"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
2 Aug 2023
Skywatchers will be treated to an astronomical feast this August, with the appearance of two supermoons and the most popular meteor shower of the year. The first supermoon, known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will rise on August 1st, with 99% illumination during the night. The Sturgeon Moon will be followed by the biggest full moon of the year, the Blue Moon, on August 30th.
In addition to the double supermoons, the Perseid Meteor Shower will light up the sky on August 13th, with nearly 150 meteors visible per night. The shower is caused by the Earth passing through a stream of debris left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, making it the most popular meteor shower in the world.
Skywatchers will also have three chances to see Saturn in August, with the planet coming within 2°15′ of the moon on August 3rd and again on August 30th. On August 27th, Saturn will be in opposition to the sun from the perspective of Earth, providing an exceptional view of the planet's rings.
The warm summer weather and position of observation in the Northern Hemisphere make August the perfect month for stargazing. With so many celestial events to look forward to, astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike will have plenty to admire in the night sky.
