Double Meteor Showers Peak Aug. 14-15 as Full Moon Obscures Fainter Meteors

3 articles · Updated · Scripps News · Aug 9

Thursday night into Friday, the Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids will hit their joint peak as Earth crosses the densest part of both streams.
Wednesday’s full moon is expected to wash out much of the display, leaving only the brighter meteors easier to spot because moonlight will dominate the sky all night.
Southern Hemisphere viewers may fare slightly better because the showers’ radiant sits higher overhead there; experts advise watching from high ground facing north with the moon behind you.
The Southern Delta Aquariids typically produce about 2 meteors an hour in the Northern Hemisphere and 3 in the Southern, while the Alpha Capricornids add roughly 3 brighter meteors an hour.
The moon-blunted peak comes ahead of the Perseids on Aug. 12-13, a shower expected to offer a stronger display under clearer viewing conditions.