What is the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower?

• As the comet 169P/NEAT orbits the sun, it leaves a trail of debris which the Earth crashes into every April. When the debris burns up in our atmosphere, it produces the meteor shower that we call the Alpha Capricornids.
• At its peak, the Alpha Capricornids produce only 5 meteors per hour. However, theyre usually very bright and they can often become a fireball.

When is the best time to see the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower in 2023?

• The best time to see the Alpha Capricornids in 2023 is early on Sunday 30th July (before dawn).
• Unfortunately, theres also a full moon this year at around the same time, so viewing conditions will be poor. Dark, clear skies are always best for seeing meteors.

How can I see the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower from the UK?

• You dont need any special equipment to see the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower from the UK but a bit of preparation is a good idea.
• First, check the weather forecast. If its going to be cloudy, try the days before the peak viewing period.
• Next, find a dark (but safe!) place with a clear view away from buildings, trees, and street lights. The Alpha Capricornids can appear in any part of the sky, so the more you can see the better.