We are well past the halfway point of 2025. So far, there’s been a good number of cosmic events to gaze up at. There are many more in the months ahead as well.
On August 1, the moon reaches its “apogee,” meaning it is at its furthest distance from Earth in its orbit. Also during the early parts of the month, both Venus and Jupiter will be near each other in the sky and be visible early in the morning, around 4:00 am~. Saturn will be visible come sunset, however. There will be a 6-planet alignment on August 10: Mercury-Jupiter-Venus-Uranus-Neptune-Saturn-and the moon. Again, Jupiter and Venus will almost be “touching” with their proximity. Most planets will be visible to the naked eye, though all with a powerful-enough telescope.
Ongoing is the Perseid Meteor Shower, which will peak on Tuesday, August 12. At its peak, it will produce about one meteor-per-minute. The meteors are a result of the comet Swift-Tuttle, being discovered at the same time by two astronomers (two Americans, Lewis Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle) in 1862. The comet last passed the sun in 1995, and we are now receiving some debris from its tail.
August’s full moon is on August 9. It is known as the “Sturgeon Moon” due to the fish’s prevalence at this time of year in the Great Lakes region. It also has various crop-related names, such as the “Green Corn” or “Grain” moon.
August 19 is the date of Mercury’s “greatest elongation,” making it the best time to see the normally-difficult to spot dot. The temperature of the surface sits comfortably between -290-degrees and 800-degrees Fahrenheit, depending on light/dark side.
August 23 is this month’s full moon. The moon will be below the horizon, making perfect conditions for a dark sky and star watching.
There is always plenty to see and many apps, websites, and other resources to aid in identifying. NASA is always great for events (like the meteor shower) and ISS flyovers. Happy and lucky stargazing to you.
Astronomy Update for August
By Sam Bishop