July Sky Events 2025: What to See in the Night Sky This Month
From elusive Mercury and Venus in the Golden Gate to retrograde planets, the Full Buck Moon, and the Southern Delta Aquariids, July 2025 is full of stargazing treats. Want to make sure you don’t miss any of them? Download the free Sky Tonight app to learn what’s visible in your sky and get alerts for every major celestial event. It’s the easiest way to know when and where to look up. Now, let’s explore what the July sky has in store!
Contents
- July 2025 Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
- Major July Astronomical Events: What to See in the Sky Week by Week
- Moon phases in July 2025
- Planets in July 2025
- Constellations in July 2025
- Astronomy Calendar in Your Pocket: Learn What's In The Sky Tonight
- Sky Events in July: Bottom Line
July 2025 Celestial Events Calendar: What’s Up in the Sky This Month
Note that the event dates are provided in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), so the dates may vary for different time zones. To find out exactly when you can see the event from where you are, use the Sky Tonight app.
- July 2: First Quarter Moon;
- July 3: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1), Mercury (mag 0.4) near the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.7);
- July 4: Mercury (mag 0.4) at greatest elongation 🌟, Venus (mag -4.2) near Uranus (mag 5.8) and Pleiades (mag 1.2);
- July 5: Neptune (mag 7.9) retrograde starts;
- July 7: Lunar occultation of Antares (mag 1.0);
- July 10: Full Moon 🌟, peak of the July Pegasids (ZHR = 3);
- July 11: Lunar occultation of Pluto (mag 14.4);
- July 13: Venus (mag -4.1) near Aldebaran (mag 0.9), Pleiades (mag 1.2), Hyades (mag 0.5) 🌟;
- July 14: Saturn (mag 0.9) retrograde starts;
- July 16: Moon near Saturn (mag 0.9) and Neptune (mag 7.9);
- July 17: Mercury (mag 1.8) retrograde starts 🌟;
- July 18: Last Quarter Moon;
- July 20: Lunar occultation of the Pleiades (mag 1.2) 🌟, Moon near Uranus (mag 5.8);
- July 21: Moon near Venus (-4.0);
- July 23: Moon near Jupiter (mag -1.9);
- July 24: New Moon, Moon near Pollux (mag 1.2);
- July 25: Pluto (mag 14.4) at opposition, Moon near Mercury (mag 3.6) and the Beehive Cluster (mag 3.7);
- July 26: Moon near Regulus (mag 1.4);
- July 28: Lunar occultation of Mars (mag 1.6), peak of the July Gamma Draconids (ZHR = 5), peak of the Piscis Austrinids (ZHR = 5);
- July 31: Lunar occultation of Spica (mag 1), Mercury at inferior solar conjunction; peak of the Southern Delta Aquariids (ZHR = 25) 🌟, peak of the Alpha Capricornids (ZHR = 5).
*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.
Major July Astronomical Events: What to See in the Sky Week by Week
July 1-6: Mercury in the evening sky
This week, you have a chance to spot the elusive planet Mercury. It shines at a magnitude of 0.3 to 0.5, and can be seen just after sunset, low on the western-northwestern horizon in the constellation Cancer.
On July 3 at 05:08 GMT, Mercury passes near the Beehive Cluster, with a separation of just 1°14′. While both can be spotted with the naked eye, binoculars will reveal more stars in the cluster.
Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on July 4 at 03:59 GMT, meaning it’s at its farthest from the Sun in the sky — the best time to observe it! This particular apparition favors the Southern Hemisphere, where Mercury appears higher above the horizon.
Tiny and tricky to see, Mercury is full of surprises. Take the Mercury Quiz to test your knowledge of this elusive planet!
July 7–13: Full Moon and Venus in the Golden Gate of the Ecliptic
Look up for the Full Buck Moon on July 10! This name comes from Native American traditions, marking the time when young deer (bucks) grow new antlers. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Moon will appear unusually low, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it will shine high in the sky. It also appears near the Summer Triangle, a well-known asterism formed by Vega, Altair, and Deneb — a stunning sight around midnight local time!
On July 13, just before sunrise, Venus will pass close to Aldebaran and enter the so-called Golden Gate of the Ecliptic, formed by the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in Taurus. Observe the scene with the naked eye or grab binoculars to explore this brilliant celestial meetup.
Learn more: July Full Moon, Venus Facts & Upcoming Events
July 14-20: Retrograde Planets and Lunar Occultation of Pleiades
Saturn begins retrograde motion on July 14, followed by Mercury on July 17. To spot the shift in a planet’s apparent motion, you’d need to observe it for at least a few weeks. Or, you can visualize it easily in the Sky Tonight app — just select Saturn or Mercury on the sky map, tap the photo icon, and switch the curve type in the menu.
On July 20 at 10:27 GMT, the 24%-illuminated Moon will pass close to the Pleiades, at a distance of 0°48′. Both objects will rise late in the night over the northeastern horizon.
A lunar occultation of the Pleiades will also be visible from Canada, western USA, Mexico, and other regions between longitudes 160°W and 100°W, from approximately 08:20 to 11:20 GMT. Binoculars will help you see it better.
Learn more: Retrograde Motion Explained, Pleiades
July 21-27: New Moon and Pluto at Opposition
The New Moon on July 24 brings the perfect nights for stargazing, with the moonless sky. Try spotting some of the best deep-sky objects of the month, such as the North America Nebula or Lagoon Nebula, both visible through binoculars.
July 25 is the best time to see Pluto. The dwarf planet will reach opposition, meaning it will remain visible all night and shine at its brightest. However, Pluto will still be quite dim, with a magnitude of 14.4. Look for it in the constellation Capricornus using a telescope.
Do you know why Pluto was removed from the list of planets? Are you familiar with other dwarf planets? Test your knowledge with the Dwarf Planet Quiz!
July 28-31: Southern Delta Aquariids and other shooting stars
On July 28, the July Gamma Draconids will reach their maximum, delivering about 5 meteors per hour at their peak. A possible activity outburst is expected in 2025, so keep an eye on this meteor shower — you might see even more meteors!
The faint Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will also occur on July 28, with up to 5 meteors per hour at its peak. It will radiate from the constellation Piscis Austrinus.
Following closely, on July 31, the Southern Delta Aquariids will offer a more impressive display with 25 meteors per hour, alongside the Alpha Capricornids, which will also peak at 5 meteors per hour.
Although most meteor showers peaking in July offer fewer meteors, the Southern Delta Aquariids promise a worthwhile view, particularly for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. Fortunately, this peak will take place during the waxing crescent Moon, so moonlight won’t obscure the view. The Moon will set in the evening, and the night sky will be perfectly dark.
Don’t miss a shooting star! Check out this infographic to find out when and how to see the best meteor showers of the year.
Moon phases in July 2025
- First Quarter: July 2, 19:30 GMT
- Full Moon: July 10, 20:37 GMT
- Last Quarter: July 18, 00:38 GMT
- New Moon: July 24, 19:11 GMT
To find out exactly when the Moon will be above the horizon at your location, check the Moon tab in the calendar feature of Sky Tonight, or visit the Moon phases section on our website. There, you will find the lunar phases for each day, with moonrise and moonset times for where you live and additional information.
Planets in July 2025
Planets visible in the Northern Hemisphere – July 2025
Mercury (Cancer): Reaches greatest elongation on July 4, but its visibility remains poor for mid-latitudes. It appears briefly in the northwestern evening sky, low above the horizon during twilight. On July 17, Mercury begins retrograde motion. The planet gradually dims from a magnitude of 0.3 to 5.3 by the end of the month.
Venus (Taurus, Gemini): Visible in the eastern morning sky, Venus climbs higher as July progresses. The Morning Star shines brightly against the twilight and appears as an oval shape in telescopes. Venus slightly dims from a magnitude of -4.2 to -4.0 by the end of the month.
Mars (Leo, Virgo): Mars is visible in the evening western sky, resembling a fairly bright reddish star. However, its visibility is gradually decreasing, as it dims and sets earlier each night. The planet’s brightness changes from a magnitude of 1.5 to 1.6 by July’s end.
Jupiter (Gemini): Appears low in the northeastern morning sky during the middle and end of July. It rises about an hour before sunrise and is visible to the naked eye. Jupiter shines brightly at a magnitude of -1.9.
Saturn (Pisces): Visible in the southeastern morning sky. Saturn begins its retrograde motion on July 14, while continuing to rise earlier each day, improving its visibility in the pre-dawn hours. The planet slightly brightens from a magnitude of 1.0 to 0.8 by the end of the month.
Uranus (Taurus): The visibility window for Uranus grows steadily during July. It appears in the eastern morning sky and requires binoculars or a telescope to view, with a magnitude of 5.8.
Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the southeastern morning sky. Neptune begins its retrograde motion on July 5, and its visibility improves significantly throughout the month. Use binoculars or a telescope to catch this planet, with a magnitude slightly changing from 7.9 to 7.8.
Planets visible in the Southern Hemisphere – July 2025
Mercury (Cancer): Visible low in the northwestern evening sky. Mercury reaches its greatest elongation on July 4, offering the best opportunity to observe the planet this month. It begins retrograde motion on July 17. The planet gradually dims from a magnitude of 0.3 to 5.3 by the end of the month.
Venus (Taurus, Gemini): Appears in the northeastern morning sky, gradually climbing higher as July progresses. In a telescope, Venus looks like an oval. The planet slightly dims from a magnitude of -4.2 to -4.0 by the end of the month.
Mars (Leo, Virgo): Seen high in the northwestern evening sky, Mars remains a bright reddish star-like object, though its visibility is slowly declining as it dims and sets earlier. The planet’s brightness changes from a magnitude of 1.5 to 1.6 by July’s end.
Jupiter (Gemini): Visible in the northeastern morning sky during the second half of the month. Although low and close to the twilight, it remains easily visible to the naked eye. It rises about an hour before sunrise and is visible to the naked eye. Jupiter shines bright at a magnitude of -1.9.
Saturn (Pisces): Visible at night and in the morning. Saturn begins its retrograde motion on July 14. The planet slightly brightens from a magnitude of 1.0 to 0.8 by the end of the month.
Uranus (Taurus): Rises earlier each morning and becomes easier to spot. Uranus appears low in the northeastern sky before dawn, requiring binoculars or a telescope to see at a magnitude of 5.8.
Neptune (Pisces): Visible in the northeastern morning sky. Neptune begins its retrograde motion on July 5, and its visibility improves rapidly throughout the month as it rises earlier each day. Use binoculars or a telescope to catch this planet, with a magnitude slightly changing from 7.9 to 7.8.
Constellations in July 2025
July skies are rich with bright constellations for observers in both hemispheres. Look for the zodiac constellations Sagittarius, Scorpius, Libra, and Virgo, along with Ophiuchus, the so-called "13th zodiac constellation." In the Southern Hemisphere, Capricornus and Aquarius are also well-placed. The latter is especially worth watching in late July, as it hosts the radiant of the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower, peaking on July 31.
In the Northern Hemisphere, constellations like Aquila, Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Corona Borealis, Bootes, and Coma Berenices are prominent high in the evening sky. Observers may also try spotting Corona Australis low on the southern horizon.
In the Southern Hemisphere, it's an excellent time to observe Bootes, Corona Borealis, Hercules, Lyra, and Aquila in the northern sky, while Corona Australis and Piscis Australis are visible higher overhead.
Astronomy Calendar in Your Pocket: Learn What's In The Sky Tonight
To find any celestial object, use an interactive sky map like the Sky Tonight mobile app. This particular app is free and has one of the largest constantly updated databases. Sky Tonight works offline, so you can even use it while camping or hiking. Basically, all you need to do is launch the app and point your device at the sky. To learn how to explore the night sky like a pro, check out our video tutorials.
Sky Events in July: Bottom Line
This July, spot elusive Mercury, take a photo of Venus in the Golden Gate of the Ecliptic, track the retrograde motion of Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune, and watch for the fast meteors of the Southern Delta Aquariids. Plan your stargazing trip now with the Sky Tonight app!
