Discover August's Night Sky Secrets!

Email from De Anza College - Community Education Uncover Summer's Celestial Secrets - Plan Your Stargazing Tonight! A Note From Our Director Hello Astro Friends! I hope your summer is going well. Although summer nights are short, the warm weather makes it more comfortable to spend time outdoors and enjoy the night sky. Venus remains our best evening planet this month. It's easy to spot—just look to the western sky for the brightest point of light, and you'll find Venus. Soon though, Saturn will join the show. At the beginning of August, Saturn rises around 11:00 p.m. By the end of the month, it rises at a more convenient 9:00 p.m., just as evening twilight fades. August is also a great time to enjoy the stars. Look for the Summer Triangle passing nearly overhead after sunset. Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer are also well placed in the southern sky, hovering just above the horizon. As the seasons slowly begin to change, some fall constellations will start making an appearance as well. Look for the Great Square of Pegasus rising above the eastern horizon in the evening. This August also features some special celestial events. A total solar eclipse occurs on August 12, though it will not be visible from our area; observers in Europe will have the best views. Eclipses always come in pairs, and two weeks later, on August 28, we'll have the opportunity to see a partial lunar eclipse. Viewing may still be a bit challenging, as the Moon will rise already partially eclipsed and won't climb very high before the eclipse ends. Even so, it's worth a look—and could provide a great photo opportunity. An even better bet, weather permitting, is the annual Perseid meteor shower. The shower peaks on the night of August 12 and into the early morning of August 13. Because the Moon will be new, its light won't interfere with meteor watching. The Perseids are famous for producing numerous bright meteors, making this one of the year's best skywatching events. Find a dark location away from city lights after midnight, get comfortable, and simply look up and enjoy the show. No special equipment needed. Under the dome, we're still on our summer break and undergoing routine maintenance, but we'll be back before you know it. Keep an eye on our website for schedule updates and ticket information. We look forward to seeing you soon! Wishing you clear, dark skies! Toshi Komatsu Planetarium Director   Donate to the Planetarium The De Anza College Planetarium is fully and solely funded through donations and ticket sales. Donate today.   In the Cosmos | August 2026 Sunday August 16 | Moon, Spica & Venus As twilight paints the sky on August 16, look west to find a beautiful celestial trio. The delicate crescent Moon nestles between dazzling Venus, the Evening Star, and Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Venus has long symbolized love, beauty, and harmony, while Spica, whose name means "ear of wheat," represents abundance, wisdom, and the season's harvest. With the Moon bridging these two luminous beacons, the sky offers a quiet reminder to find balance between what fills the heart and what nourishes the soul. Whether you're a stargazer, photographer, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the evening, this graceful alignment is one you won't want to miss. Look west just after sunset and watch this cosmic conversation unfold. Thursday August 20 | Moon by Antares As the Sun slips below the horizon on August 20, look to the southern sky where the Moon glides beside Antares, the brilliant ruby heart of the Scorpion. Antares, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, has long been associated with passion, courage, and transformation. Paired with the Moon's soft glow, it creates a striking contrast that's easy to spot just after sunset. Take a moment to pause, look up, and enjoy this beautiful meeting of moonlight and starlight. The sky is always telling a story for those willing to watch. Thursday August 27 | Sturgeon Moon The Sturgeon Full Moon rises in August, carrying the legacy of one of North America's oldest and most resilient fish. Named by Indigenous peoples and early settlers, this Moon marked the season when mighty sturgeon were most abundant in lakes and rivers, providing nourishment before autumn's arrival. Like the sturgeon, which has endured for millions of years, this Full Moon reminds us of resilience, patience, and the quiet strength that carries us through life's changing currents. It also arrives as the harvest season begins, inviting us to reflect on what we've cultivated and what is finally ready to come to fruition. Step outside after sunset and let the glowing Moon remind you that growth isn't always swift. Sometimes the greatest rewards belong to those who have weathered the deepest waters. Field Trips at the Planetarium Tour Outer Space at the De Anza College Planetarium! Planning ahead for next school year? Bookings for 2026–27 field trips open mid-August. Field trips run Monday–Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. session on Fridays. All programs align with K–8 science standards. Visit our website to explore programming and schedule your visit! Learn More About Field Trips Here   De Anza College - Community Education | 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Cupertino, CA 95014 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice