by Here’s your complete guide to July 2025 meteor showers over North Dakota, including top viewing locations, peak times, and rain‑date options for the best stargazing experience under the state’s dark skies:
Southern Delta Aquariids
- Active: July 18 – August 12 2025
- Peak: Night of July 29–30, around 21 UTC (~5 p.m. MDT, ~7 p.m. CDT
- Expected Rate: ~15–20 meteors/hour in dark sky areas
- Best Time: Late evening to dawn; radiant located in Aquarius, visible low in southern sky
Prime North Dakota Viewing Spots:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Expansive dark skies and open views
- Pembina Gorge Recreation Area: Designated dark‑sky region with minimal light pollution
- Fort Ransom State Park, Lake Sakakawea, Crow Flies High Butte, Sully Creek: All Bortle 3 or better locations ideal for meteor watching
Rain‑Date Window: July 30–August 2, in case of clouds.
Alpha Capricornids
- Active: July 12 – August 12 2025
- Peak: Around July 29–30 (plateau peak)
- Expected Rate: ~5 meteors/hour, often bright fireballs
- Best Time: Pre‑dawn (~1 a.m. local), radiant in Capricornus (south–southeast)
Ideal Viewing Locations: Same top dark‑sky sites as for the Delta Aquariids.
Rain‑Date Window: July 31–August 2.
Early Perseids
- Active: July 17 – August 23 2025
- Early Visibility in July: Noticeable activity begins late July, ahead of the peak in August
- Best Time: Pre‑dawn hours; radiant in Perseus (northeastern sky)
Viewing Locations: The same well‑dark northern and western horizon open sites: Theodore Roosevelt, Pembina Gorge, etc.
Rain‑Date Window: July 25–29 to catch early rising activity.
Quick Meteor Shower Summary
| Shower | Peak Night(s) | Local Time | Radiant Direction | Best ND Locations | Rain‑Date Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Delta Aquariids | July 29–30 | Midnight–Dawn | Aquarius (S) | Theodore Roosevelt NP; Pembina Gorge; Fort Ransom, etc. | July 30–Aug 2 |
| Alpha Capricornids | July 29–30 | ~1 a.m. | Capricornus (S-SE) | Same as above | July 31–Aug 2 |
| Early Perseids | Late July onward | Pre‑dawn | Perseus (NE) | Same locations | July 25–29 |
