Stargazing Guide: August’s Supermoon And The Pleiades In The Night Sky

In this week’s Star Diary podcast, Ezzy Pearson and Paul Money bring you a guide to the best celestial sights in the northern hemisphere’s night sky from 31 July to 6 August, 2023. They discuss the appearance of August’s first supermoon and the fascinating Pleiades star cluster.

Evening Sky Highlights

The evening sky offers a last glimpse of Mercury, although it’s challenging to spot due to its poor apparition. Mars can be found nearby, and you can catch a glimpse of them both about 20 minutes after sunset, low down in the West Northwest. Keep in mind that viewing times vary depending on your location. The moon and Saturn rise before 10:00 PM in the east, followed by Neptune a short while later. The moon will pass Saturn and Neptune on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th August, offering opportunities for beautiful composite pictures.

Morning Sky Highlights

As you transition to the morning sky, Jupiter and Uranus rise. On 6th August at 2:00 AM, they form a shallow triangle with the Pleiades star cluster. The Pleiades holds significance in various cultures for tracking the passing of time and has interesting star stories associated with it.

Perseid Meteor Shower

Although the Perseid meteor shower peaks next week, it’s worth keeping an eye out during this week for rising activity. The Perseids can be spotted radiating from the top end of Perseus near the borderline with Cassiopeia. It’s a good idea to track their motion to identify them correctly. Observing meteor showers can be even more rewarding away from their peak, and the August issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine provides a helpful guide on how to monitor meteor showers.

Supermoon and Other Highlights

On 1st August, a supermoon will occur, appearing slightly brighter and larger than regular full moons due to its closer proximity to Earth. Although not astronomically significant, supermoons can be visually captivating. The month also features a Super Blue Moon, so consider capturing both events in the night sky.

Be sure to subscribe to the Star Diary podcast for updates on the upcoming Perseid meteor shower and other exciting celestial events. Pick up the August issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine for a comprehensive sky guide with star charts to enhance your stargazing experience. Happy observing!

Get The Latest Updates From The World Of Music, Movies, TV, Culture, And Fashion In Musical States Magazine. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates