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It Is Confirmed That Up to 25 Meteors Per Hour Will Be Visible Under Dark Skies in Several Places in North America

Stargazers across North America are in for an exciting celestial event. Astronomers have confirmed that up to 25 meteors per hour will be visible during the peak of an upcoming meteor shower. Under clear, dark skies, this display promises to deliver one of the most thrilling night-sky experiences of the summer.

The Delta Aquarid meteor shower is currently active and will reach its peak between July 29 and July 30, offering viewers a chance to witness a steady stream of glowing meteors streaking across the night sky. While many meteor showers produce short bursts of activity, the Delta Aquarids offer a more subtle, graceful show and 2025 is shaping up to be one of its best displays in recent years.

Here’s everything you need to know about where, when, and how to view the upcoming meteor shower across the United States and Canada.

What’s Happening: Up to 25 Meteors Per Hour

According to experts at the American Meteor Society, observers under dark, rural skies could see up to 25 meteors every hour during the shower’s peak. This makes it one of the most active meteor showers visible from North America during the summer season.

The meteor activity comes from space debris left behind by Comet 96P/Machholz, a short-period comet that orbits the sun every five years. As Earth passes through this trail of debris, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds and burn up, producing bright streaks of light that we call meteors.

These “shooting stars” will be most visible in areas free from light pollution far from cities and streetlights. With the moon in a waning crescent phase this year, the dark skies will provide perfect conditions for viewing.

When Is the Best Time to Watch?

The peak viewing window for the Delta Aquarid meteor shower in 2025 will occur on the night of Tuesday, July 29 into the early morning of Wednesday, July 30.

The best time to watch is between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM local time, when the constellation Aquarius the shower’s radiant point is high in the southern sky.

If you’re in the Southern United States, you’ll have slightly better views due to Aquarius appearing higher above the horizon. However, people across Canada and northern U.S. states will still be able to see a good number of meteors, especially with clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Where to Watch in North America

For the best experience, head to locations with dark, open skies. National parks, rural fields, and high-elevation spots are ideal. Here are some top dark-sky locations across North America:

Big Bend National Park, Texas
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Death Valley National Park, California
Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Even if you can’t travel to a certified dark sky park, any quiet spot away from city lights will still allow you to enjoy the show.

What Will You See?

The Delta Aquarid meteors are known for being fast and faint, with some leaving long glowing trails that last several seconds. Occasionally, a bright fireball may streak across the sky, capturing everyone’s attention.

You can expect:

15–25 meteors per hour during the peak
Mostly white or yellow streaks
Some lingering trails that float across the sky
No need for telescopes or binoculars just your eyes

For the best results, give your eyes at least 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark, and avoid looking at your phone during the show. Dress warmly, bring a reclining chair or blanket, and look toward the southern sky, but not directly at the radiant point.

Tips to Maximize Your Viewing Experience

To make the most of this event, follow these helpful viewing tips:

Choose a dark, open area: Avoid city lights and head to a place with a wide view of the sky.
Check the weather: Clear skies are essential. Use local forecasts to pick your viewing night.
Arrive early: Get set up by midnight to allow your eyes to adjust.
Face south: While meteors can appear anywhere, more will come from the southern horizon.
Avoid lights: Stay away from flashlights and phone screens to preserve your night vision.
Stay comfortable: Bring a chair, snacks, and warm clothes if needed.

Are There Other Meteor Showers This Year?

Yes! The Delta Aquarids are just one of many meteor showers that grace the skies each year. The good news is that the Perseid meteor shower, one of the brightest and most popular, follows shortly after, with its peak expected around August 12–13, 2025.

In fact, by late July, you may catch a few early Perseid meteors alongside the Delta Aquarids, as their activity periods overlap slightly.

Other showers to look forward to in 2025 include:

Orionids in October
Leonids in November
Geminids in December (one of the most spectacular of the year)

With this steady lineup, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for night-sky fans.

Why Meteor Showers Matter

Beyond their visual beauty, meteor showers offer a reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our solar system is. Each streak of light is a tiny piece of ancient cosmic debris sometimes thousands of years old traveling millions of miles before meeting Earth’s atmosphere.

They are also moments of wonder for families, friends, and photographers alike. For many, watching a meteor shower is a peaceful and memorable way to connect with nature, reflect under the stars, or simply enjoy a quiet summer night.

Final Thoughts

The confirmation that up to 25 meteors per hour will be visible over North America is exciting news for anyone who loves the night sky. With favorable conditions, minimal moonlight, and a clear forecast in many regions, this is the perfect opportunity to witness one of the year’s most graceful meteor showers.

So mark your calendars for July 29–30, find a dark spot, and look up. The universe has a light show waiting just for you.

Muskan Goyal