Night Sky Guide for August 2025

A summer night under the stars is hard to beat, especially when the Milky Way’s core shines brightest in August. In late August, the annual astronomical event returns. stronger-than-average northern lights season to high-latitude destinations like Iceland You can also find out more about the following: GreenlandNot to mention striking planet-moon and meteor shower peaks. 

The night sky in August is filled with many beautiful sights. Don’t forget to visit the a dark-sky park You can also find out more about stargazing hotel For the best view.

Aug. 7-8 Eta Eridanids Peaks

The Eta Eridanid Meteor Shower will reach its peak between August 7 and 8. This isn’t a very prolific shower but it’s still worth watching in the early morning hours of August 8, since it coincides the Perseids. This spectacular produces three meteors an hour. Look for the shooting stars near Eridanus, which is located low in the southeast sky.

 Aug. 9: Full Sturgeon Moon

Saturn will be visible to the east of the full sturgeon-moon on August 9. Native American fishing groups gave this full moon its name. according to Royal Museums Greenwich. While you can see it throughout the night, it’s best to watch during moonrise — roughly an hour after sunset — when the lunar orb appears larger than normal thanks to the moon illusion.

 Aug. 11: The Moon and Saturn Tango

Around 11 pm local time, Saturn and the waning gibbous will tango through the skies until dawn. Neptune will join the party, hovering above Saturn. However, you’ll need to use a telescope in order to see it.

Venus joins Jupiter on Aug. 11-13

Early the mornings of Aug. 11 to Aug. 13, Venus and Jupiter—two of the night sky’s brightest planets—will appear within roughly one degree, or about a pinky-finger distance, of each other. Around 3 am local time, the planets will appear in the eastern sky. They’ll climb upward until sunrise.

Aug. 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks

Perseid meteor shower, one of the best-known astronomical events will peak this year from August 12 to 13. according to stargazing app SkySafari. It’s worth going out, even though the waning gibbous will make it difficult to see. Perseids are known for their bright fireballs and meteors which will shine through bright lunar light. Watch the eastern sky from midnight until early morning for the best viewing.  

August 19: Optimal Mercury viewing

Mercury is usually difficult to see because it orbits so close to the Sun, but this will change on August 19. Mercury’s distance from the Sun will be its greatest this morning. This will give stargazers a spectacular hour of planet-gazing just before sunrise. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and the crescent Moon will be visible above the eastern horizon. The morning sky will be filled with the three stars for about a month after August 19.

Aug. 26 Crescent Moon and Mars

On the evening of the 26th of August, you can see a sliver moon with a Mars that is orange in color. You won’t have much time to admire the duo—they set around an hour after sunset—but if you do stay out for all-night stargazing, you’ll be treated with more planet alignments just before dawn.