98% moon illumination the night after July 29's full moon will wash out many faint meteors, especially the Delta Aquariids, making 2026 viewing conditions unusually difficult.
Under dark skies, the Southern Delta Aquariids can produce about 25 meteors an hour, while the Alpha Capricornids usually yield around five but are known for slower, brighter fireballs that can punch through moonlight.
After midnight offers the best chance to watch, with no telescope needed; observers should seek the darkest location possible and allow at least 20 minutes for their eyes to adjust.
August 12-13 brings the next major sky event, when the Perseids peak the same day as a total solar eclipse visible across parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.