What’s in the Night Sky August 2023: Super Blue Moon, Perseid Meteor Shower, and More

Introduction

Welcome to our guide for all the celestial events to watch out for in the night sky of August 2023. This month, prepare yourself for the extraordinary phenomena of the rare Super Blue Moon and one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year – the Perseids. Let’s dive into these highlights and more, ensuring you won’t miss a thing.

Key Celestial Events in August 2023

The Spectacular Super Blue Moon

The month starts with an exciting event on the very first day—a Full Moon. But this is not just an ordinary Full Moon—it’s a Super Moon. A Super Moon occurs when a Full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. The result is a Moon that appears slightly bigger and brighter in the sky than usual. While the difference might seem negligible to the naked eye, the event tends to enthrall many moon-gazing enthusiasts.

But that’s not all the Moon has in store for us this August. On the 30th and 31st, a second Full Moon will appear in the sky. In modern times, having a second Full Moon in a calendar month is referred to as a Blue Moon. So, brace yourself for plenty of headlines about the Super Blue Moon.

It’s worth noting, though, that despite the term ‘Blue Moon,’ the Moon doesn’t actually change color during this event. It’s simply a reference to the unusual occurrence of two Full Moons in a single month. Be prepared to capture these celestial spectacles with your cameras and telescopes, but remember, don’t expect the Moon to turn blue!

For the enthusiasts who find the moon’s phases particularly fascinating, we’re in for a special treat this August 2023. We’re set to observe not one but two Supermoons, one of which is a Blue Moon. If you’re interested in learning more about the Full Moon phases of this year, you might want to check out our Comprehensive Guide to Full Moon 2023.

The Perseid Meteor Shower: A Cosmic Fireworks Show

August also brings the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. The Perseids’ peak activity is expected around August 13th, making for a potentially fantastic display of shooting stars.

The meteor shower has been active for the past two weeks already and will continue to be active until about August 25th. However, the shower’s peak intensity around the 13th provides the best opportunity for observation. The radiant point of the meteor shower, which is located within the constellation Perseus, rises in the northeast in the late evening and climbs higher in the sky as dawn approaches. But don’t feel obliged to focus solely on the radiant point—meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.

The Perseids offer a maximum zenithal hourly rate of between 100 and 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions—think pristine dark sky, zero light pollution, and perfect weather. Of course, the actual number of meteors you’re likely to spot will probably be significantly lower due to light pollution and other factors. A more realistic estimate might be around 20 to 40 meteors per hour.

The Majestic Milky Way

This month, the Milky Way core is still visible in the night sky. Those at mid to high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere will welcome the return of darker skies and, thus, better opportunities to view and photograph the Milky Way.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way core can be found in the South as darkness falls. As the night progresses, it starts to sink toward the southwestern horizon. Even as the core sets, the Great Rift of the Milky Way stands vertically against the western horizon—a spectacular sight to behold.

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, the Milky Way core is high overhead as darkness falls. As the night progresses, it moves toward the western horizon. This is a wonderful opportunity for astrophotographers to capture a panoramic view of the Milky Way arching across the sky.

The Planets Align

As for planets, Mars and Mercury can be found low on the horizon in the evening twilight this month. The real highlight, however, is Saturn. Saturn reaches opposition on the 27th of August, which means it is directly opposite the Sun from our perspective on Earth. At this point, Saturn is its closest to Earth, so its rings are easily visible even with a 600mm lens. What’s more, Saturn will be at its brightest, shining at a magnitude of 0.4.

On the 30th of this month, Saturn will be right next to the so-called Super Blue Moon in the sky, offering a celestial spectacle that’s hard to miss. Jupiter, too, can be found rising in the east a couple of hours after Saturn, glowing brightly in front of the constellation Aquarius.

To conclude, August 2023 promises a celestial spectacle with the rare Super Blue Moon, the stunning Perseid meteor shower, and more. Whether you are an amateur stargazer or an experienced astrophotographer, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and prepare for these cosmic events. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

Astronomy is a fun and fulfilling hobby, and a telescope will surely make your stargazing experience all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, investing in the right equipment is key. If you’re planning to go stargazing this August, you might want to equip yourself with a quality telescope to get a clearer view of celestial wonders. Check out our guide on the Best Telescopes of 2023 to help you decide which one suits you best.