by Here’s your guide to July 2025 meteor showers in Alabama—complete with peak dates, ideal viewing spots, and rain-date backups for a clear-sky stargazing experience:
Southern Delta Aquariids
- Active: July 18 – August 21 (peak late July)
- Peak: Night of July 29–30, around 21 UTC (~4 p.m. CDT)
- Rate: ~15–20 meteors/hour in dark skies
- Best Viewing: Midnight to dawn; radiant in Aquarius (south–southeast sky)
- Alabama Hotspots:
- Bankhead National Forest (near Double Springs): remote & dark
- Cheaha State Park (near Delta–Clay): elevated and scenic
- Tuskegee National Forest: rural and less light pollution
- Rain-Date: July 30 – August 2, if main night is cloudy
Alpha Capricornids
- Active: July 3 – August 15; plateau peak around July 30
- Rate: ~5 meteors/hour; includes occasional bright fireballs
- Best Viewing: Pre-dawn (around 1 a.m. CDT); radiant in Capricornus (south-southeast
- Viewing Tips: Observe back-to-back with Delta Aquariids from same spots
- Rain-Date: July 31 – August 2
Pegasids (July Pegasids)
- Active: July 4 – August 8; weak peak near July 11
- Rate: ~3 meteors/hour (fast-moving ~64 km/s)
- Best Viewing: After midnight; radiant east–northeast near Pegasus
- Ideal Locations:
- Oak Mountain State Park: elevated east-facing trails
- Monte Sano State Park (Huntsville): clear eastern views
- Rain-Date: July 10–13
Perseids
- Active: July 17 – August 23; ramping up in late July
- Best Viewing: Pre-dawn hours, radiant northeast in Perseus
- Why Now: Avoids the bright Buck Moon (July 10) and benefits from new moon on July 24
- Viewing Spots:
- Cheaha State Park (eastern sky access)
- Desoto State Park (northeastern Alabama)
- Rain-Date: July 25–29
July 2025 Moon Phases (CDT, Alabama)
- July 10: Full “Buck Moon”—bright, can wash out faint meteors
- July 24: New Moon—optimal for late-July meteor viewing
Quick Reference: Shower Summary
| Shower | Peak Night(s) | Best Time (CDT) | Radiant Direction | Top Alabama Spots | Rain Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Delta Aquariids | July 29–30 | Midnight–dawn | Aquarius (S/SE) | Bankhead NF, Cheaha SP, Tuskegee NF | July 30–Aug 2 |
| Alpha Capricornids | July 29–30 | ~1 a.m. | Capricornus (S/SE) | Same as above | July 31–Aug 2 |
| Pegasids | ~July 11 | After midnight | Pegasus (E/NE) | Oak Mountain SP, Monte Sano SP | July 10–13 |
| Early Perseids | Late July onward | Pre-dawn | Perseus (NE) | Cheaha SP, Desoto SP | July 25–29 |
Alabama Stargazing Tips
- Escape city lights: aim for parks, forests, and elevated areas
- Dark-adapt your eyes (~30 minutes) before peak viewing
- Red flashlight is essential to preserve night vision
- Dress for comfort: even summer nights can be cool inland
- Check weather: thunderstorms, especially in July, can derail plans—use rain-date windows
- Be patient: lie back, relax, and soak in the sky—meteors come at random
Final Take
For Alabama stargazers, the best nights to catch a meteor show are July 29–30, coinciding with the peaks of both Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, under the dark skies of a late-July New Moon. With backup dates, additional peaks (Pegasids & early Perseids) offer other chances for a cosmic show. Bring a blanket, find a quiet spot under the stars, and enjoy the celestial spectacle!
