Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids Peak: When To See From Healdsburg

HEALDSBURG, CA — Fans of meteor showers have a doubleheader this week with two shooting star shows—the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids—peaking early Tuesday and Wednesday, depending on weather conditions in Healdsburg.

The National Weather Service forecasts mainly clear skies for Healdsburg late Monday night until around 2 a.m. Tuesday, which is ideal for meteor watching. Areas of low clouds will form, resulting in partly cloudy viewing conditions early Tuesday.

Weather conditions are forecast to be the same Tuesday night into early Wednesday: mainly clear until around 2 a.m., followed by areas of low clouds and partly cloudy skies.

The Delta Aquariids are expected to be the MVP in this shooting star show doubleheader, with about 15 or 20 meteors an hour visible under a dark sky. After peaking at 1:16 a.m. Tuesday, the Delta Aquariids will stay visible until Aug. 21.

The Alpha Capricornids, which peak late Tuesday and early Wednesday of this week, produce about five meteors an hour at their “plateau-like” peak and remain active until Aug. 15.

Perseid meteors are flying, too. The annual summertime favorite started in mid-July and is usually a prolific meteor shower, producing anywhere from 50 to 100 hours at the peak, which occurs Aug. 11-12 this year. This show, in particular, is known for producing fireballs — larger explosions of light and color that are brighter than typical meteors and whose “tails” last longer than typical meteor streaks.

The Perseids don’t have the market cornered on their potential to dazzle skygazers. University of Warwick astronomer Don Pollacco told The Associated Press that the Alpha Capricornids often produce very bright meteors.

• Related: 2024 Guide To Meteor Showers, Supermoons And More

For meteor shower lovers, “one bright one is worth 20 faint ones,” he said.