This week, from August 5th to August 11th, there are some exciting events happening in the night sky that you can enjoy with just your eyes. While a telescope or binoculars can help you see more, you can still appreciate the beauty of the night sky without any equipment. Let’s take a look at what you can see this week.
On Monday, August 5th, you can catch a glimpse of a slim crescent moon and Venus in the west after sunset. Venus will be shining bright next to the moon, making it a beautiful sight to see. The sky might still be bright, so it could be a bit challenging to spot them.
The following day, Tuesday, August 6th, the waxing crescent moon will be visible in the west after sunset, this time further away from Venus. You can still see Venus shining brightly as the “Evening Star” to the lower right of the moon.
Wednesday, August 7th, brings another opportunity to witness the crescent moon, Venus, and the bright star Spica. The moon will be positioned between Venus and Spica, making for a stunning view in the night sky.
On Thursday, August 8th, look out for a phenomenon called “Earthshine” on the waxing crescent moon as it moves between Venus and Spica. Earthshine occurs when sunlight reflects from Earth onto the moon, creating a soft glow on the dark side of the moon.
As we move towards the weekend, on Friday, August 9th, and Saturday, August 10th, you can see the crescent moon near Spica. About a quarter of the moon’s side will be lit by the sun, creating a beautiful sight in the evening sky. You may also spot the Milky Way rising in the south, but you’ll need to be away from light pollution to see it clearly.
Finally, on Sunday, August 11th, and Monday, August 12th, the Perseid meteor shower will peak in the pre-dawn hours. This annual meteor shower can produce around 60 meteors per hour at its peak, making it a fantastic event to watch. The constellation Perseus will rise in the northwest, where the meteors will appear to emanate from.
To make the most of these celestial events, try to get away from light pollution and avoid looking at bright lights, including your smartphone, to preserve your eyes’ dark adaptation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show in the night sky.
If you’re interested in capturing these events with a camera, check out our guide on astrophotography for beginners. And if you have any amazing skywatching photos to share, send them to spacephotos@space.com.
Don’t miss out on the wonders of the night sky this week and enjoy the beauty of Venus, Earthshine, and the Perseid meteor shower. Happy stargazing!
