August 2: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 19.5 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 morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
August 4: Moon and Saturn travel closely together, visible shortly after twilight.
August 5: An upper stage (section) of a rocket used for a lunar mission will hit the moon at 2:34 am EDT. Plume from collision may be visible with ground telescope or binoculars.
August 8-11: Tight pre-dawn planetary alignment featuring Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and the moon in a diagonal line above the eastern horizon. Jupiter will be lost in the early morning sunshine
August 12: New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky. 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.
August 12: Total Solar Eclipse. The path of totality will begin in the Arctic Ocean off the Northern coast of Russia. It will move across Greenland, Iceland, and the Atlantic Ocean before ending in Spain. A partial eclipse will be visible in Alaska, Canada, western Africa, and the north-eastern United States.
August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. This is an excellent year for the Perseids. There will be no moonlight to interfere with the show so be prepared for what could be an impressive display. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
August 15: Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.
August 28 : Full Moon. Visible all night. Worst time for viewing deep sky objects.
August 28 : Partial Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Atlantic Ocean, and most of Europe and Africa.
Planets in August
Mercury: Visible just prior to sunrise
Venus: Bright evening planet
Mars: Rising after midnight, treks across sky in early AMs
Jupiter: Not visible this month
Saturn: Rising before midnight, treks across sky in early AMs
September 2026
September 1: The Aurigid meteor shower at its peak rate of meteors . The shower is likely produce its best displays shortly before dawn, when its radiant point is highest.
September 6: Conjunction of Moon and Mars with Moon passing 3°00′ to the north of Mars in the predawn sky.
September 8: Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter with Moon passing 50′ to the north of Jupiter in the predawn sky.
September 9: September ε-Perseid meteor shower peaks. The shower is likely produce its best displays in the hours around 05:00 EDT, when its radiant point is highest in the sky.
September 10: New Moon. The Moon will not be visible in the night sky. 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.
September 26 : Full Moon. Visible all night. Worst time for viewing deep sky objects.
September 27 : Conjunction of Moon and Saturn with with the Moon passing 6°55′ to the north of Saturn. The pair will reach their highest point around 1 am EDT.
Planets in september
Mercury: Poorly placed evening planet
Venus: Fading evening planet
Mars: Rising after midnight, treks across sky in early AMs
Jupiter: Becoming visible in the predawn sky as month carries on
Saturn: Well positioned for observing throughout the night
Weather
Astronomical observation depends on clear skies. Check the weather before making any observing plans, and always call the information line at the Jordan Observatory, 207.581.1348, to check viewing conditions before visiting.
Donations help secure the future of the Jordan Planetarium and observatory here at the University of Maine. They assist in acquiring new programming, keeping our technology up to date, and providing numerous astronomy and science opportunities for students of all ages and the general public.
