Don’t Miss August’s Spectacular Meteor Shower: A Must-See Event for NYC Stargazers!

Stargazing in August is a treat for sky lovers. This month brings the Milky Way, summer constellations, and one of the best meteor showers of the year—the Perseids.

Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History calls the Perseids “the one that everybody waits all year for.” On its peak night, August 12, you can spot up to 100 shooting stars per hour, zooming through the sky at incredible speeds. Even though it happens shortly after a full moon, some meteors will still shine through the brighter sky.

The iconic summer triangle, made up of three bright stars—Deneb, Vega, and Altair—lights up the eastern sky soon after sunset. These stars belong to different constellations and create a recognizable shape that makes it easy to spot the smaller constellations nearby: Vulpecula, Sagitta, and Delphinus.

Keep an eye out for Antares, a bright red star in the constellation Scorpius. Often confused with Mars, Antares can be spotted low in the southwestern sky. On August 3, it will be positioned right next to the moon. Faherty notes that Antares is a distant star set to explode someday. Its striking color adds to the beauty of the night sky.

To truly appreciate the Milky Way’s splendor, find a dark location away from city lights. On clear nights, this galaxy’s wispy cloud of stars will be directly overhead, offering a mesmerizing view. Bart Fried, a member of the American Astronomical Society, remarks, “The Milky Way in August is really gorgeous.”

August 23 is a special date to mark on your calendar. It’s not just the last night of the Perseids; it’s also a new moon, meaning the skies will be darker for optimal viewing.

As the month comes to a close, Saturn makes its grand appearance, rising around 8:30 p.m. With its stunning rings, this planet adds one final highlight to the summer sky.

For more insights on stargazing and the Perseids, you can visit the American Meteor Society, which tracks meteor showers and provides advice for viewers. Enjoy your August nights under the stars!

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