In August 2021 is a great time to be a stargazer. August 22nd is a Blue Moon – but the only Full Moon this month. Both Jupiter and Saturn will be well positioned for viewing, but the Perseid Meteor Shower steals the show. According to NASA, the Perseids will peak with over 40 shooting stars per hour! Most people in the Northern Hemisphere with access to areas with low light pollution can view the meteors. You can look northward or look upward.
There are two types of blue moons – a traditional blue moon and an astronomical blue moon. An astronomical blue moon is the third of four full moons in one astronomical season, or between each Solstice and Equinox. 2021’s Summer Solstice was on June 20th, and the Autumn Equinox is next month on September 22nd. During this period, there will have been four full moons: on June 24th, July 23rd, August 22nd, and September 20th. The astronomical blue moon is noted on the third moon.
Here is a quick highlight reel:
- Saturn at Opposition on the 2nd
- Perseids Meteor Shower on the 12th
- Mercury & Mars in Conjunction on the 18th
- Jupiter at Opposition on the 19th
- Astronomical Blue Moon August 22nd
And there’s plenty more! Check out the Glossary of Astronomical Events if you need any explanations.
Moon Phases
 | New Moon August 8th |
 | First Quarter Moon August 15th |
 | Full Moon Astronomical Blue Moon August 22nd Fourth Full Moon in Summer |
 | Third Quarter Moon August 30th |
All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT).
Moon Facts
| Apogee: | 2nd |
| Ascending Node: | 2nd |
| Descending Node: | 16th |
| Perigee: | 17th |
| Moon Name: | Sturgeon Moon |
Meteor Showers
κ-Cygnids Meteor Shower
| Radiant Point: | Between Cygnus and Draco |
| Peak Date: | August 18th |
| Best Time, EST: | Dusk to 10 PM |
| Direction to Look: | North |
| Learn More: | In The Sky.Org |
* For the East Coast of the United States
Planetary Alignments
 | Mercury Superior Conjunction August 1st Hidden from view by the Sun |
 | Saturn Solar Opposition August 2nd Ideal time to view planet |
 | Mercury and Mars Geocentric Conjunction August 18th Great photo opportunity |
 | Jupiter Solar Opposition August 19th Ideal time to view planet |
Lunar Conjunctions
 | Mars Lunar Conjunction August 9th |
 | Venus Lunar Conjunction August 11th |
 | Saturn Lunar Conjunction August 20th |
 | Jupiter Lunar Conjunction August 22th |
August 2021
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