Comet, Milky Way and ‘dueling’ meteor showers shine in California. When to watch
From the Milky Way to dueling meteor showers, there’s lots in store for California sky watchers this month.
July is full of celestial occurrences, including a comet, visible planets and a full moon named after an animal.
Here’s when to look up:
Will the Milky Way be visible in the sky?
According to Forbes, stargazers should be able to see the Milky Way in July. The sky will be dark, and the moon will be largely invisible to the naked eye.
Between Monday, July 6, and Sunday, July 12, the galaxy can be seen about two hours after sunset looking southeast.
For your best chance to see the Milky Way, head to an area with low light pollution.
Which planets are visible in July 2026?
Saturn and Mars will light up the early morning sky on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.
Uranus will also be visible, although it’ll have a fainter glow.
“Mars will look like a small reddish point of light, Saturn is brighter and easier to spot, and the moon makes the whole scene easy to locate,” NASA said.
In late July, you’ll be able to spot Saturn’s rings looking through a telescope, according to NASA.
The rings will be very thin due to the planet’s tilt.
Can I see a comet in July?
A comet will pass by Earth around Tuesday, July 14.
Comet 10P/Temple 2 comes around every five and half years and travels the inner solar system on a regular orbit.
The comet will appear as a “fuzzy glow” and have a short fan-shaped tail, NASA said.
To see Comet 10P/Temple 2 through binoculars or a telescope, look up about an hour after sunset in a dark area and find the Capricornus constellation.
According to online clock Time and Date, the comet’s visit will coincide with a new moon, providing perfect viewing conditions.
When can I see the full moon in July 2026?
The next full moon will reach its peak at 7:36 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, according to Time and Date.
Why is July’s full moon called the buck moon?
July’s full moon is known as the buck moon, inspired by male deer’s antlers being fully grown during this time, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The buck moon has other nicknames related to animals, plants and weather, including the feather moulting moon, salmon moon, raspberry moon and thunder moon.
How can I see dueling meteor showers in July?
Skygazers can enjoy “dueling meteor showers” right after the buck moon, according to AccuWeather.
The Southern Delta Quariids and Alpha Capricornids showers will peak together at night on Thursday, July 30, with the show continuing into the morning.
“Typically, the pair can combine for up to 30 meteors per hour,” AccuWeather said. “This year, though, the bright moonlight will wash out many of the fainter meteors.”
Where are the best places to stargaze?
For the best views of shooting stars and other astronomical bodies, get away from city lights.
The ideal stargazing locations offer “unobstructed views of the horizon,” National Geographic said. “Mountains, moorlands, deserts and remote islands are good choices, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution.”
This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Comet, Milky Way and ‘dueling’ meteor showers shine in California. When to watch."
