Meteor Showers Tonight: What to Watch in the Night Sky

Stargazers, mark your calendars! If you’ve been wondering about meteor showers tonight, you’re in for a celestial treat. While the famed Perseids Meteor Shower is still a few weeks away, two spectacular meteor events will light up the sky tonight—the Alpha Capricornids and the Delta Aquariids. These events offer a sneak peek into what August has in store for sky watchers.

What Are the Meteor Showers Tonight?

The meteor showers tonight feature two lesser-known, yet still impressive, meteor events:

• Alpha Capricornids

• Delta Aquariids

Both are known for producing slow-moving meteors and occasional bright fireballs. While they may not have the same meteoric rate as the Perseids, their timing, combined with favorable sky conditions, makes tonight a great opportunity to catch them.

Best Time to View Meteor Showers Tonight

PASS IT ON: The Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower peaks tonight through the predawn hours of July 29th. Around 20 meteors will be possible per hour! #MeteorShower #Space pic.twitter.com/YVkALjBqCC

— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) July 28, 2025

The best time to observe the meteor showers tonight is after midnight. Here’s why:

• The moon will set before midnight, reducing light interference.

• The meteor showers will peak after midnight, offering optimal viewing.

• You’ll want to look to the southern sky for the best chance to spot these celestial streaks.

Weather forecasts predict clear skies, especially in many parts of North America, meaning the conditions will likely be ideal for a night under the stars.

Tips to Maximize Your Viewing Experience

Watching meteor showers tonight doesn’t require any special equipment—just your eyes and a little patience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience:

• Find a dark location away from city lights. Rural areas or designated stargazing spots are ideal.

• Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark for the best visibility.

• Lay back and look up—a reclining lawn chair or blanket can make viewing more comfortable.

• Bring a jacket or blanket, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

• Avoid looking at your phone, or use a red light filter to maintain your night vision.

Upcoming: The Perseids Are Just Weeks Away

Although the meteor showers tonight are worth your attention, many are eagerly awaiting the Perseids, which peak around mid-August. Known for their high meteor count—sometimes as many as 100 meteors per hour—the Perseids are often considered the best meteor shower of the year.

If you enjoy the Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquariids tonight, you’ll definitely want to plan for the Perseids next month.

Why Meteor Showers Happen

Just mesmerized by tonight’s moon getting ready hopefully for a nice night of Stargazing tomorrow and wednesday as a meteor ☄️ shower supposedly be great viewing. #stargazing #moon #interplanetary pic.twitter.com/1OxxTIEkqD

— Chris Tarpening (@Tarp1969) July 29, 2025

Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left behind by comets. As these particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating bright streaks of light in the night sky.

• Alpha Capricornids originate from Comet 169P/NEAT.

• Delta Aquariids are linked to the Marsden and Kracht Sungrazing comets.

These showers remind us of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the fascinating cosmic events happening beyond our planet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth heading outside to see meteor showers tonight, the answer is a resounding yes. With minimal moonlight and dual meteor showers reaching their peak, tonight offers one of the better stargazing opportunities of the summer.

So grab a blanket, head to a dark spot, and enjoy the show. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Perseids in mid-August—a meteor storm you won’t want to miss.