August is shaping up to be an active month in the night sky, with planets, meteor showers, eclipses and a full moon offering plenty of reasons to look up.
Mercury in the Morning Sky
Mercury reached its greatest western elongation on Aug. 2, putting the planet in one of its better viewing positions of the summer. It should remain relatively easy to spot for several days afterward.
The event occurs when Mercury appears at its greatest angular distance from the sun in the morning sky. Look low near the horizon before sunrise for what appears to be a bright, star-like point of light.
Aug. 12 — Partial Solar Eclipse
A partial solar eclipse is expected Aug. 12, with portions of North America among the areas able to see at least part of the event.
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the sun’s disk depending on location. Anyone planning to watch should use certified eclipse glasses or another approved method of solar viewing. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Aug. 12-13 — Perseid Meteor Shower
One of the year’s best-known meteor showers also reaches its peak this month.
The Perseids are produced when Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Those tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, creating bright streaks of light.
Under favorable conditions, dozens of meteors can be visible each hour, with an occasional bright fireball. The best viewing generally comes during the hours before sunrise and away from city lights. Give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Aug. 15 — Venus Shines Bright
Venus will also put on a show this month as it reaches greatest eastern elongation Aug. 15.
That means Venus will appear relatively far from the sun in the evening sky, making it easier to see after sunset. The planet is one of the brightest objects visible from Earth and typically appears as a brilliant white or yellowish point of light.
Aug. 27-28 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
Another eclipse arrives near the end of the month, this time involving the moon.
During a lunar eclipse, Earth moves between the sun and moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface. The Aug. 27-28 event is expected to be a partial eclipse, leaving a portion of the moon outside Earth’s darkest shadow.
Aug. 28 — Sturgeon Moon
The month wraps up with August’s full moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon.
The name is associated with the time of year when sturgeon were historically abundant and more easily caught in parts of North America, particularly around the Great Lakes.
Several Indigenous cultures have their own traditional names associated with the August moon, many reflecting seasonal events such as harvesting, ripening crops and changes in wildlife.
Between bright planets, the Perseids, two eclipses and a full moon, August offers plenty of opportunities for skywatchers to head outside and enjoy the view.
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