Celestial Spectacles in August: Planets, Meteors, and the Super Blue Moon

August brings a series of astronomical events to Cape Town’s night sky, with opportunities for stargazers to witness planets, meteor showers, and a Super Blue Moon. Here are the events to look out for:

Moon and Saturn Close Approach (3rd August)

On 3rd August, the Moon and Saturn will make a close approach, shining just 2º15′ apart. The nearly-full waxing gibbous moon and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, but using binoculars or a telescope will provide a closer look at Saturn’s rings and the Moon’s face.

Jupiter and Moon in Conjunction (8th August)

On 8th August, Jupiter takes center stage as it makes a close approach to the Moon, appearing just 2º39′ apart. A conjunction will occur during this time, and the pair will be visible between 1:06 am and 11:50 am.

Perseid Meteor Shower (12th August)

Prepare your wishes as the Perseid meteor shower peaks on 12th August. Up to 100 shooting stars per hour will be visible against a dark backdrop provided by the Micro New Moon on the 16th. The Perseids will remain active until 1st September.

Saturn Reaches Opposition (27th August)

On 27th August, Saturn reaches opposition, with Earth perfectly positioned between the gas giant and the Sun. Though visible to the naked eye in the constellation Aquarius, a telescope will bring Saturn’s iconic rings into sharper focus.

Moon and Saturn Close Approach Again (30th August)

On 30th August, the Moon and Saturn will share the same ascension again in the constellation Aquarius, with the 14-day-old moon passing 2º29′ to the south of the planet. This appulse event will be visible between 6:02 pm and 7:13 am.

Super Blue Moon (31st August)

Finally, on 31st August, a Super Blue Moon will grace the sky. This rare event occurs when a Supermoon coincides with a Blue Moon, the second full moon in a calendar month. The next Super Blue Moon won’t arrive until August 2032.

This August, the night sky in Cape Town offers opportunities for both casual observers and avid stargazers to marvel at the beauty of our universe. Don’t miss the chance to witness these fascinating astronomical events.