Tonight's Night Sky for the Month of August
August brings celestial showstoppers! Enjoy the peak of the Sturgeon Moon, dazzling planet sightings, and the Perseid meteor shower. From planetary conjunctions to the iconic Summer Triangle, this month’s night sky is packed with unforgettable sights. Learn more from Bob Berman, the longtime astronomer for The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The Full Surgeon Moon
August’s full Sturgeon Moon reaches its peak on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 2:26 P.M. Learn more about the full Moon of August, how it got its name, and the best days by the Moon in our August Moon Guide.
Read Next
August Planet Watch
This month is all about spectacular planet sightings, so be sure to turn your eyes to the sky!
- On August 1, between 4:00 and 5:00 A.M., look for a lovely triangle. Made up of Jupiter to the lower left; the orange Taurus star, Aldebaran, to the lower right; and Mars to the upper apex - all to the right of a stunning crescent Moon.
- From August 1 to 13, Mars and Jupiter will continue to come closer together in the predawn sky.
- Then, on August 13 through the 16, Mars and Jupiter form a beautiful conjunction. You won’t want to miss this beautiful sight!
- On August 27, the crescent Moon meets up again with dazzling Jupiter in the east sky.
See the planet rise and set times for your location.
Perseid Meteor Shower
August 11/12/13: The great Perseid Meteor Shower will have excellent dark sky viewing conditions, since the Moon will set before midnight. The Perseids deliver a meteor a minute in dark, cloudless skies. These shooting stars are best seen after midnight. Learn all about the Perseids.
Summer Stargazing
The Summer Triangle still shines bright and high in the evening sky! Just look to the East and up! See our free star chart and have fun spotting the three bright stars of the Summer triangle!
Credit: NASA.
Bob Berman
ADVERTISEMENT
Thank you Bob as always I thoroughly enjoy your column! Looking forward to the Perseids and for my first sighting of Saturn in the evening!
