A late July evening sky in 2025 will offer a great opportunity to witness meteor activity, with two notable showers active at that time. The alpha Capricornids and Southern delta Aquariids will provide entertainment for stargazers.
The alpha Capricornids are a minor shower known for producing fireballs. They are visible from July 7 to August 13, peaking on July 30, with hourly rates ranging from 3-5 meteors per hour. These showers radiate from the area near alpha Capricornii, rising in the east around 20:00 LDT.
On the other hand, the Southern delta Aquariids are active from July 19 to August 13 and reach maximum activity on July 30. Their radiant rises at 22:00 LDT and is best viewed in the south near 3:00 LDT, with meteors shooting forth from southwestern Aquarius.
For those willing to stay up late, hourly rates of 5-10 meteors per hour can be expected on July 30. In addition, viewers may notice 10 random meteors per hour not associated with any known shower.
To maximize viewing pleasure, stargazers should prioritize rest and comfort. A reclining chair, pillow, and blanket are recommended for optimal viewing in rural locations or areas with minimal light pollution.
For a more immersive experience, consider contributing to the world-wide visual meteor database. Dr. Peter Jenniskens’ orbit illustrations of these showers are available online.
Even if skies are cloudy on July 30th, mornings surrounding that date will still offer significant activity. Take advantage of these summer showers before nights grow chilly.
Source: https://www.amsmeteors.org/2025/07/viewing-late-july-meteor-showers