July Pegasid Meteor Shower: A Celestial Whisper

Peaking tomorrow, July 10, 2025, skywatchers in Torrance County will be treated to the shimmer of the Pegasid meteor shower, a celestial event considered subtle and rare.

The July Pegasids are a weak meteor shower, often overlooked in favor of flashier displays. But for those who appreciate the quiet magic of the night sky, this event offers a unique closeness. The radiant point lies near Markab (Alpha Pegasi), a bright star in the constellation named after the mythical winged horse, Pegasus.

Despite the low meteor rate, patient observers may catch a few silent streaks of light, especially in the early morning hours. However, the nearly full moon with 98% illumination will likely wash out all but the brightest meteors.

From Mountainair, NM (34.9 ° N, 106.4 ° W) in the pre-dawn morning of July 10, 2025, the radiant of the Pegasid shower near Alpha Pegasi will be:

• Azimuth: ~220° true (South‑Southwest); adjusted for local declination to 213° on a magnetic compass
• Altitude: Peaks around 30-35° above the horizon, several hours before dawn
• Best viewing window: Roughly 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM MDT

What this means: face 40° south of due west (in Mountainair, this would be like looking southwest from Monte Alto Plaza toward The Rock Motel; this link from the Photo Ephemeris can help), and tilt your gaze up by about a third of the sky's height. That's where the faint whispers of the Pegasids will drift.