HIGHLIGHTS

• August 4 – New moon

• August 11 – The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight tonight! Provided you have clear skies, viewing conditions will be favorable this year, as the Moon sets by around 11:30 pm local time. Meteor activity picks up from then until dawn.

• August 14 – Jupiter and Mars have an extremely close pair-up called a conjunction this morning. They'll appear just a third of a degree apart, which is less than the width of the full Moon. Find them in the eastern sky in the couple of hours before sunrise.

• August 19 – Full moon

• August 20 – The Moon chases Saturn across the sky tonight. The pair rise in the east shortly after dark, and trek toward the west together until dawn.

• August 27 –  This morning the crescent moon joins Mars and Jupiter to form a captivating trio. Look for them in the east in the hour or so before sunrise.

• All month – You can use binoculars or a telescope to observe the Lagoon Nebula all month in the first few hours after dark. It's located in the constellation Sagittarius near the star pattern known as "The Teapot." Similar in size and brightness to the Orion Nebula, it's a cauldron of star formation located about 4,000 light years away.

Which Celestial Event Will Dazzle the Skies on August 11th?

Mark your calendar for August 11th, when the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. This annual event is a favorite for skywatchers, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. This year promises excellent viewing conditions as the Moon sets early, allowing for a dark sky perfect for spotting meteors. If you find yourself under clear skies, expect to see between 50 to 75 meteors per hour during the peak hours from midnight to dawn. The Perseids are best viewed by lying back and facing northeast, though meteors can appear all across the sky.

What Happens When Two Planets Meet in the Morning Sky?

On August 14th, look eastward before dawn to witness an extraordinary planetary conjunction. Jupiter and Mars will appear incredibly close—just a third of a degree apart, which is less than the width of the full Moon. This rare alignment will provide a stunning visual, with Mars swiftly moving past Jupiter. Later in the month, on August 27th, the crescent Moon will join this duo, creating a captivating trio in the early morning sky.

What’s So Special About the Lagoon Nebula?

Throughout August, take the opportunity to observe the Lagoon Nebula, a vibrant stellar nursery located in the constellation Sagittarius. With binoculars or a small telescope, you can spot this bright nebula just above the "Teapot" asterism. The Lagoon Nebula, situated about 4,000 light-years away, is a cauldron of star formation, where young stars light up the surrounding gas and dust, creating stunning shapes and structures. While the nebula appears faint and colorless to the naked eye, long-exposure photographs reveal its brilliant colors and intricate details.

How Will the Moon’s Phases Affect Your Viewing Plans?

The phases of the Moon this August offer a guide for when to best enjoy your skywatching activities. The New Moon on August 4th provides the darkest skies, ideal for deep-sky observing. The Perseids benefit from the Moon setting early on August 11th, while the Full Moon on August 19th will brighten the night sky, making it less ideal for stargazing. By August 27th, the waning crescent Moon will make for perfect conditions to view the planetary trio of Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon in the pre-dawn sky.

How Can You Make the Most of August’s Skywatching Opportunities?

August offers a wealth of celestial sights, from meteor showers and planetary conjunctions to nebulae and the regular phases of the Moon. To enhance your skywatching experience, consider using a telescope or binoculars for deeper views of objects like the Lagoon Nebula. For beginners, plenty of resources, including sky charts and guides, are available to help you locate and identify these celestial events. Check out NASA’s Night Sky Network and other online resources to stay updated and prepared for your night under the stars.

POLL TIME

Stay tuned for more skywatching tips and updates! Keep looking up, and enjoy the wonders of the night sky this August.🚀