Skywatchers in North America have two notable late-July events to watch for this week: the full Buck Moon and shooting stars from the Delta Aquariid meteor shower. The same viewing outlook also applies broadly to mid-northern latitudes across the northern hemisphere, making this a widely visible stretch of summer skywatching.
The Buck Moon is the traditional name for July’s full moon, and its rise is one of the main celestial highlights as the month comes to a close. A full moon can be especially striking near the horizon, when it appears large and bright during moonrise and dominates the evening sky.
At the same time, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower adds the chance to spot shooting stars. This shower reaches its peak in the same period, although viewing conditions are not ideal because bright moonlight can wash out fainter meteors. Even so, patient observers may still catch some brighter streaks, especially under darker skies away from city lights.
Together, the full Buck Moon and the Delta Aquariids make for one of the more eye-catching night-sky weeks of the summer. For observers across North America and similar northern latitudes, the end of July offers a mix of bright moonlight and meteor activity, with the best results likely coming from clear skies and unobstructed views of the night sky.
