August is the perfect time to do some astronomy. In addition to enjoying the unmissable starry nights, you can admire many celestial phenomena for yourself.
Is there a better month than August to do amateur astronomy? It is in any case at this time that, each year, the traditional nights of the stars are planned in France. In 2022, they take place from August 5 to 7. The opportunity to (re)discover the celestial vault, in the company of volunteer astronomers. With or without an instrument, these starry evenings are organized all over the country.
Here are all the dates to note in August 2022, to enjoy the sky and its enchanting shows.
Moon phases
The Moon has orbited our planet for more than 4 billion years. There is still so much to discover about it. Even its sighting never ceases to amaze, as it is a familiar star — the brightest in the night sky. Take advantage of the month of August to admire its different phases:
- the friday august 5, this is the phase of the first quarter. You can see a half moon. You can also impress your loved ones by explaining to them that the Moon is in East quadrature.
- the friday august 12, the full moon is back. Its visible side is entirely illuminated by the Sun. It’s nice.
- the friday august 19, this is the last quarter. This time, the Moon is in western quadrature.
- the Saturday August 27 corresponds to the new moon. You can’t see it in the sky.
Planets observable with the naked eye
With the exception of Mercury, the planets visible without an instrument are to be admired in August 2022: Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
| Venus | March | Jupiter | Saturn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 1 to 7 | Venus5:20 – 6:20 Gemini | March1h30 – 6h20 Aries | Jupiter0h – 6h20 Whale | Saturn10:30 p.m. – 6:20 a.m. Capricorn |
| From 8 to 14 | Venus5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Cancer | March1h20 – 6h30 Taurus | Jupiter11:30 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. Whale | Saturn10 p.m. – 6:20 a.m. Capricorn |
| From 15 to 21 | Venus5:50 a.m. – 6:40 a.m. Cancer | March1h – 6h40 Taurus | Jupiter11 p.m. – 6:40 a.m. Whale | Saturn9:40 p.m. – 5:50 a.m. Capricorn |
| From 22 to 28 | Venus6:10 a.m. – 6:50 a.m. Cancer | March12:50 a.m. – 6:50 a.m. Taurus | Jupiter10:40 p.m. – 6:50 a.m. Whale | Saturn9:10 p.m. – 5:20 a.m. Capricorn |
| From 29 to 31 | Venus6:30 a.m. – 7 a.m. Leo | March12:30 a.m. – 7 a.m. Taurus | Jupiter10:10 p.m. – 7 a.m. Whale | Saturn8:40 p.m. – 4:50 a.m. Capricorn |
Other astronomical phenomena
Other fascinating phenomena are announced this month:
- the friday august 12the full Moon slips below Saturn.
- the Saturday August 13, it is the peak of activity of the famous Perseids. Nevertheless, the presence of the full Moon risks spoiling their observation. Arm yourself with patience to distinguish the brightest meteors.
- the Sunday August 14, Saturn is at opposition. This is a very good time to attempt observation.
- Note a rapprochement between the Moon and Jupiter on monday august 15.
- Then, the Moon pays a visit to Mars and the Pleiades (a cluster of stars) on friday august 19.
- the Wednesday August 24don’t miss the beautiful earthshine.
- the friday august 26Venus and the Moon rise together for our greatest pleasure.
You now know how to take advantage of the celestial shows of August 2022. Good observation(s) of the sky!