August 2024 offers a sky full of wonders. This month, stargazers can look forward to extraordinary celestial displays, with multiple opportunities to witness remarkable astronomical phenomena. Get ready to mark your calendars and enjoy the cosmic show!
Here’s the complete list of astronomical events in August 2024:
| Day/ Date | Astronomical Events |
| August 1, Thursday | Venus as the Evening Star |
| August 4, Sunday | New Moon |
| August 12/13, Monday/Tuesday | Perseid Meteors |
| August 14, Wednesday | Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter |
| August 19, Monday | Blue Sturgeon Moon |
| August 21, Wednesday | Lunar Occultation of Saturn |
| August 28, Wednesday | Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS |
Planet Venus, which was hidden behind the Sun for months, has returned to the evening sky. From now until March 2025, it will shine brightly at twilight, gradually descending toward the western horizon each night after sunset.
New Moon
On August 4, a new moon event occurred, marking the start of a new lunar cycle. During this phase, the Moon passed between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible from our planet and signalling a fresh beginning.
Perseid Meteors
The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for its intensity and brilliance, often being one of the most spectacular meteor showers annually. In 2024, skywatchers will enjoy optimal viewing conditions, with the Moon at its First Quarter phase. This phase means the Moon will be only partially illuminated, providing darker skies and enhancing the visibility of the Perseids.
Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter
On August 14, 2024, Jupiter and Mars will appear to nearly touch in the sky due to a planetary alignment, creating an effect known as a conjunction. This rare event will make the two planets seem incredibly close, a sight that won't occur again until December 2033.
Read More: Read More: Closest Jupiter-Mars conjunction on August 14; it won't happen again until 2033
Blue Sturgeon Moon
August’s Full Moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will also be a seasonal Blue Moon this year. It marks the third Full Moon in a season with four, adding a rare twist to this lunar event.
Lunar Occultation of Saturn
The nearly Full Moon will closely approach Saturn, and in some regions of South America, Africa, and Europe, it will pass directly in front of Saturn, creating a lunar occultation, a rare event where the Moon obscures the planet.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), discovered in early 2023, is 30 days away from perihelion, its closest approach to the Sun. It may become visible to the naked eye, though comets are notoriously unpredictable.
August 2024 promises a spectacular month for skywatchers, filled with a variety of celestial events. From the brilliant return of Venus to the dramatic conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, the night sky will offer numerous opportunities to witness extraordinary astronomical phenomena. Whether you're tracking meteor showers, enjoying the rare Blue Sturgeon Moon, or observing the lunar occultation of Saturn, August’s cosmic display is not to be missed.
Read More: Witness a once-in-a-lifetime Nova explosion visible to the naked Eye; Find out when and where!
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