2nd: Moon at Perigee
On August 2nd, the Moon will be at its closest spot to Earth. This is called perigee.
7th: 1st Quarter
The Moon will be in its first quarter phase!
9th: Moon and Jupiter; Mercury in Greatest Western Elongation
The Moon and Jupiter will meet in the constellation Scorpio in the Southwestern sky.
Since Mercury is in between the Earth and the Sun, Mercury is always in the daytime sky. As Mercury goes around the Sun, it gets closer and farther away from the Sun in the sky. On the 9th, Mercury will be as far from the Sun as it gets. This is called greatest western elongation. This is when Mercury is at its best viewing because it’s not washed out by the Sun.
11th: Venus and Sun
On the 11th, Venus and the Sun will be together in the constellation Cancer! However, the Sun’s brightness will make this nearly impossible to view. Look towards (but not at) the rising Sun in the East.
12th: Moon, Saturn, and Pluto; Perseid’s Peak
The Moon, Saturn, and Pluto will be together in Sagittarius on the 12th. To see them, look towards the Southern sky.
In addition to seeing the Moon and planets, this night will feature one of the best shows the sky puts on: a meteor shower. The Perseid Meteor Shower will peak the night of the 12th and into the morning of the 13th. Look to the Northeast to see the show. Unfortunately, the bright Moon will inhibit viewing, but there will still be plenty to see!
15th: Full Moon, Venus at its Brightest
The 15th will bring a full moon! And, if you look at the dawn sky, you will see a very bright Venus.
17th: Moon and Neptune; Moon at Apogee
The Moon and Neptune will appear together on the Eastern side of Aquarius. In addition, the Moon will be at apogee, it’s farthest point from Earth.
21st: Uranus and Moon
On the 21st, Uranus and the Moon will be seen in the Eastern sky in Aries.
23rd: Last Quarter; Venus and Mars
The Moon will be in its last quarter phase on the 23rd, while Venus and Mars will be together in the sky. They will be near the Sun in the constellation Leo.
29th: Mercury, Moon, and Sun
On the 29th, Mercury, the Moon, and the Sun will all be together. Look to the dawn sky to see them.
30th: Moon, Venus, and Mars; New Moon; Moon at Perigee
The Moon, Venus, and Mars will be near the Sun; dawn will bring the best viewing. However, the new moon may be difficult to spot. Finally, the Moon will have returned to its closest point to the Earth.
31st: Sun and Mars
The Sun and Mars will be together in the constellation Leo.
madison brewer 