Summer Celestial Calendar
Summer Stargazing
Summer nights in the Haliburton Highlands offer some of the best stargazing experiences of the year. With warm temperatures and extended twilight hours, this season is perfect for watching meteor showers, full moons, and planetary events. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, the dark sky area of the Highlands provide an unforgettable celestial backdrop.
Did you know that the best time to observe stars and celestial objects is during a New Moon? At this time, the moon is situated between the Earth and the Sun, eliminating its bright light from the night sky and providing ideal stargazing conditions.
Important Celestial Dates
From meteor showers to planetary alignments, our summer celestial calendar brings a variety of celestial events worth catching. Mark your calendar for key astronomical occurrences, including the June Solstice, the Perseid Meteor Shower, and multiple New Moons.
Jun 29: Micro Strawberry Moon
The Full Moon in June is often called the Strawberry Full Moon, after the berries that grow in the Northern Hemisphere around this time of the year. As with the Blue Moon at the end of May, it is a Micromoon.
Jul 6: Earth at Aphelion
At around 17:30 UTC, the Earth will reach aphelion—the point in its orbit farthest from the Sun.
Jul 14: New Moon
July’s New Moon comes at 09:43 UTC on July 14. The period around New Moon can be a good time to look at the night sky—without a bright Moon around to lighten the sky.
Jul 29: Buck Moon
July’s Full Moon is known as the Buck Moon, signifying the new antlers that emerge on a deer buck’s forehead around this time. This year, it falls at 14:35 UTC on July 29.
Mskomini-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Aug 2: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
Aug 12: New Moon
August’s New Moon is a special New Moon: it will produce a total solar eclipse across a small part of Europe (see above).
Aug 12/13: Perseid Meteors
The Perseid meteor shower is usually one of the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year. This year, the Perseids coincide with a New Moon—ideal for spotting shooting stars in a dark, moonless sky.
Aug 15: Venus at Greatest Elongation East
Venus shines brightly in the west after sunset. Today the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Aug 27–28: Partial Lunar Eclipse
The final eclipse of 2026 is a deep partial lunar eclipse. Weather permitting, it will be visible from the nighttime side of the Earth, including North and South America, Europe, and Africa.
Aug 28: Sturgeon Moon
August’s Full Moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon.
How to take pictures of the Full Moon Datkaagmini Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Sep 11: New Moon
A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use our Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.
Sep 23: September Equinox
Also known as the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox is considered by many as the first day of fall.
September equinox celebrations around the world
Sep 26: Harvest Moon
The Full Moon closest to the September equinox is called the Harvest Moon. In 2025, the Harvest Moon fell in October; in 2026, it happens in September.
How to take pictures of the Full Moon Mdaamin-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Haliburton Forest Astronomy Program
Nestled within the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve stands as a beacon for stargazing aficionados. Here, far from the city lights, the pristine darkness creates an expansive canvas for celestial wonders.
Book spots for their Astronomy Program that runs July and August, or stay overnight on your own and be amazed of the unobstructed view of the night sky.
Summer Viewing Conditions
To make the most of your summer stargazing adventure, check the current viewing conditions before heading out. Knowing the forecast for cloud cover and atmospheric clarity will help ensure a spectacular night under the stars.