Best night sky events for July 2023

July is prime time for viewing the Milky Way core from dark sky locations, especially after midnight.

July 1 — Close approach of Venus and Mars

If you’ve looked to the west after sunset, you’ve probably noticed that Venus is really bright right now. This also means it will be easy to see when Venus and Mars appear close together in the sky (a little later when it’s darker). They will appear at their closest, about 3°33′ apart in the constellation Leo.

July 3 — Full moon, supermoon, Buck Moon

This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Buck Moon because the male buck deer would begin to grow their new antlers at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon. This is also the first of four supermoons for 2023. The moon will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

July 7 — Close approach of the waning moon and Saturn

On the late night of July 7, the moon (75% illuminated) will appear quite close to Saturn — only about 2°25′ apart. Look for the pair in the constellation Aquarius after midnight.

July 9 — Venus at greatest brightness

This is the brightest Venus will be in the evening sky before it starts back to the morning skies again.

July 11 — Close approach of the moon and Jupiter

The Moon and giant Jupiter in the constellation Aries will appear just 2°03′ apart. You’ll either need to be a night owl or a very early riser to see this event (after 2 a.m.). The two objects should both be easy to spot with the unaided eye because Jupiter is always bright and the moon will be 26% illuminated.

July 17 — New moon

This is the best time of the month to observe objects such as the Milky Way and fainter objects with your trusty pair of 10x50 binoculars because there is no moonlight to interfere.

July 29, 30 — Delta Aquarids meteor shower

The Delta Aquarids is an average shower that can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It peaks this year on the night of July 29 and the morning of July 30. The nearly full moon (occurring Aug. 1) will block most of the fainter meteors this year. But if you are patient, you may still be able to catch a few good ones. The best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear anywhere in the sky.

John Taylor is an amateur astronomer who lives in Hayden.