I just love watching at the night sky… it just throws me out of reality and into another dimension. It makes me wonder that there is something much more bigger than us, and whey they say “you’re too small to make a difference” it probably is partially true..
Looking at the sky made Copernicus think: are we really the center of the universe? Galileo used to gaze at the same sky with the telescope, discovering planets!
August especially promises mind-boggling sight for sky-gazers! As a matter of fact, there are so many exciting things happening in the sky in August, you have extensive choice!
It’s time to take your binoculars and telescopes out. Yes it’s that time of the year… it’s August!
Want to know the upcoming (and amazing) cosmic events?
Here are the 7 of the most amazing cosmic events you don’t want to miss:
7. Partial lunar eclipse – August 7
On August 7, 2017 the full moon will pass through the northern part of the Earth’s dark umbral shadow, creating a shallow eclipse of the moon visible in Earth’s Eastern Hemisphere.
As with any lunar eclipse, the moon will sweep through the Earth’s shadow from west to east, even as the moon travels across our sky from east to west.
The event will unfold over a span of 2 hours and while most of Europe and Africa would be able to witness the phenomenon immediately after sunset, the best places to be in would be India and China.
6. Perseid meteor shower – August 12
Had this been the year 1600, you would’ve been running to your house claiming that it’s doomsday. Thankfully we’re in 2017 and know that the raging fireballs visible in the night sky of August 12 would be nothing but a meteor shower. But hey, that doesn’t undermine the spectacle. The iconic August meteor shower would peak on August 12 and if you want to catch the spectacle, the pre dawn hours, where the moon isn’t at its full brightness would make a perfect time to watch.
5. Moon and Aldebaran – August 16
A meteor shower is about to take place on 12th of August, 2017, but it’s not just a regular meteor shower. Astronomers suppose that this may be the brightest meteor shower in recorded human history! It will magically light up the sky, and some of them might be visible even during the daytime.
You just don’t want to miss this. Why? Because probably you won’t be alive in another 96 years to wait for the next one!
4. Venus and moon – August 19
On August 19, 2017 – the waning crescent moon and the dazzling planet Venus pair up in the eastern sky before sunrise. These two celestial beauties – the moon and Venus – rank as the second-brightest and third-brightest heavenly bodies to light up the sky, after the sun. They’ll be hard to miss! This will be definitely spectacular and you need to get your camera ready!
3. Total solar eclipse – August 21
In case you’ve not heard, the United States would be graced with a total solar eclipse on August 21 which would stretch inside a 70-mile (113 kilometers) corridor from Oregon to South Carolina.
Space.com reports: “People who descend upon this “path of totality” for the big event are in for an unforgettable experience.”
IMPORTANT: During totality, when the sun’s disk is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye. But skywatchers should NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. See Space.com complete guide to find out how to view the eclipse safely.
2. Jupiter and moon – August 25
On August 25, the 2nd brightest object in the night sky – Jupiter would pair up with the brightest object in the sky – the moon to present a spectacular opportunity to photographers to get that perfect shot!
1. Saturn and moon – August 30
For the second time this month, the moon and Saturn would be pairing up in the night sky. Look at the night sky on August 30 and the moon would be posing with Saturn and as you’re gazing that, remember that the Cassini spacecraft would be preparing for its suicide dive into Saturn!
Originally inspired from Witty Feed
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