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Exciting August Stargazing Events!
August is a great month for stargazing, with several celestial events to look forward to. Saturn will be highly visible and can be seen low along the eastern horizon around 9 p.m. The moon will also have some interesting encounters with other celestial objects, such as Saturn on August 3rd, the Pleiades star cluster and Jupiter on August 9th, and the star Antares on August 24th. The Perseids meteor shower will also occur throughout the month, with its peak occurring on August 12th and 13th. This year’s shower is expected to be especially impressive due to the dark sky provided by the new moon. Lastly, on August 30th, there will be a rare “super blue moon” event, where there will be a second full moon in the month along with the moon being at its closest point to Earth. This event only occurs around once every 10 years. More stargazing tips can be found on NASA’s website.
Dr. Elias Aydi, a PhD research associate, is the organizer of the public viewings in collaboration with MSU undergrand and postgrad astronomers
Find Events in Your Area
August 11
Stargazing and Perseids
When: Fri, Aug 11, 9 AM
Description: Enjoy a night under the summer stars! Bring your blankets. We will gaze upon constellations and possibly see “shooting stars” from the Perseid Meteor Shower. Learn More
Stargazing at Stage
When: Fri, Aug 11, 9 AM
Where: Stage Nature Center 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI
Description: Join a member of the Oakland Astronomy Club to explore the summer night sky. We will search for summer constellations and deep space objects while keeping a watchful eye out for meteors from the Perseid meteor shower. Learn More
August 12
MSU Public Observing
When: Sat, August 12, 9pm – 11pm
Where: MSU Observatory, 4299 Pavilion Dr, Lansing, MI 48910, USA (map)
Description: We’ll be open to the public, weather permitting, to view planets, stars, nebulae, and the moon! Join us if the skies look clear and you can see stars when you look up. Stay tuned to our facebook or twitter pages if you’re not sure about the weather conditions.
Kalamazoo Astronomical Society Public Observing Session
When: Sat, Aug 12, 9 PM – Sun, Aug 13, 3 AM
Description: Perseid Meteor Shower, extended viewing time, no special equipment needed, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. Aug. 12; The Moon & Saturn, 9 p.m.–1 a.m. Aug. 26; both at Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., kasonline.org. Learn More
Meteors & More
When: Sat, August 12, 9pm – 11pm
Description:Bring a blanket and join Oakland County Parks and the Oakland Astronomy Club for Perseid meteor shower viewing. Free family-friendly activities from 8-10 p.m. will include glow golf, nature walks led by an OCP naturalist, kids crafts and coloring table, free glow bracelets and glow fairy hair for kids, samples of astronaut ice cream, s’mores around the fire and popcorn to enjoy during the meteor shower.
Night Sky Viewing with Dr. Robert Nemiroff
When: Sat, August 12, 9pm – 11pm
Where: Gratiot Lake Rd, Michigan
Description: Night Sky Watching led Michigan Tech physicist Dr. Robert Nemiroff and co-hosted by Gratiot Lake Conservancy and the Open Skies Projection Mount Horace Greeley (off Gratiot Lake Road in Keweenaw County). Learn More
August 18
Astronomy Night in Ann Arbor at The Detroit Observatory “free”
When: Fri, Aug 18, 7:45 – 10:45 PM
Description: Let’s Stare at the Stars through one of the Nation’s oldest telescopes. The **Detroit Observatory** is located on the corner of Observatory and Ann streets
August 19
Guided Stargazing
When: Sat, Aug 19, 9 PM – Sun, Aug 20, 12 AM
Where: Dark Sky Lodge & Tavern 1884 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI
Description: Astronomer & planetarium manager Mike Murray will be on hand to guide us on night sky viewing. He will start at 9pm with a 30-45 min presentation on the night sky including star maps & handouts. Learn More
Star Parties
When: Sat, Aug 19, 5 – 11 PM
Where: Dune Climb 6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI
Description: At the Dune Climb, please park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109. Volunteers will be assisting with parking. Drop-in telescope and information stations will be available for you to visit at your leisure. Be sure to stop by the ranger greeter table in the parking lot at the Dune Climb for more information about the stations and their locations. Learn More
Open House/Star Party
When: Sat, Aug 19
Where: Muskegon State Park 3560 Memorial Dr, North Muskegon, MI
Description: Muskegon Astronomical Society Star Party. Star Parties are scheduled events hosted by club members. All visitors are welcomed. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated Learn More
August 25
MSU Public Observing
When: Fri, August 25, 9pm – 11pm
Where: MSU Observatory, 4299 Pavilion Dr, Lansing, MI 48910, USA (map)
Description: We’ll be open to the public, weather permitting, to view planets, stars, nebulae, and the moon! Join us if the skies look clear and you can see stars when you look up. Stay tuned to our facebook or twitter pages if you’re not sure about the weather conditions.