25 meteors per hour, while those farther north can expect 10 to 15.
When and Where to Look
Even though experts from NASA and the American Meteor Society disagree slightly on the exact peak (Tuesday night vs. Wednesday night), don’t worry too much. These showers don’t have a sharp peak. According to meteor expert Robert Lunsford, the action is spread out — so if you miss one night, you’ve still got plenty of chances through August 13.
To get the best view:
Pick a spot with little light pollution
Avoid trees and buildings
Head to higher ground if possible
Let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes in the dark
Why These Meteors Matter
Both meteor showers come from Jupiter-family comets — 169P/NEAT (Capricornids) and P2008/Y12 (Aquariids). The dust and debris from these comets burn up as they hit Earth’s atmosphere, creating the glowing streaks we see.
Interestingly, NASA scientist Bill Cooke notes we’re getting closer to the Alpha Capricornid debris stream every year. In about 200 years, this shower might outshine the famous Perseids, producing over 1,000 meteors an hour!
Other Meteors to Watch
The Perseids, one of the most popular meteor showers, is also active now — though not at its peak. You might still catch a few of its meteors flashing through the sky. And while you’re watching, keep an eye out for random meteors not tied to any specific shower. Lunsford says you could see 10–12 of those on any clear night.
Feeling inspired? You can help science by counting meteors and reporting them to organizations like the American Meteor Society.
Lunar Eclipse and Full Moons Ahead
As if meteor showers weren’t enough, a total lunar eclipse is coming September 7–8. Visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America and Africa, this eclipse will turn the moon a deep red, earning it the nickname “blood moon.” Two weeks later, a partial solar eclipse will follow on September 21, visible from parts of Australia and Antarctica.
And don’t forget — five more full moons will grace the sky this year:
August 9: Sturgeon Moon
September 7: Corn Moon
October 6: Harvest Moon (Supermoon)
November 5: Beaver Moon (Supermoon)
December 4: Cold Moon (Supermoon)
Upcoming Meteor Showers in 2025
Here’s what else to mark on your calendar:
Perseids: August 12–13
Draconids: October 8–9
Orionids: October 22–23
Southern Taurids: November 3–4
Northern Taurids: November 8–9
Leonids: November 16–17
Geminids: December 12–13
Ursids: December 21–22
Stay curious, keep looking up, and stay tuned to Maple Wire for more skywatching updates and celestial wonders.
