Stargazers get a rare August lineup
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August is one of the year's best months for skywatching. From shooting stars to a nearly eclipsed full Moon, here's what's worth watching in the weeks ahead.
Why it matters: Recent smoky skies are a reminder not to take clear nights for granted.
☄️ Catch the Perseids. The annual meteor shower peaks overnight on Aug. 12–13, when dozens of meteors an hour could streak across the sky.
- This year's peak coincides with a dark new Moon, especially favorable for viewing. The best time to watch is from midnight to dawn.
✨ Spot brilliant Venus. Look low in the western sky 30 to 60 minutes after sunset Aug. 14-16. Find the brightest "star" in the evening sky. That's Venus!
🌕 Don't miss the lunar eclipse. A deep partial lunar eclipse will darken nearly all of the full Sturgeon Moon on Aug. 27.
- The eclipse will already be underway when the Moon rises over Seattle just before 8pm, reaching its maximum about an hour later.
Pro tips: Give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the dark, put your phone away and scan the whole sky — meteors can appear anywhere.