Get your telescopes out and get ready to be amazed by a cosmic double feature this July, New York City residents! There are two astronomical occurrences happening tonight that should interest people of all ages.

The Alpha Capricornid meteor shower, which peaks around July 7th, is visible to skywatchers during the first part of the month. With only roughly five meteors per hour, the Alpha Capricornid shower is not the most frequent, but it is renowned for its quick, bright meteors that leave dazzling trails in its wake.

But in the second half of July, the true star of the show appears. With rates of up to 20 meteors per hour under optimum circumstances, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, which peaks on the nights of July 28 and 29, promises to be an amazing spectacle. These meteors, which are named for their velocity, are thought to have originated from the comet 96P/Machholz.

However, the wonders of the stars don’t end there! The conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest planets in our solar system, is another uncommon astronomical event that can be seen in July. The two planets will draw closer to one another in the night sky throughout the month, culminating in a breathtaking conjunction on July 17. By now, they will be only a degree apart, providing astrophotographers with an incredible chance and a sight that is stunning to behold even with the unaided eye.

But light pollution can make it difficult for New Yorkers to appreciate these celestial delights when they are skywatching. It can be quite difficult to view fainter things, such as meteor showers, due to the strong lights of the city. But fear not, daring sky-watchers! You can still find enjoyment in the show.

There is less light pollution in the city’s outskirts, so that’s one alternative. Good places to go stargazing are a few of the parks and natural reserves that are a short drive from New York City. Astronomy aficionados frequently take trips to locations like Bear Mountain State Park, Harriman State Park, Shinnecock Hills State Park, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.

You can still optimize your celestial perspective even if you are unable to fully avoid the city lights. Locate an area free of buildings and strong lamps where you can see the entire sky. For an unhindered view, try to get to a rooftop or fire escape. Give your eyes at least twenty minutes to acclimate to the darkness; the fainter the surroundings, the easier it will be for you to notice the elusive meteors.

From a well-lit city centre, you may be able to spot some of the brighter meteors in a shower, but not all of them. Furthermore, even with minor light pollution, it should be simple to see Jupiter and Venus’ planetary conjunction from anywhere in the city.

Thus, New Yorkers, mark your calendars! Prepare to be astounded by a celestial double feature this July: the breathtaking conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, as well as the spectacular meteor showers known as the Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquariids. Observing these celestial marvels and re-establishing your connection with the expanse of the cosmos above is possible with a little preparation and effort to get away from city lights.