Double meteor showers peak this week, but the moon may steal the show

Skywatchers in Cochrane could catch a rare double meteor shower this week as the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids reach their peak on the nights of July 30 and 31.

The two annual showers overlap for a chance to see shooting stars from two different meteor streams at once. The Southern Delta Aquariids are known for producing a steady display of faint meteors, while the Alpha Capricornids typically offer fewer meteors but with brighter fireball-like streaks.

However, this year’s viewing conditions won’t be ideal. A bright waxing gibbous moon will wash out many of the fainter meteors, making them harder to spot.

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Increase the odds of seeing them

If skies stay clear, your best chance is to head away from city lights after midnight and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Even with the moonlight, patient skywatchers could still catch some of the brighter meteors streaking across the southern sky.