Don’t miss the supermoon tonight and another one at the end of the month.
Learn about the celestial delights that await stargazers in August, including two supermoons and the Perseid Meteor shower.
As the warm days of summer transition into the cooler nights of August, the skies above offer a dazzling array of celestial treats for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. This month brings with it a host of astronomical events, ranging from meteor showers to planetary displays, making it a perfect time to gaze at the wonders of the universe. So, grab your telescope or binoculars and mark your calendar, as we explore the captivating August skywatching opportunities.
Two Supermoons In August 2023.
The Full Sturgeon Moon rises tonight, followed by the Full Blue Moon on Aug. 30. Both are supermoons. So-called supermoons occur because the orbit of the moon around the Earth is not a perfect circle but is instead a flattened circle or an ellipse. This means that during its 27.3-day orbit, there are points at which the moon is closer to the Earth and points at which it is further away. A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is closest to the earth. It can appear to be bigger and brighter.
The Sturgeon Moon is named after the sturgeon fish, which can be more available to anglers in the Great Lakes during the summer months. A Blue Moon occurs when there is a second full moon in the same calendar month.
Perseid Meteor Shower
One of the most anticipated annual meteor showers, the Perseids, peaks in mid-August. Originating from the debris of the Comet Swift-Tuttle, this stunning display of shooting stars lights up the night sky. With up to 60 meteors per hour during its peak, observers can witness bright streaks across the heavens. Best viewed in dark, open areas away from city lights, the Perseids are a spectacle not to be missed.
Jupiter, the Milky Way, and Much More
August offers an enchanting tapestry of astronomical events, making it a prime time for skywatching and connecting with the wonders of the universe. See two supermoons, the captivating Perseid meteor shower, the gas giant Jupiter, and the majestic Milky Way shining in all its glory. The celestial delights of August are a true treat for stargazers. Make your stargazing special by naming a star after a friend or loved one and presenting it on a dark August night.