Last Chance for the Perseid Meteor Shower
While the dazzling peak of the Perseid meteor shower occurred around August 12-13, the show isn't entirely over. The shower remains active until the beginning of September. This means you still have a chance to catch some of these 'shooting stars' in the late
August sky. The Perseids are bits of debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, and they create bright streaks across the sky as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere. For your best chance, find a location away from city lights after midnight. Look towards the northeastern sky and give your eyes about 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. While the rate of meteors will be lower than at the peak, a little patience could be rewarded with a few magical moments.
The Full Sturgeon Moon and a Lunar Eclipse
Mark your calendars for August 28, when the month's full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will grace the sky. This full moon also coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. Unfortunately, the eclipse itself will not be visible from India. However, the full moon will still be a beautiful sight, rising in the east around sunset and illuminating the night sky. Full moons are an excellent opportunity for everyone, including families and budding astronomers, to observe our closest celestial neighbour in detail. You can easily spot its dark seas (maria) and bright highlands with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars.
The Moon Pays a Visit to Saturn
Between August 28 and 31, skywatchers are in for a treat as the bright, waning moon appears to approach and pass by the planet Saturn. This celestial meet-up will be visible in the hours before sunrise and after sunset. Saturn is nearing its opposition for the year, which means it is relatively bright and visible for most of the night. This conjunction provides a wonderful opportunity to easily locate the famous ringed planet. Look for the bright moon, and the steady, golden-hued 'star' nearby will be Saturn. While you need a telescope to see its iconic rings, its bright presence next to the moon is a beautiful sight for the naked eye.
Tips for the Urban Stargazer
You don't need to travel to a remote dark-sky park to enjoy these events, though it certainly helps. For those in cities, the key is to minimise light pollution. Find the darkest spot you can, whether it's a rooftop, a balcony facing away from streetlights, or a nearby park. Give your eyes plenty of time to adapt to the dark—at least 20 minutes without looking at your phone screen. A clear, cloudless night is essential, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head out. Using a stargazing app on your phone can also help you orient yourself and identify the constellations and planets you're seeing. Just be sure to switch it to 'night mode' to preserve your night vision.
