Plan your trip to dark sky areas for better chances of viewing meteor showers. Did you know that New Moons provide the best time to view the stars and celestial objects.

 

Illustration of the Moon's position in space in relation to Earth and the Sun at New Moon.Jun 18: New Moon

Make the most of a moonlight-free night to look for some stars and planets in the skies.

 

Close-up shot of the rising Full MoonJul 3: Buck Moon

July’s Full Moon is known as the Buck Moon, signifying the new antlers that emerge on deer buck’s foreheads around this time. This year it falls at 11:38 UTC on July 3.

 

Diagram showing the distance between the Sun and Earth at different times of the year (perihelion and aphelion).Jul 6: Earth’s Aphelion

At 20:06 UTC, the Earth will reach its aphelion—the point on its orbit farthest from the Sun.

 

Illustration imageAug 12/13: Perseid Meteors

The Perseid meteor shower is usually one of the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year. Good news: in 2023 the peak nights are around the time of New Moon, which means more meteors will be visible against the dark sky.

 

Couple sitting outside their camp in the mountains under a starry night sky.Sep 15: New Moon

A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use the Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.

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