On June 21, the June solstice takes place like every year, giving way to summer. During this summer, numerous astronomical events take place that manage to capture the attention of both experts and fans of this science.
From meteor showers to planetary conjunctions: summer brings astronomical spectacles for all kinds of spectators. We bring you all the dates of the astronomical events that you cannot miss.
Meteor Shower of the Delta Aquarids – July 28-29
During these days the sky offers one of its most spectacular views. Although they are available from July 12 to August 23,It is not until later this month that the meteor shower known as the Delta Aquarids reaches its climax.
This shower of stars takes its name from the star Delta Aquarii located in the constellation of Aquarius. This phenomenon can be observed with greater visibility in the southern hemisphere as well as in the tropical latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
Saturn in Opposition – August 2
With the beginning of the month comes the turn for the planet Saturn to reach its opposition. It is known as opposition to the moment in which the Earth is placed between it and the Sun. At this moment Saturn will be at the closest point to us and can also be seen with greater size and visibilityduring the night, because thanks to its position it is completely illuminated by the Sun.
Perseid Meteor Shower – August 12-13
One of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year and it is perhaps the best known by most of the population. During the 12th and 13th of August it is at its maximum peak where up to 60 meteors per hour can be observed.It has its origin in the Perseus constellation and is produced by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
Mercury and Mars conjunction – August 19
On August 19, Mercury and Mars will be placed as a duo among the stars belonging to the constellation of Leo. In order to get a better view of this event, the use of binoculars is recommended since the setting Sun, near both planets, can make it difficult to see.
Jupiter in opposition – August 20
After the opposition of Saturn, comes the opposition of Jupiter offering us a panoramic view of the planet in all its splendor. Jupiter is the largest planet in the entire Solar System and may be visible thanks to the position of our planet.
Blue Moon – August 22
This phenomenon known as the Blue Moon actually has nothing to do with the color of our satellite. Instead, this name refers to two phenomena: one is for the monthly definition, the second full Moon in a month with two full Moons; and the second for the seasonal definition, which is the third full Moon of the season with four full moons. In this case, the full moon that we will be able to witness is a full moon according to the seasonal definition.
Mercury at its greatest eastern elongation – September 13
The most favorable time to observe the planet Mercury is on September 13, when it reaches its greatest eastern elongation, at a distance of 12.8 degrees from the Sun.At this point the planet can be seen at sunset just below in the western part.
Harvest Moon – September 20
Summer ends with the September 22 equinox of the same month.At this time, the Moon closest to said event is known as the Harvest Moon, so called because it used to help farmers harvest their crops.
