August is set to be a spectacular month for skywatchers, offering not one, but three major celestial events.

First up is the Sturgeon Moon, gracing the night sky on August 8–9. This full moon, named by early North American tribes after the large sturgeon fish that were once readily caught in the Great Lakes during this part of summer, will provide a stunning display of lunar beauty.

Following closely on August 12, sky enthusiasts can witness a beautiful conjunction of Jupiter and Venus before dawn. A conjunction occurs when two celestial objects appear close together in the sky from our perspective on Earth. The bright glow of Venus paired with the immense presence of Jupiter will make for a memorable pre-dawn sight. Observers should look towards the eastern horizon in the early morning hours to catch this celestial dance.

The highlight of August's skywatching calendar is undoubtedly the Perseid meteor shower, peaking on August 12–13. Known for their bright and frequent meteors, the Perseids are a result of Earth passing through debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet. While the presence of moonlight from the nearing full moon may reduce the visibility of fainter meteors, patient observers may still be rewarded with the sight of some brilliant shooting stars streaking across the night sky. Find a dark spot away from city lights, lie back, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for the best viewing experience.

The beauty of these astronomical events is that they require no special equipment. All you need is a clear sky and a willingness to wake up early or stay up late. So mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the universe this August!