Get Ready to Gaze: August 2024 Skywatching Tips from NASA

August is a month of big celestial events! The nights are still warm, making it the perfect time to grab a blanket, a cup of something warm (or cold), and head outside to experience the wonders of the cosmos. And who better to guide you than NASA? We’ve got a month full of fascinating celestial events to look forward to, so grab your binoculars or telescope and let’s dive in!

Meteor Showers: A Night of Shooting Stars

1. Perseid Meteor Shower: The Peak of Summer

August’s most anticipated event is the Perseid meteor shower, known for its stunning display of shooting stars. This year, the peak falls on August 12th and 13th, with up to 100 meteors per hour visible under ideal conditions.

• Why it’s special: The Perseids are remnants of the Comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years. As the Earth passes through the comet’s dusty trail, these particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the dazzling streaks of light we call meteors.
• Best time to watch: Look to the northeastern sky after midnight, as the radiant point of the shower will be high in the sky.
• Pro tip: Find a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience. Patience is key, as it takes your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

2. The Delta Aquariids: A Silent Show

While the Perseids steal the show, don’t forget about the Delta Aquariids meteor shower. Though less prolific than the Perseids, this shower runs from July 12th to August 23rd, offering a chance to catch some shooting stars throughout the month.

• Best time to watch: This shower peaks around July 28th and 29th, with a peak rate of 20 meteors per hour. Look towards the south-eastern sky.
• Pro tip: As the moon will be near its full phase during this peak, it’s best to observe the shower in the early morning hours before dawn, when the moon is low on the horizon.

Planets in the Spotlight: Catch a Glimpse of Our Neighbors

1. Saturn: Lord of the Rings

Saturn, the “ringed planet,” remains a dazzling sight in the early evening sky throughout August.

• Location: Look towards the southeastern sky after sunset. Its distinctive ring system will be visible even through a small telescope.
• Best time to view: August 7th marks the opposition of Saturn. This means it will be opposite the Sun in our sky, appearing at its largest and brightest.
• Pro tip: Use a telescope or binoculars for a closer look at Saturn’s majestic rings and its many moons.

2. Jupiter: The King of Planets

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will also be visible in the evening sky throughout August.

• Location: Look for a bright, white “star” in the southwestern sky after sunset.
• Best time to view: Jupiter reaches opposition on August 2nd.
• Pro tip: Jupiter’s four largest moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto – are easily visible through binoculars or a small telescope.

Moon Mania: A Celestial Dance

August will also feature a few interesting lunar events:

1. The Full Sturgeon Moon: A Time of Plenty

The Full Sturgeon Moon will grace the skies on August 1st.

• Why it’s named so: This name comes from Native American tribes who associated the full moon in August with the abundance of sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes.
• Best time to watch: Look for the full moon rising in the east just after sunset.

2. A New Moon: A Dark Canvas for the Stars

August will also bring a New Moon on August 16th.

• What it means: During a new moon, the sun and moon are aligned in our sky, causing the moon to be obscured from view. This makes it an ideal time to observe faint celestial objects, like galaxies and star clusters, as the night sky is dark and unpolluted by moonlight.

Beyond the Big Events: A Month of Exploration

Throughout August, there’s a lot to see beyond the main events. Here are a few more things to keep an eye out for:

• The Milky Way: The Milky Way, our galaxy’s spiral arm, is visible throughout the summer, particularly on clear, dark nights. Head to a location away from city lights and look towards the southern horizon for a breathtaking view.
• Constellations: With the help of a star chart or a mobile app, try to identify constellations like Ursa Major (Big Dipper), Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), and Cassiopeia.
• Satellites: Look for the International Space Station (ISS) streaking across the sky! You can find times for ISS sightings in your area using NASA’s “Spot the Station” app or website.

Don’t Forget:

• Dress for the weather. Evenings can get chilly, so bring a jacket or blanket.

• Find a dark location away from city lights. This will enhance your viewing experience.

• Bring a red flashlight. A red flashlight will help you see in the dark without disrupting your night vision.

• Bring a comfortable chair or blanket. You may be spending a while outside.

August is a prime time for stargazing, offering a variety of celestial delights for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your friends, family, or your favorite beverage and head outside to explore the wonders of the night sky. And remember, you can find more detailed information about specific events and skywatching tips on NASA’s website and social media channels. Happy stargazing!