There are a number of events set to delight stargazers this month, including a supermoon, meteor showers and even a close approach.
With the forecast showing clear skies in most parts of Scotland, there is a good chance that Scots may be able to take in the iconic sights. Those keen to see the astronomical events may want to book a countryside hotel in the coming weeks.
This is because light pollution could spoil the nighttime wonders in busy cities, reports Wales Online. You may also be as well keeping an eye on the forecast later in the months, as your view could be clouded over.
There will be five major events that space revellers won't want to miss this month. Some of which, such as a supermoon that's due this weekend, will be hard to miss.
Here are some of the major astronomical delights to keep a look out for this month.
Supermoon, August 12
The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 1.36am. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Sturgeon Moon because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more easily caught at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.
This is also the last of three supermoons for 2022. The Moon will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look larger and brighter than usual.
Perseids Meteor Shower, August 12-13
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors.
The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. Unfortunately the nearly full moon this year will block out all but the brightest meteors but the Perseids are so bright and numerous that it could still be a decent show.
Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
Saturn at Opposition, August 14
The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. A medium-sized or larger telescope will allow you to see Saturn's rings and a few of its brightest moons.
N ew Moon, August 27
The moon will be located on the same side of the earth as the sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 08:17 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation, August 27
The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 27.3 degrees from the sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
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