by Utah’s clear, dark skies make it an excellent place for stargazing—especially in July, when two prominent meteor showers light up the sky. The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids both peak late in the month, offering summer skywatchers a celestial spectacle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to where, when, and how to see them across Utah.
Meteor Showers to Watch in July
Alpha Capricornids
- Active: July 12 – August 12, 2025
- Peak: July 29–30
- Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR): ~5 meteors/hour; known for bright fireballs.
- Best Viewing Time: Around 1 a.m. local—when radiant is highest in the southern sky.
Southern Delta Aquariids
- Active: July 18 – August 21, 2025
- Peak: July 29–30 (21 UTC / ≈ 2 p.m. MDT)
- ZHR: 15–20 meteors/hour—faint streaks that benefit from dark skies, especially after midnight.
Utah Viewing Locations & Recommended Times
Select from Utah’s top stargazing areas below. All times aligned to local (MDT). For rain/cloud delays, aim for the night before or after peak dates.
| Region | Viewing Site | Peak Nights & Times | Alternate (Rain) Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Utah | Antelope Island, East Canyon, Jordanelle | July 29–30 at 12–2 a.m. | July 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Wasatch Front | Timpanogos Cave, Rockport, North Fork Park | July 29–30 at 12–2 a.m. | July 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Central Utah | Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Goblin Valley | July 29–30 at 12–2 a.m. | July 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Southern Utah | Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Staircase | July 29–30 at 12–2 a.m. | July 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
Viewing Tips for Utah Stargazers
- Go to dark-sky zones: Utah’s dark parklands offer excellent visibility.
- Dress warm: Nighttime temperatures drop—layer up!
- Bring comfort items: Recliners, blankets, snacks, and water are helpful.
- Give your eyes time: 20–30 minutes to adapt to darkness.
- Lie back and scan sky: No equipment needed; meteors streak across a broad view.
- Follow moonlight: New moon around July 24 gives darker skies—post-midnight viewing is best.
What to Expect
- Alpha Capricornids: Modest in number (~5/hr) but known for vivid fireballs.
- Southern Delta Aquariids: Steady show (~15–20 meteors/hr), though meteors are faint and moonlight may slightly interfere.
