July has a series of celestial spectacles in store for astronomy enthusiasts and the curious in general. In addition to striking planetary encounters and a bright full moon, the month offers excellent opportunities to contemplate the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, under the favorable conditions of summer night skies.
Among the highlights of the July astronomical calendar is the full moon known as the “deer moon”, which will adorn the sky. Observers will have the chance to witness close conjunctions between planets and Earth’s natural satellite, as well as two meteor showers that promise to illuminate the darkness.
Although anticipation for August’s total solar eclipse in Europe and the traditional Perseid meteor shower is already high, July’s nighttime events should not be underestimated. The month provides a rich variety of cosmic wonders, highlighted by the alignments between the planets and the Moon, and two meteor shower events happening simultaneously.
For those looking for a unique experience, July is also ideal for appreciating the bright core of the Milky Way, which is home to approximately 100 billion stars at the center of our galaxy. This majestic stellar cluster will be visible in the southern sky throughout the night, accompanied by a comet that is gradually becoming easier to spot with small telescopes.
Check out below a detailed guide on what to expect and how to observe the main phenomena in the night sky in July, including the best dates and locations to look at.
Approach between Saturn and the Moon on July 7th and 8th
In the transition from the night of July 7th to 8th, the Moon in its waning quarter phase and the planet Saturn will be in a very close alignment, visible on the eastern horizon. The apparent distance between the two will be about nine degrees, equivalent to the width of an outstretched fist. Both will follow together in the sky until sunrise, when Mars and the Pleiades star cluster will also join this scenario just before dawn.
Celestial triangle with Pleiades, Moon and Mars on July 11
The morning of July 11th will present observers with a remarkable formation: the thin crescent moon will form a triangle with the Pleiades cluster, known for its vibrant colors, and Mars, with its characteristic orange hue. To find this trio, look approximately two hours before sunrise, in the eastern horizon region. They will be separated by just over five degrees, or the width of three fingers, from each other.
The use of binoculars is recommended for a richer observation. Even with moderately powerful optical equipment, it is possible to reveal a much greater number of stars in the Pleiades, a light blue cluster. While seven stars can be seen with the naked eye, dozens become visible with binoculars and even more with a telescope. The Moon’s waxing phase is also an excellent opportunity to detail its craters and valleys; remember to store your gear before sunrise to ensure safety.
The July 14 new moon and the visibility of the Milky Way
If the intention is to dedicate a night to in-depth observation of the Milky Way or objects such as the Great Hercules Cluster and the Ring Nebula, the new moon on July 14th is the ideal date. During this period, the Moon practically reflects no light, creating the perfect conditions for a dark sky. When combining this lack of lunar shine with a place with little light pollution, such as national parks or hotels specializing in star observation, the firmament comes to life in an impressive way. The growing search for these dark-sky refuges reflects the increasing difficulty in observing astronomical phenomena in large cities due to light pollution, making preserving protected areas for stargazing a priority for enthusiasts and scientists alike..
New moon nights are particularly suitable for observing the galactic nucleus of our galaxy. It can be seen with the naked eye once the eyes adapt to the darkness, a process that takes about 30 minutes. To help locate this central part of the Milky Way, look for the teapot-shaped asterism, a characteristic formation in the constellation Sagittarius, which appears to intersect it.
Dazzling conjunction of the waxing Moon with Venus on July 17
Venus, the “morning star”, will maintain its intense brightness in the night sky for a few hours this month. The spectacle will become even more remarkable on July 17, when a subtle lunar crescent will appear about five degrees away, or three fingers wide, from the planet. Look for this luminous duo above the western horizon just after sunset, and they will remain visible for approximately two hours.
The fullness of the ‘deer moon’ takes place on July 28th and 29th
The July full moon, popularly known as the “deer moon,” will reach its peak illumination around 10:30 a.m. ET on July 29. For an optimal visual experience, watch it rise on the nights of the 28th and 29th, or set on the morning of the 29th. Thanks to an optical effect known as the lunar illusion, the natural satellite will appear larger than usual when close to the horizon. The name “deer moon” is given to it due to the period in which male deer’s antlers develop rapidly.
Peak of the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower at the end of July
While the eagerly awaited Perseid meteor shower is an August event, July offers its own celestial fireworks, starting with the South Aquarid Delta. This meteor shower runs annually from July 12 to August 23, and its peak activity is predicted for the early morning hours of July 30 and 31.
This meteor shower is most clearly visible in the Southern Hemisphere, but some meteors and fireballs can still be seen in the Northern Hemisphere – the further south, the better the chances. However, it is important to temper expectations, as this is a less intense shower, generating around 20 meteors per hour at its peak, under very dark sky conditions and no moonlight.
Unfortunately, this year’s event coincides with a bright gibbous gibbous moon, which will tend to obscure all but the most intense bands of light in the sky. The best strategy is to direct the gaze approximately 30 to 40 degrees from the radiant, or apparent point of origin, which is located in the constellation Aquarius.
The Alpha Capricornid meteor shower also reaches its peak
For those who enjoy meteor showers, July brings a second event: the Alpha Capricornids. This rain occurs between July 3rd and August 15th, with its peak of activity also coinciding on July 30th and 31st. It is visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but, similar to the Delta Aquarids, the brightness of the full moon at night will make observation difficult.
Although this event produces a smaller number of meteors, about five per hour, it is known for its spectacular fireballs, which can be so intense that they stand out even in moonlight. To observe them, look in the southern sky, a little away from their radiant, which is located in the constellation of Capricorn.
Observing comet 10P throughout July
Throughout the month of July, comet 10P, which completes an orbit around the Sun every five years, will become visible again. You will need a small telescope to observe it during the first half of the month. It can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres, close to the constellation Capricorn. The end of the month will be the most favorable period for observation, when the comet will reach enough brightness to be appreciated with binoculars.