As we enter the last month of summer (well September kind of is, but August sure feels it) we should start marking a few notes on our celestial calendars for consideration through the next few weeks.
Let’s hope for clear skies, Barfy Burgers, and girls! (Anyone get that reference?)
Between July 3 and August 11, the bright star Sirius, also called the Dog Star, is in the same region of the sky as the sun .. so that’s how you get your dog dogs reference, by the way.
August’s full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon and will coincide with the supermoon on Thursday, August 11.
It will also be the final supermoon of 2022.
August’s full Moon will appear on the night of Thursday, August 11, reaching peak illumination at 9:36 P.M. Eastern Time. On either of these nights, look toward the southeast after sunset to catch a glimpse of the Sturgeon Moon rising.
And just in time for a supermoon to glow the horizon, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to be in full swing during the same time frame. Though the bright super Sturgeon moon will negate the ability for the human eye to see the raining Perseids, maybe we will get lucky.
You can breathe at last with Saturn.. *Song reference there..
By mid-August, Saturn will make its return to the evening sky in grand fashion–you will be able to see the planet with your naked eye but can use a telescope to see the rings.
And finally.. we bring in the red planet..
Before daybreak on Friday August 19, the moon will meet up with Mars and the two will appear extremely close together in the sky. They will shine in the eastern sky above the constellation Orion.
Jupiter will also be visible in the same region of the sky above and to the right of Mars and the moon.
So get set for a gaze into the blazing night sky after scorching dog days. And eat up every moment of space beauty before those dog day shiver in the autumn air..
Speaking of Saturn.. here is a song for the season. Enjoy your night sky..
