Stargazers are in for a fabulous treat as July brings a cluster of celestial events your way. From rare planetary sightings and gorgeous star clusters to meteor showers, we bring you a parade of the best night sky events this month.
1. Globular star cluster Messier 22 (July 1)
Post midnight on July 1, the globular cluster Messier 22 (M22) is set to reach its highest point in the night sky. Situated a remarkable 10,000 light years away in the constellation Sagittarius, it is the brightest star cluster visible from Earth. It is advised to use binoculars or a small telescope to mark out the stunning apparition of thousands of densely packed stars.
2. Mercury sighting (July 4)
A planet difficult to spot due to its proximity to the sun, an event post July 4 will give us the best chances to spot Mercury. On the said day, the planet will reach its greatest eastern elongation, which translates to it being the farthest distance from the sun. Gaze low towards west-northwest just after sunset, and you can find Mercury glimmering during the evening twilight hours. The planet would still be visible several weeks after.
3. Buck moon (July 10)
Supposedly one of the best celestial events to take place, the buck moon, also known as the full moon, will reach peak illumination on July 10. A fantastic time to delve deeper into the crevices and craters, you can use binoculars and telescopes to witness the striking lunar surface. The Tycho crater and dark basalt plains known as maria are simply stunning to behold and not to be missed.
4. Moon, Saturn, and Neptune alignment (July 16)
The constellation Pisces will host a stunning triple encounter on July 16 pre-sunrise, as the waning gibbous moon will glide past Saturn and Neptune. Though the brightest of all, Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, distinguishing feeble Neptune will require a telescope.
5. Crescent moon parallel to the Pleiades star cluster (July 20)
Wake up before sunrise on July 20 as the soft glow of the moon is set to be accompanied by a luminous star cluster called the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters or Messier 45 (M45). Though this star cluster shines brightest from November to March, you can spot the glimmering bunch this July as well. Paired with the moon, this phenomenon, when viewed through binoculars, creates a magnificent sight.
6. Pluto sighting (July 25)
A relatively harder sight to witness, the dwarf planet, nearly three billion miles away, will shine brighter than usual owing to its closest distance to Earth. A mere speck, you would require a powerful telescope pointed towards the constellation Sagittarius around midnight to make out the planet.
7. Moon and Mars concurrence (July 29)
A conjunction to behold if the skies remain clear, the moon is set to pass close to Mars on the evening of July 29. Appearing in the constellation Taurus, the pair might be washed out by sunlight owing to its low position. However, if not, you can spot the crescent moon and the reddish glow of Mars.
8. Peak of the Southern delta Aquariids meteor shower (July 29-30)
Starting from July 18 till August 12, the meteor shower will reach its peak overnight from July 29 till July 30. Expect to see close to a dozen or two shooting stars per hour, as the moon will set early to create skies dark for optimal meteor viewing.