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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.
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.
Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars
On August 14, Mars and Jupiter form a beautiful conjunction. You won’t want to miss this beautiful sight! About 2 hours before sunrise, look to eastward. First, you’ll see bright white Jupiter. To the upper right is a dimmer red Mars. It’s less than the width of a full Moon from Jupiter. In the same area, you’ll see the Pleiades (aka Seven Sisters) and bright star Aldebaran.
Watch the two plants all week (through the 16th). If you have binoculars, you’ll be able to see the moons of Jupiter. If you have a telescope, the two plants will appear in one view.
On August 27, the crescent Moon meets again with dazzling Jupiter higher in the eastern sky.
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.
Bob Berman, astronomer editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, covers everything under the Sun (and Moon)! Bob is the world’s most widely read astronomer and has written ten popular books. Read More from Bob Berman