This is the continuing monthly column for the astronomer in all of us, or the aspiring
astro-physicist. Compared to areas near Boston or New Bedford, generally speaking, the Tri-
Town has pretty good dark skies and thus are very fortunate in that regard.
This month, aside from fireworks, there plenty to see if you look up at night. Interestingly, July 2 is Halfway Day, meaning we are now in the second half of 2026.
On the morning of July 4, you can see Mars near the horizon and above it, the Pleiades star clusters.
On July 6, Earth reaches its “aphelion,” or the point in its orbit it lies furthest from the Sun.
On July 14, there will be a New Moon. As always, this is the best time to look at faint astronomical objects.
July 29 will see this month’s Full Moon, called the “Buck Moon,” with male deer shedding their antlers this time of year. It’s also referred to as the “Hay Moon” in Europe due wheat harvesting season or the “Thunder Moon,” with aptly no shortage of thunderstorms in our forecast.
On July 30, the Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower hits its peak. Running a whole month-and-a-half from July 12 to August 23, the peak will yield roughly 16-meteors-per hour. The aforementioned Full Moon will blind sight of many meteors, however. Meteors are visible near the constellation Aquarius, which lies low in the sky to the southeast.
Astronomy Update for July
By Sam Bishop