2 meteor showers peak on the same night this week ‪—‬ how to get the best views, despite a near-full moon

A large statue is seen with a meteor shower behind it in the night sky.

Two meteor showers will peak together overnight on Thursday, July 30, into Friday, July 31 — but skywatchers should expect a moonlit challenge rather than a dazzling display.

Both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids reach maximum activity just one night after July's full Buck Moon, which turns full on Wednesday, July 29. According to the American Meteor Society, the moon will still be 98% full during the peaks of those meteor showers, meaning bright moonlight will wash out many of the fainter "shooting stars."