August 2024 Night Sky Events
August brings darker nights to the northern hemisphere, making stargazing easier. This month features a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, and much more.
Crescent Moon and Earthshine
- When: Just after sunset, Monday, August 5 through Thursday, August 8
- Where: Western sky
The crescent moon hangs low in the west during twilight. Using binoculars, you can observe “Earthshine,” where sunlight reflects off Earth’s oceans and illuminates the moon’s dark side.
Peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower
- When: Monday-Tuesday, August 11-12
- Where: All-sky
The Perseid meteor shower peaks with about 60 shooting stars per hour overnight. The best views will be around 1:00 a.m. local time in the northern hemisphere. These meteors come from debris left by comet Swift-Tuttle.
Jupiter and Mars Conjunction
- When: Before sunrise on Thursday, August 15
- Where: Eastern sky
Look east early to see Jupiter and Mars appearing close together, just 20 arcminutes apart. Jupiter will be about 20 times brighter than Mars, making it a spectacular sight for the naked eye and through binoculars and telescopes.
Super Blue Sturgeon Moon
- When: Moonrise on Monday, August 19
- Where: Rising in the east
This month’s full moon is the first of four supermoons in 2024 and is also a “blue moon.” This year’s blue moon is the third of four full moons in one astronomical season, a rare occurrence.
Moon and Saturn Conjunction
- When: After dark on Tuesday, August 20
- Where: Eastern sky
Saturn, brightening towards its opposition next month, will shine next to the waning moon tonight, making for an impressive view.
Last Quarter Moon and the Pleiades
- When: Early hours of Monday, August 26
- Where: Eastern sky
A half-moon will rise with the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the “Seven Sisters.” This spectacular sight is best viewed with the naked eye or through binoculars.