Meteor showers, eclipses, supermoons… All the astronomical events of the summer.
Summer is coming, and with it clear nights, full of stars that dazzle night sky lovers. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably already signed up. key days witness some of the most anticipated events of the year.
Star showers
meteor shower It is without a doubt one of the most colorful phenomena enjoyed by children and adults all over the world. This summer in the northern hemisphere we will be able to enjoy Delta Aquaridswhich will reach its peak at night July 30 and 31.
In August we will be able to see the famous Perseidsalso known as ‘Tears of St. Lawrence‘, as it is one of the brightest and most active meteor showers of the year. They will peak at night from 12 to 13 August.
Meteor showers are also expected, although less visible, on July 31 around 2:00 a.m., the Alpha Capricornids; August 17 around midnight, the Kappa Cygni; and August 31 before dawn, the Aurigids.
Will there be an eclipse this summer?
To see eclipse We’ll have to wait for up to a month. SeptemberIn this case, a partial eclipse can be observed. day 17During the eclipse, just a part of the moon It will pass through the threshold shadow of the Earth, partially obscuring its surface. The event will last approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes.
In addition to this event, other astronomical phenomena await us ahead:
July
- 5’th of July – New Moon: Ideal for observing dark skies without interference from moonlight.
- July 13 – Spica Lunar Eclipse: The Moon will pass in front of Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo.
- 21 July – Buck Moon: July’s full moon, named for the growth of new antlers on male deer.
- July 22 – Mercury’s Eastern Elongation: Mercury will reach its greatest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
- July 24 – Lunar eclipse of Saturn: visible in parts of Asia and Africa.
- July 30-31 – Peak of the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower: best visibility from the southern hemisphere.
August
- August 4 – New Moon: Great for observing stars and planets.
- August 7-8 – Conjunction of Venus and Mercury: the planets will be close and visible at sunset.
- August 12-13 – Perseid meteor shower peak: one of the most active and bright meteor showers of the year.
- August 14 – Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars: The two planets will be very close in the morning sky.
- August 19 – Blue Full Moon (Blue Moon) and Supermoon: the second full moon of the month, larger and brighter than usual.
- August 21 – Lunar eclipse of Saturn: visible in parts of South America, Africa and Europe.