by Arizona skies will light up this July with two notable meteor showers—the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids. For optimal stargazing, here’s your complete guide by region.
Meteor Showers to Watch
- Alpha Capricornids
- Active from July 12 – August 12, peaking on July 29–30, 2025 with low moonlight (~27% illuminated)
- Best viewed mid-evening to dawn, especially during the hours around 2 a.m. local time.
- Expect a few meteors per hour, but the show often includes bright fireballs.
- Southern Delta Aquariids
- Active from July 18 – August 21, peaking also on July 29–30, 2025.
- Radiant rises mid-evening; best time is after midnight until dawn.
- Peak rates: 15–20 meteors per hour under dark skies.
Arizona Stargazing Locations & Times
| Region | Preferred Viewing Spots | Best Viewing Time | Rain Date (Alternate Night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Phoenix | South Mountain, Usery Park, Gilbert Riparian | ~2 – 4 a.m. Jul 29–30 | Jul 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Tucson Area | Kitt Peak, Mt. Lemmon, Catalina State Park | ~2 – 4 a.m. Jul 29–30 | Jul 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Flagstaff / North | Humphreys Peak, Sunset Crater, Grand Canyon rim | ~2 a.m. locally | Jul 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
| Southeast AZ | Chiricahua, Coronado Nat’l Forest, Bisbee overhead | ~2 a.m. locally | Jul 28–29 or Jul 30–31 |
- Best nights: July 29 and 30, post-midnight with clear skies, especially after moonset.
- Rain dates: For clouds or poor weather, check skies night before or after peak.
Viewing Tips for Arizona
- Go for dark-sky areas outside city lights.
- Dress in layers—even July nights can get cool desert-style.
- Bring reclining chairs or blankets—comfortable night-sky viewing requires relaxation.
- Allow 20 minutes for your vision to fully adapt to darkness.
- Include binoculars or wide-angle lens cameras if you wish, but meteors are best seen with the naked eye.
What You’ll See
- Alpha Capricornids: Expect slow-moving, bright meteors and rare fireballs (~5 ZHR)
- Southern Delta Aquariids: A steady blend of faint and bright streaks, around 15–20 meteors per hour.
Moonlight & Timing
- Moon Phase: First quarter on August 1; moonlight will be modest on July 29–30, favorable for visibility.
- Peak windows: Plan for 2–4 a.m. local on peak nights.
- On non-peak nights like July 28 and 31, visibility drops slightly but meteors may still be seen.
