August astronomy outlook - Return of the Perseid meteor shower

August is a quieter month in the skies, but does deliver one of the most active meteor showers of the year with the Perseids.

First up is the rise of the full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon. You can spot its rise on the 8th, with it peaking around 03:55 ET am on the 9th.

Soon after, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. Active from mid-July to August 24th, this shower regularly produces up to 60 meteors an hour and has been known to reach up to 150.

The show will be visible across the U.S., depending on the weather outlook, but unfortunately peaks this year on August 12th, just days after the full moon, which may block dimmer shooting stars from view.

On the evening of the 19th, you can spot Mercury at its point of Greatest Western Elongation. The best time of the year to spot the closest planet to the Sun. From this point on, there is also a chance to see a planetary parade, with the aid of a telescope.

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn will all appear just before sunrise in late August, with all but Uranus and Neptune visible to the naked eye.

A new moon on the 22nd will provide dark skies, free from moonlight, to increase your odds of spotting the planets and constellations.