July 2026 Moon Phase and Meteor Activity Forecast

Astronomical outlooks for early July 2026 indicate the Moon will be in a waning‑gibbous phase. On July 5 it is 75 % illuminated, showing features such as Mare Vaporum and Tycho Crater; on July 6 illumination drops to 66 % with visible landmarks including Mare Imbrium and the Apollo 14 landing site. The next full Moon is scheduled for July 29.

Meteor activity from 4‑10 July is expected to be modest, with hourly rates of about 2‑3 meteors from mid‑northern latitudes and up to 8 meteors per hour from tropical southern sites, especially in the pre‑dawn hours. The Alpha Capricornids will be active from July 7 through August 13, peaking on July 31, while the Anthelion radiant contributes additional sporadic meteors. Moonlight will lessen visibility until the Moon reaches its last‑quarter phase on July 7, after which darker skies improve observation conditions.

Observers are advised to target radiant positions when they are highest in the sky and to use binoculars or telescopes for detailed lunar feature viewing.