Summer is the perfect time to stargaze, offering a plethora of celestial events that will delight sky enthusiasts. From the awe-inspiring Summer Triangle to the rare 'cosmic kiss' of Venus and Jupiter, and the breathtaking Perseid meteor shower, there's much to look forward to in the night sky this season. Additionally, the upcoming solar eclipse and the visibility of the International Space Station provide further opportunities for skywatching. Here's a breakdown of these events and why they're worth your attention.
The Summer Triangle
The Summer Triangle is an asterism that's easy to spot and visible for most of the summer. It's made up of three bright stars: Vega in the constellation of Lyra, Altair in Aquila, and Deneb in Cygnus. Look towards the eastern horizon in early summer or straight up if it's late summer, and Vega will likely be the first bright star you see at dusk. This recognizable group has captivated stargazers for centuries, making it an excellent starting point for those new to astronomy.
Total Solar Eclipse
Total solar eclipses occur roughly every 18 months, but witnessing one from the same location is a rare occurrence. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK won't be until 2090, but before then, on August 12, 2026, skywatchers can enjoy a partial solar eclipse. The Moon will cover around 90% of the Sun at its peak, and while the UK will only see a partial eclipse, observers in Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and parts of the Arctic Ocean will experience totality. Remember, never look directly at the Sun; use certified eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector for safe viewing.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Solar and lunar eclipses often occur close to each other due to the Moon's orbit around Earth being tilted by about five degrees. The next partial lunar eclipse visible from the UK will take place on August 28. In London, the eclipse will begin at 03:33 BST and deepen until the maximum eclipse at 05:12 BST, when around 90% of the Moon will be immersed in Earth's umbra. As the eclipse progresses, the Moon will sink lower towards the horizon, so a location with an unobstructed view to the southwest will offer the best chance of seeing the event.
'Cosmic Kiss'
The conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, is a rare and close event known as a 'cosmic kiss'. Around June 9, these planets will appear to meet in the night sky, about the same distance in the sky as the width of your little finger held out at arm's length. Look to the west-northwest horizon just after sunset for about an hour to catch a glimpse; no equipment is needed.
International Space Station
Summer is the best time to see the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS orbits Earth about 15.5 to 16 times per day, and in mid-summer, with shorter nights and the Sun staying closer to the horizon, it remains illuminated by the Sun for longer. This means you can sometimes catch several flyovers in just one evening. The ISS often appears as the brightest and fastest-moving object in the night sky, shining as a steady white light.
Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the later celestial events of the summer and is regarded as one of the best displays of the year. It occurs when Earth passes through the debris of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle and is known for producing vibrant 'fireball' meteors in high numbers. Skygazers in perfect dark sky conditions may be able to see 60 to 100 meteors per hour. This year, the shower will be active between July 17 and August 24, with the peak occurring on August 13.
Summer Full Moons
During the summer season, we will witness three full Moons. The first is the Strawberry full Moon on June 30, rising at 12:57 BST. Named after the harvesting of strawberries at this time of year, it's a reminder of the natural events that occur alongside the lunar cycle. In July, the Buck Moon rises at 15:36 BST on July 29, named after the time of year when male deer begin to grow their new antlers. For many, it marked the start of the game hunting season. The last of the summer's full Moons, the Sturgeon Moon, rises on August 28 at 05:18 BST.
In conclusion, summer stargazing offers a rich tapestry of celestial events that cater to both novice and experienced astronomers. From the Summer Triangle to the 'cosmic kiss' and the Perseid meteor shower, each event presents a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe. So, grab your telescope, download the BBC Weather app, and make the most of your sky-watching time this summer!
