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Summer nights will bring everything from planets, full moons, and star-studded constellations to “shooting stars,” the Milky Way, and more. This sky calendar provides a comprehensive guide for stargazing enthusiasts until Labor Day.
As the sun sets on another year of summer adventures, we’re thrilled to present this exclusive sky calendar that will keep you enthralled with celestial delights throughout your late-night excursions. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply looking to expand your appreciation for the wonders beyond Earth’s atmosphere, here are the essential dates and times to witness breathtaking sights.
1. Crescent Moon And Venus Beside The Pleiades: A Beautiful Trio
Where: East | When: An hour before sunrise on Sunday, June 22nd
Witness a striking combination of celestial bodies as the 13%-lit crescent moon is positioned above brilliant Venus with the delicate stars of the Pleiades to the left. Make sure to rise early and secure a great spot to capture this breathtaking sight.
2. Full ‘Buck Moon’ Rise: A Dramatic Event
Where: East | When: During dusk on Thursday, July 10th
The first full moon of summer will rise dramatically in the eastern sky just after sunset. It is crucial to note that the Buck Moon will stay low in the southern sky all night and appear unusually large.
3. The Milky Way At Its Best
Where: Southeast | When: After dark from July 17th-27th and August 16th-26th
After the moon has set, you’ll be able to gaze at the breathtaking Milky Way running beneath Altair — the southernmost point of the Summer Triangle. Be sure to get away from light pollution and focus on this stunning celestial sight.
4. Perseids Meteor Shower
Where: All-sky | When: Thursday, July 17th – Friday, August 15th
The annual Perseid meteor shower kicks off on July 15th, building towards its peak on August 12/13. Unfortunately, the full moon will make it challenging to spot meteors this year. However, do not be discouraged! Start early and look for some bright streaks across the post-sunset sky around midnight.
5. Full ‘Sturgeon Moon’ Rise
Where: East | When: During dusk on Friday, August 8th, and Saturday, August 9th
Plan your summer vacation accordingly to witness the full Sturgeon Moon rise shortly after sunset while it climbs the eastern horizon. Since celestial mechanics dictate that it rises just after sunset on two consecutive nights this month.
6. The Summer Triangle
Where: Southeast | When: After dark in August
The brilliant stars Vega and Deneb are high overhead, forming part of the iconic Summer Triangle with Altair below. This is one of the most accessible shapes to spot — marking not only a celestial landmark but also pointing out the arc of the Milky Way flowing down to the southern horizon during this time.
7. Jupiter And Venus In Conjunction
Where: East-northeast | When: An hour before sunrise on Tuesday, August 12th
Be prepared to witness an extraordinary event as less than one degree will separate Jupiter and Venus in a rare close conjunction. Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn are also visible but might require specialized equipment or binoculars.
8. ‘Planet Parade’ And A Moon-Venus Conjunction
Where: West | When: An hour before sunrise on Monday, August 18th – Thursday, August 21st
Experience the magic as Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Saturn will appear in a single sky, offering a unique viewing experience. Additionally, look for a waning crescent moon between these planets across four mornings.
Source: www.forbes.com
