2 July Meteor Showers Turn Active in California as Both Peak on July 30-31

Q: With a full moon set to spoil the July peak, what is the best strategy for skywatchers to still see the show?

The best strategy is to skip the exact late-July peak and watch in the dark, moon-free mornings just before it. The Southern Delta Aquarids do not produce a sharp one-night spike, so viewing during the week before July 30 is likely the best chance to catch more meteors before the full moon on July 29 washes out the fainter ones. That matters because the Delta Aquarids are already a relatively faint shower, especially from California and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. A bright full moon will erase many of the weaker streaks, leaving only the brighter meteors visible. The alpha Capricornids, which peak at the same time, may still offer some brighter fireballs, but overall rates will look reduced. Skywatchers should aim for the hours between midnight and dawn, when meteor activity is usually strongest, and go to the darkest location possible away from city lights. In California, places such as Joshua Tree, Borrego Springs, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Julian, and Death Valley offer the best odds. If observing while the moon is up, look at parts of the sky far from the moon and, if possible, use a hill, tree, or structure to block its glare. Let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, avoid phone screens, and use only the naked eye, which gives the widest view. For those willing to wait, the Perseids in mid-August should provide the stronger show.

3 articles · Updated · Desert Sun · Jul 10

Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquarids are now active for California skywatchers, with the two showers set to peak simultaneously between July 30 and 31.
July 12 marks the start of Southern Delta Aquarids activity, while Alpha Capricornids began on July 3; the showers run through Aug. 23 and about Aug. 15, respectively.
Midnight to dawn offers the best viewing, especially from dark-sky sites such as Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Julian and Borrego Springs, away from city light pollution.
Neither shower is expected to be especially strong in the Northern Hemisphere, and NASA says moonlight can make the faint Southern Delta Aquarids nearly impossible to spot.
July 17 will also bring the Perseids—widely considered the year's best meteor shower—with activity lasting through Aug. 24 and a peak on Aug. 12-13.