Must-See Astronomy Events in August 2025 – Including the Perseid Meteor Shower and a 6-Planet Alignment
August boasts 3 of the year's best astronomy events: the Perseids, the six-planet alignment, and the spectacular conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. And that’s not all! There are many more events that you can enjoy without a telescope or expertise. Just grab the free Sky Tonight app that helps you locate any celestial object and explore the August night sky. This month will be spectacular – here’s what to look for.
Contents
- August Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
- Top 3 Astronomical Events in the August Night Sky
- Moon Events in August 2025
- Planets in the Sky, August 2025
- The Best Constellations in the August Night Sky
- August Astronomical Events 2025 F.A.Q.
- Celestial Events in August 2025: Conclusion
August Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
The event dates are given in Greenwich Mean Time, so the dates may vary depending on the time zone. To determine the exact time of the event at your specific location, use the Sky Tonight app.
- August 1: First Quarter Moon; Mercury at inferior solar conjunction;
- August 2: Asteroid 63 Ausonia (mag 8.6) in opposition
- August 4: Lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.1);
- August 6: Saturn (mag 0.6) near Neptune (mag 7.8)
- August 7: Asteroid 2 Pallas (mag 9.4) in opposition
- August 9: Full Moon 🌟
- August 10: 6-planet alignment 🌟; Mercury retrograde ends; Asteroid 89 Julia (mag 8.5) in opposition;
- August 12: Perseids’ peak (ZHR = 100) 🌟; Venus (mag -4.0) near Jupiter (mag -1.9) 🌟; Moon near Saturn (mag 0.7) and Neptune (mag 7.8);
- August 16: Last Quarter Moon; lunar occultation of the Pleiades (mag 1.2); Moon near Uranus (mag 5.7); Kappa Cygnids’ peak (ZHR=3);
- August 17: Moon near Aldebaran (mag 0.9);
- August 19: Mercury (mag 0.0) near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1); Mercury (mag 0.0) at greatest elongation 🌟; Moon near Jupiter (mag -2.0);
- August 20: Moon near Venus (mag -3.9) 🌟;
- August 21: Moon near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1), Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2); Mercury (mag -0.4) at dichotomy; Moon near Mercury (mag -0.4);
- August 23: New Moon; Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4);
- August 26: Moon near Mars (mag 1.6); Asteroid 6 Hebe (mag 7.6) in opposition;
- August 27: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1.0);
- August 31: First Quarter Moon; lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.1).
*The highlighted events are the most interesting events of the month.
About magnitude: the faintest magnitude for stars and planets visible to the naked eye in cities with moderate light pollution is about 4. The limiting magnitude of an optical device depends on its specification but rarely exceeds 11.
Top 3 Astronomical Events in the August Night Sky
August 10: 6-Planet Alignment in the Pre-Dawn Sky
On the morning of August 10, 2025, a rare six-planet alignment will grace the pre-dawn sky, featuring Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. About an hour before sunrise, four of these — Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn — will be visible to the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune will also appear nearby but will require binoculars or a small telescope to observe. For a quick and easy way to locate all six planets in your local sky, try the Planet Walk feature in the free Star Walk 2 app.
The planets will stretch across the eastern and southern skies, with bright Venus and Jupiter in Gemini, Uranus in Taurus, golden Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, and Mercury low on the eastern horizon in Cancer. This alignment coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, so stargazers might also catch a few shooting stars. The nearly full Moon will appear below Saturn in Aquarius, washing out Neptune but offering a dramatic view.
Don’t miss this impressive planetary parade — the next chance won’t come until February 2026.
Read more: Planetary Alignment in August 2025
August 11-12: Peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseids, one of the most popular and reliable meteor showers of the year, will peak on the night of August 11–12. During the peak, the meteor shower produces up to 100 meteors per hour, many of them bright and fast, often leaving glowing trails. This year, however, a nearly full Moon will brighten the sky and wash out the dimmer meteors. Still, the Perseids are known for frequent fireballs, which can be seen even with moonlight.
For the best chance to see meteors, look up in the early morning hours before sunrise. You can keep watching for about a week after the peak — there will be fewer meteors, but the sky will be darker, making them easier to see.
Read more: The Perseids
August 12: Venus Near Jupiter in the Morning Sky
In the morning of August 12, at 06:37 GMT, Venus and Jupiter will appear extremely close together in the eastern sky, almost like a double planet. The separation between them will be a mere 0°51'. This stunning conjunction will be easily visible to the naked eye about an hour before sunrise, low above the horizon. If you have a small telescope, you’ll get an even better view – Venus will reveal its gibbous phase, and Jupiter may reveal its moons and signature stripes.
Read more: Planetary Conjunctions 2025
Moon Events in August 2025
Moon Phases in August 2025
Here are the Moon phases’ dates and times for August 2025:
- First Quarter: August 1, 12:41 GMT
- Full Moon: August 9, 07:55 GMT
- Last Quarter: August 16, 05:12 GMT
- New Moon: August 23, 06:06 GMT
- First Quarter: August 31, 06:25 GMT
August 9: Full Sturgeon Moon
The Full Sturgeon Moon will light up the sky on the night of August 9, 2025, reaching its peak at 07:55 GMT. But don’t worry if you miss the exact moment – the Moon will appear full and bright for about a day before and after.
This Full Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, marking the time when sturgeon were most commonly caught in North American lakes. Rising around sunset, the Moon will appear large and golden near the horizon — perfect for photography or casual skywatching.
Read more: August Full Moon
August 19-21: Moon Dances with Planets
Later in the month, as the Moon becomes a thin crescent, it begins a series of meet-ups. On August 19, at 21:05 GMT, the Moon meets Jupiter (mag -1.9). Then, it passes Venus (mag -3.9) on August 20, at 10:51 GMT, and, finally, Mercury (mag -0.2) on August 21, at 16:14 GMT. All objects can be spotted together low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
On August 21, the scene becomes even more special as the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.1) and the bright star Pollux join the view. This lineup of planets, stars, and the Moon offers a great opportunity for astrophotography.
Read more: Moon near planets in August 2025
August 23: New Moon
The New Moon occurs on August 23 at 06:06 GMT, bringing dark skies, ideal for stargazing. With no moonlight to interfere, this is a great time to observe faint celestial treasures like the Milky Way, Uranus through binoculars, deep-sky objects, and late Perseid meteors.
Planets in the Sky, August 2025
Planets Visible in the Northern Hemisphere, August 2025
Mercury (Cancer): Best-seen in the morning sky after mid-August, low above the eastern/northeastern horizon before sunrise. Brightens rapidly from a magnitude 5.4 to -1.2 by month’s end.
Venus (Gemini, Cancer): Remains the bright “Morning Star” in the northeastern sky. Venus reveals its gibbous phase in telescopes. On August 12, it passes just under 1° from Jupiter in a close conjunction. Shines at a magnitude of -4.0 to -3.9.
Mars (Virgo): Visible low in the western evening sky but less favorable for viewing. Can be seen with the naked eye at a magnitude of 1.6. Best observed shortly after sunset.
Jupiter (Gemini): Bright in the morning sky, at a magnitude of -1.9 to -2.0. Meets Venus on August 12 and the crescent Moon on August 20. High above the horizon this month — great for telescope observations.
Saturn (Pisces): Retrograde and visible from midnight early in the month, then all night by month’s end. Meets Neptune on August 6 in the second part of their triple conjunction. Brightens slightly from a magnitude of 0.8 to 0.7.
Uranus (Taurus): Rises earlier each day in the eastern morning sky. Too faint for the naked eye; use binoculars or a telescope. Slightly brightens from a magnitude of 5.8 to 5.7.
Neptune (Pisces): Retrograde and visible from midnight early in the month, all night later. Meets Saturn on August 6 (just over 1° apart). Only visible through a telescope or strong binoculars. Has a stable magnitude of 7.8.
Planets Visible in the Southern Hemisphere, August 2025
Mercury (Cancer): Visible after mid-August in the morning, low above the eastern to northeastern horizon. Brightens quickly from a magnitude of 5.4 to -1.2 by the month’s end.
Venus (Gemini, Cancer): Shines brightly as the “Morning Star” low in the northeastern sky. Telescopes reveal its oval phase. Passes just under 1° from Jupiter on August 12. Shines at a magnitude of -4.0 to -3.9.
Mars (Virgo): Visible high in the northwestern evening sky. Easily seen with the naked eye at a magnitude of 1.6.
Jupiter (Gemini): Bright but low in the northeastern morning sky. Slightly brightens from a magnitude of -1.9 to -2.0 by mid-August. Meets Venus on August 12 and the crescent Moon on August 20.
Saturn (Pisces): Retrograde and visible at night throughout August. Meets Neptune on August 6 in the second of their triple conjunctions. Brightens slightly from a magnitude of 0.8 to 0.7.
Uranus (Taurus): Visible in the eastern morning sky early in the month, and later at night too. Too dim for the naked eye — binoculars or a telescope required. Brightens slightly from a magnitude of 5.8 to 5.7.
Neptune (Pisces): Retrograde and visible in the eastern morning sky early in the month, then at night later. Meets Saturn on August 6, just over 1° apart. Requires a telescope or powerful binoculars. Has a steady magnitude of 7.8.
August 19: Mercury at Greatest Elongation
On August 19, at 09:59 GMT, Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation, appearing farthest from the Sun in the morning sky. This is your best chance to spot Mercury this month! Look for the planet very low in the east, about 30–45 minutes before sunrise. It will be a modestly bright star-like point with a magnitude of -0.1: binoculars will help to explore it, but make sure you don’t point them at the Sun. An unobstructed horizon is key.
Read more: What Is Elongation in Astronomy
The Best Constellations in the August Night Sky
In August, Sagittarius is at its best visibility, pointing to the center of the Milky Way. Other zodiac constellations — Scorpius, Capricornus, and Libra — are also prominent and can be seen from both hemispheres, along with the so-called “13 zodiac constellation” Ophiuchus. In the Southern Hemisphere, stargazers can enjoy views of Aquarius and Pisces as well.
The Summer Triangle, formed by the bright stars Vega (Lyra), Deneb (Cygnus), and Altair (Aquila), also dominates the evening sky. And if you are up for a challenge, August offers a great opportunity to track down the dimmer but fascinating constellations Telescopium, Scutum, and Corona Australis, nestled along the Milky Way’s glowing arc.
August Astronomical Events 2025 F.A.Q.
What are the best astronomical events in August 2025?
The three best astronomical events in August are the six-planet parade on August 10, the Perseid meteor shower peak on August 11-12, and the Venus-Jupiter conjunction on August 12. Visit our colorful infographic to learn about all the great celestial events for 2025.
When to see the Perseid meteor shower in August 2025?
In 2025, the Perseid meteor shower will be active from July 17 to August 24. The peak occurs on August 12, with up to 100 meteors per hour — but be aware that the 90%-illuminated Moon that night may wash out many of them, so the meteor shower will be best visible in the pre-dawn hours. Also, consider watching the Perseids about a week after the peak, when the Moon will be dimmer and set earlier, making it easier to enjoy the show even with fewer meteors.
How to navigate the August night sky with ease?
To locate celestial objects, use the Sky Tonight mobile app, an interactive sky map. It's a free app with a vast, regularly updated database. The best part is that it works offline, so you can use it while camping or hiking. Simply open the app, point your device at the sky, and it will show you what's up there. If you want to become a pro at exploring the night sky, there are also video tutorials to help you get started.
Is there a Supermoon in August 2025?
There is no Supermoon in August 2025. The next Supermoon will take place on October 21, 2025. It will be the first Supermoon of the year.
Celestial Events in August 2025: Conclusion
August 2025 offers a mix of exciting celestial events: the 6-planet alignment, the Perseids’ peak, Venus and Jupiter shining side by side, and much more. There’s something to see nearly every night! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned observer, now’s the time to head outside in the early evening or before dawn. Grab the stargazing app Sky Tonight, your curiosity, and maybe a camera — August’s night sky won’t disappoint.
