Double meteor shower peak expected Thursday-Friday despite full-moon glare

A double meteor-shower peak is forecast for Thursday night into Friday as Earth moves through the densest parts of the Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, according to the American Meteor Society. Both showers run from early July to mid-August, while the Perseids, also active this week, will not peak until mid-August.

The July full moon, which will be at its brightest on Wednesday, is expected to drown out fainter meteors. > "The full moon usually limits visibility of a meteor-shower peak around every three years," said Bob Lunsford, report coordinator for the American Meteor Society. > "With the full moon, it's up there all night, so the meteors are just going to be very difficult to see," added Bill Cooke, head of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.

Observers in the Southern Hemisphere may have an advantage because the radiant points of both showers appear higher in the sky. Lunsford suggested viewing from a high, north-facing location with the moon behind the observer to preserve night vision. The Southern Delta Aquariids typically produce about two meteors per hour in the north and three per hour in the south, while the Alpha Capricornids generate roughly three per hour in both hemispheres, according to the society.

Scientists track meteor showers to study space particles and assess risks to spacecraft and crew, Lunsford said, noting that such observations help determine the composition and timing of orbital debris. Cooke added that the data aid in ensuring the safety of human spaceflight.

The next major display, the Perseids, is expected to peak in August under clearer skies, according to EarthSky.