Get ready for an exciting tour of the dazzling celestial events visible to the naked eye in July 2023! With summer in full swing, especially in the northern hemisphere, our nights may be short but pleasantly warm. It’s the perfect time to unwind on the grass, gaze upward, and marvel at the vastness of the universe. Let’s explore some incredible astronomical phenomena that you absolutely shouldn’t miss this July!
July 1 – Venus and Mars farewell party
Make the most of the first week of July, as it presents a unique opportunity to witness Venus and Mars shining brightly as evening stars in the night sky. This will be your final chance to catch a glimpse of Venus before it bids us farewell and reemerges as a dazzling morning star later in the summer. As for Mars, it will remain hidden from view until next year, making this sighting all the more special. Look towards the western evening sky just after sunset, and you’ll find both planets gracefully suspended low above the horizon. Don’t let this celestial rendezvous pass you by!
July 3 – Full Moon
Get ready to witness a captivating lunar spectacle! According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon on July 3rd is affectionately known as the Buck Moon. This name stems from the fact that bucks’ antlers are flourishing during this period, adding a touch of natural wonder to the occasion. The moon will be almost at its nearest point to our planet in its orbit, making it appear around 6% larger in the sky compared to an average moon. Although the naked eye might not easily discern the size disparity, it amounts to an impressive difference of approximately 50,000 kilometers when compared to the moon’s farthest point from Earth. It’s an extraordinary event that you won’t want to miss!
July 7 – Close approach between Saturn and the Moon
On July 7, something exciting will happen in the night sky! Just a little after midnight, Saturn and the Moon will start their journey up the southeastern sky. The Moon will be shining brightly at 82% of its full brightness. As we continue our orbit around the Sun, we are gradually approaching Saturn. By the end of August, Saturn will reach opposition, which is the closest it will be to Earth in 2023. This makes July and August the perfect months to observe Saturn. At an angle of approximately 5 degrees, we can use a telescope to marvel at its magnificent ring system. Unlike in 2024, when the rings will only be visible from the side, this year we can still appreciate their full glory.
July 12 – Close approach between Jupiter and the Moon
Get ready for an amazing celestial show on July 12! As the clock strikes 2 am, both the Moon, shining with 30% of its full radiance, and Jupiter will grace the night sky, ascending in the eastern direction. While we eagerly anticipate Jupiter’s closest encounter with Earth in November 2023, there’s still more to look forward to. The finest views of our solar system’s grandest planet, showcasing its magnificent Great Red Spot and mesmerizing Galilean moons, are yet to unfold.
For those aspiring photographers out there, who wish to capture these remarkable celestial moments, I have a suggestion. Consider using a lens or telescope with a focal length of around 300mm, which will bring you closer to the action. To ensure optimal results, equip yourself with a DSLR camera or an Astro camera boasting either an APS-C or full-frame sensor size. Armed with these tools, you’ll be able to seize stunning photographs of these remarkable close encounters.
July 17 – New Moon – Milky Way time
Mark your calendars for July 17, as it promises to be a remarkable night for stargazing and photography. During this time, the absence of moonlight will provide us with the perfect opportunity to observe or capture the more delicate celestial wonders, such as our majestic Milky Way. As midnight approaches, cast your gaze toward the southern sky, where you’ll be greeted by the enchanting Milky Way.
If you’re new to this experience, I recommend seeking out the three stars forming the Summer Triangle: Deneb, Vega, and Altair. Once you locate this trio, you’ll find the Milky Way nearby, gracing the same celestial neighborhood. To make the most of this celestial spectacle, venture to a location blessed with dark skies, far from the glare of light pollution. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the cosmos and savor this extraordinary sight!
July 29 & 30 – Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Excitement is building up as we approach the magnificent Perseids meteor shower in August. However, let’s not overlook the Delta Aquarids meteor shower that occurs before it. This shower may be considered average, but it still offers a spectacle worth witnessing, with the potential to see up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. These meteors are remnants left behind by the comets Marsden and Kracht. Get ready to mark your calendars as this shower takes place annually from July 12 to August 23, reaching its peak on the night of July 29 and the morning of July 30.
While we must note that the brightness of the nearly full moon might hinder the visibility of some fainter meteors this year, don’t lose hope! With patience and a keen eye, you may still catch a few remarkable ones streaking across the night sky. For the best viewing experience, head to a dark location after midnight, away from the interference of artificial lights. Although the meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, keep in mind that they can appear anywhere in the sky. So, prepare yourself for a celestial show that will surely captivate your imagination!
That concludes our astronomy events and astrophotography highlights for this month. If you enjoy these topics and would like to stay updated, feel free to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this video with others. Let’s spread the joy of stargazing together! Clear skies!