Joliet, IL – Stargazers in Illinois will have reason to look up this July as three meteor showers are expected to peak in quick succession, offering residents a rare chance to view multiple celestial events over several weeks.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, the alpha Capricornids will kick off the season starting July 12. The Perseids, one of the most anticipated annual meteor showers, will follow on July 17, while the southern delta Aquariids are expected to peak the night of July 18. All three will reach peak visibility during the nights of July 29 to 30.
While the alpha Capricornids and delta Aquariids are not considered high-activity showers — typically producing five to ten meteors per hour — this year’s conditions are favorable due to the moon’s phase. The Perseids, known for their high volume and brightness, will remain active through August 23, but peak activity will center on the nights of August 12 and 13. However, visibility during the peak may be hindered by an 84% full moon, according to the American Meteor Society.
To help the public enjoy the spectacle, the Forest Preserve is hosting a “Perseids in the Preserves” event on July 23 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Forked Creek Preserve near Wilmington and Whalon Lake in Naperville. The event is timed to fall within a lull in meteor activity ahead of August’s peak window.
The moon will reach full brightness on July 10 at 3:37 p.m., giving skywatchers a chance to enjoy a moonrise in the southeastern sky that evening. Known as the “buck moon,” the name stems from Native American and folk traditions marking the season when male deer grow new antlers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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