Before we dive into the exciting list of night sky events scheduled for August, we believe it's essential to first equip you with some crucial recommendations for stargazing equipment. Given the spectacular celestial occurrences lined up for this month, owning a telescope or a pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your viewing experience, transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Our top pick is the Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope which is perfect for observing the planets. For those who prefer a more compact option, a pair of high-quality binoculars is also a fantastic alternative for stargazing.
August 1 - the Sturgeon Moon
The first Full Moon this month will be called Sturgeon Moon. Most known names for the Full Moon come from Native Americans, who based them on the features of a particular month. For many tribes living around the Great Lakes, August was traditionally the time to fish for sturgeon, hence the name for the August Full Moon.
August 3 – Saturn & Moon's Close Encounter Begins August
The enthralling month of August commences with a plethora of opportunities for planet viewing. However, this is just the beginning; there are numerous other intriguing deep space objects and meteor showers peaking as the month progresses.
On August 3rd, during the pre-dawn hours, the Moon and Saturn will be at their closest, making it the most captivating celestial event during the first week. A nearly-full waxing gibbous moon, 92% illuminated, will be merely 2°15′ away from Saturn. This magnificent sight can be viewed with the naked eye, while a telescope or binoculars can enhance the experience, showing Saturn's rings and the Moon's surface in greater detail.
August 8 – Jupiter's Close Approach with the Moon
It's astonishing how far Jupiter and Saturn have drifted apart in the night sky since their Great Conjunction almost two years ago. Now, close approaches with the moon occur almost a week apart. After Saturn's close encounter in early August, it's Jupiter's turn to shine.
On August 8th, early in the morning, the Moon and Jupiter will be just 2°39′ apart. This celestial encounter can be easily observed, hopping between the two with your eyes or your favorite stargazing equipment.
August 13 – The Pinnacle of the Perseid Meteor Shower
Stargazers are well aware of what makes the night of August 13th special – it's the peak of the Perseids! This meteor shower, occurring annually in mid-August, is expected to peak overnight on the 13th in 2023. At its peak, you could witness up to 150 meteors per hour, making it the most popular meteor shower of the year, especially with the warm weather in the northern hemisphere.
The Perseids Meteor Shower is the result of Earth passing through a stream of debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Despite Swift-Tuttle's 133-year orbital period, we experience this meteor shower annually due to Earth's orbit variations and the debris stream width. Spot the Perseids radiating from the northeastern sky. The nearly new moon on the peak night ensures minimal interference, allowing for maximum meteor spotting.
August 18 – κ-Cygnid Meteor Shower Peaks
The second meteor shower of August, the κ-Cygnid, peaks on the night of August 18th. Expect to see around 3 meteors per hour. Although not as spectacular as the Perseids, it's still worth a watch despite the Moon being 50% illuminated on this night.
To spot κ-Cygnid meteors, look towards the constellations of Draco near Cygnus. On the 18th, κ-Cygnid meteors will appear to radiate from this area, high above the northeastern horizon.
August 26 – Asteroid 8 Flora at Opposition
Among the several asteroids reaching opposition in August, 8 Flora stands out, reaching opposition on August 26th. This large asteroid, the closest to the sun in the main belt, can be best spotted using binoculars or a telescope. Remember to set up your equipment and use a star-finder app to lock onto this bright asteroid.
August 27 - Witness Saturn's Opposition in the Night Sky
The tranquility of August is interrupted by an astronomical spectacle worth stargazing - Saturn at opposition. Witness this on the night of the 27th! Not familiar with the term? It's when Saturn is directly opposite the sun, making Earth the midpoint. This alignment causes Saturn to be brilliantly illuminated as it reflects sunlight off Earth's daytime side. It's the perfect opportunity to gaze at Saturn in all its glory!
Moreover, the moon will be 85% illuminated, making for a stunning night sky. Remember to check a stargazing app to locate the moon before setting up your telescope or binoculars to view Saturn's spectacular rings.
August 30 - Marvel at the Close Conjunction of the Moon & Saturn
The celestial dance continues as the month ends on August 30th, with another highlight - the close approach of the Moon and Saturn. At their nearest, they will be just 2°16′ apart in the Aquarius constellation.
The Moon will be almost full on this night, its brightness making it a joy to observe. Grab your telescope or binoculars and marvel at the Moon's intriguing craters and features alongside Saturn's iconic rings.
August 31 - Be Enthralled by the Blue Moon
Lastly, as a grand finale, August 2023 will also host a Blue Moon - the second Full Moon of the month. Don't miss this rare celestial event!
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