NASA Releases August Sky Update: Saturn, Perseid Meteor Shower, and Super Blue Moon
In its monthly update, NASA has announced exciting celestial events to look forward to in August. Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will have plenty to keep their eyes on throughout the month.
One of the highlights of August will be the visibility of Saturn in the night sky. Starting from sunset and lasting until dawn, Saturn will be an extraordinary sight to behold. Additionally, on the morning of August 3, the ringed planet will become easily viewable next to the moon, creating a breathtaking celestial scene.
Another notable event happening this month is the Perseid meteor shower. Known for its stunning displays of shooting stars, the Perseids will peak on the night of August 12/13. However, a few days before and after this date will also afford viewers a good chance to witness these mesmerizing meteors streaking across the sky. For the optimal viewing experience, make sure to stay up between midnight and dawn.
Furthermore, August will kick off and conclude with a full moon. The month’s first full moon will be visible on August 1, while the second full moon, which will occur on August 30, will be an extraordinary occurrence in itself. This particular full moon is also known as a supermoon as it appears larger and brighter than usual. Moreover, due to the combination of being both a blue moon (the second full moon within the same calendar month) and a supermoon, it is called a “super blue moon.” These unique cosmic events happen only approximately once every 10 years on average, making it an event worth marking in your calendar.
Make sure to mark these dates and events in your stargazing calendars. Whether you are an amateur enthusiast or a dedicated astronomer, August promises to be a remarkable month to observe the skies and witness these celestial wonders.
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