August to feature 2 of top astronomy events of 2023

Warm summer nights are numbered across North America with the start of autumn right around the corner, but there will be several notable night sky events for stargazers to enjoy before the arrival of meteorological fall on Sept. 1.

Shortly before the midpoint of August, the dog days of summer will conclude. From July 3 through Aug. 11, Sirius, known as the dog star, appears to rise and set with the sun. Some ancient peoples believed that the extra light from the bright star added to the heat of the day, and while the myth has been debunked, the nickname continues to live on.

Sirius will once again become visible by the end of the month, rising in the eastern sky at the end of the night before daybreak just below the constellation Orion.

From a “super blue moon” to an onslaught of shooting stars, here are the top astronomy events to mark on your calendar in August:

One of the best meteor showers of the year will peak during the second weekend of August, presenting the perfect opportunity to spot shooting stars streaking across the sky.

Up to 100 meteors per hour may be seen from dark, cloud-free areas of North America as the annual Perseids peak on the night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13.

“The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower as they peak on warm August nights as seen from the northern hemisphere,” the American Meteor Society said.

The only other meteor shower that outperforms the Perseids is the Geminids in mid-December, which can boast up to 120 meteors per hour, but often coincides with cold and cloudy winter-like weather.

Late August will offer excellent views of one of the largest planets in the solar system — no telescope required.

On Aug. 27, Saturn will reach opposition, a point in its orbit where the planet appears directly opposite of the sun from the perspective of the Earth. This is also around the same time that it is closest to the Earth, meaning that Saturn will glow brightly in the sky all night long.

No special equipment is needed to spot the second-largest planet in the solar system, but most telescopes have enough magnification power to reveal Saturn’s famous rings.

Although opposition takes place on Aug. 27, any night during the second half of August and the first few weeks of September with good weather will feature good views of the planet. Saturn will rise in the eastern sky around sunset and slowly traverse the sky throughout the night before setting in the west around daybreak.

A rare astronomical event will unfold in the night sky at the end of the month, although it may look like many other events throughout the year.

Two full moons will rise in August, the first one appearing on the first night of the month, followed by another on Aug. 30. Both will be supermoons, appearing slightly larger and brighter than a normal full moon, but the latter will outshine the former due to its nickname.

When two full moons occur in the same calendar month, the second is referred to as a blue moon. The most recent blue moon of its kind occurred on Oct. 31, 2020, and another one will not occur until May 31, 2026.

Despite the nickname, the “super blue moon” on Aug. 30 will look like many other full moons throughout the year. Full moons in August are also known as a Sturgeon Moon, a Corn Moon, a Mountain Shadow Moon and a Black Cherry Moon.

7 planets are going to be retrograde this summer

During the summer of 2023, a resounding seven planets will be in retrograde at the same time. Yes, you read that right.

The word “retrograde” tends to conjure up a visceral cringe for astrology followers. Mercury retrograde, for example, is a dreaded transit that happens three times a year, and is said to slow down communication.

Retrograde has a similar effect on other planetary bodies. The transit acts as a type of handicap, impeding the way they shine.

Retrogrades occur when a planet appears to move backwards in its orbit. These are optical illusions, but are still thought to have impact on an astrological level.

Here’s what to know about the many retrogrades of the summer of 2023, which will create an astrologically charged summer.

What planets are in retrograde in the summer of 2023?

Pluto retrograde

When is it? May 1 through Oct. 10

Pluto retrograde starts off in Aquarius and then enters Capricorn on June 11, taking us back to March. Old power struggles and former triangular situations will be reopened and re-examined to see how we can learn and grow from them.

Saturn retrograde

When is it? June 17 through Nov. 4

Saturn retrograde in Pisces represents a moment of reflection in which we’re contemplating how we can attain our goals for the future. Relationships are going to be tested, as we’re deciding who and what we should invest our energy in.

Neptune retrograde

When is it? June 30 through Dec. 6

Our intuition may not be as spot on as it usually is when Neptune is retrograde in Pisces. You may start believing the narratives you tell yourself — even if they’re not true.

Venus retrograde

When is it? July 22 through Sept. 3

Venus retrograde in Leo will make us long for big declarations of love and affection. The less attention we get, the more we’ll want it. This also holds true for money and finances.

Mercury retrograde

When is it? Aug. 23 through Sept. 15

Mercury retrograde in Virgo is going to bring back exes and old flames. This transit will bring us face-to-face with the past, both the good and the bad.

Uranus retrograde

When is it? Aug. 28 through Jan. 27, 2024

The planet of change takes baby steps towards evolution when retrograde in Taurus. Don’t expect major waves or growth during this time. Take life one day at a time to avoid frustrations from rising during this planetary retrograde.

Jupiter retrograde

When is it? Sept. 4 through Dec. 30

Jupiter retrograde in Taurus may prove to be beneficial. This transit urges us to make calculated risks instead of jumping all in without looking. Basically, it’s a call to read the fine print.

How the retrogrades will affect your Sun sign

Aries

You may not be a fan of budgeting. Still, it’s important to create a financial plan that works for you. Remember, sales are your friend. Keep the receipts if you decide that you have changed your mind on your purchases.

Taurus

Little by little, you’re blossoming into the bull you want to be. Don’t put pressure on yourself to evolve and transform all at once because that’s not possible. Move with the flow.

Gemini

Use your charisma to elegantly move past old situations that you want no part of. You’ve evolved past all that. If people project negativity onto you, ignore them and focus on yourself.

Cancer

Your communication abilities may be hindered, sowing confusion among your freinds and loved ones. Be clear with what you want to say and be prepared to explain exactly what you mean to avoid misunderstandings.

Leo

You may feel as though you’re not getting enough TLC from others — but the reality is that they’re dealing with their own problems. Instead of roaring out your frustrations, check in with your friends and offer compassion.

Virgo

Rather than deal with all this retrograde energy, you want to go on vacation. Permission to live with your hand in the sand for a while, granted!

Libra

Boundaries are a must this summer. Setting clear limits will ensure people aren’t taking advantage of your kindness. Then, you won’t be bothered with other people’s issues and can remedy your own.

Scorpio

Relationships will be in flux, as Jupiter and Uranus add a flair of excitement that could lead to being on-and-off and then on again with your partner. Be open to the erratic patterns that are ahead of you this summer.

Sagittarius

You won’t have stability in work until the retrogrades clear up. Your boss could make you feel as though you’re replaceable — even though you aren’t — which could cause a lot of anxiety within. Breathe through the motions, Sag!

Capricorn

After a hard day of work, you’ll want to hit a bar to burn off the irritations from your job. But you may feel lonely because your friends are occupied with their own lives. Loneliness can be tough, which is why you should try to make new friends.

Aquarius

Your loved ones are going through issues, which they’re putting on your shoulders. It’ll be hard to manage their different personalities and to create a bridge that brings them together. Call upon your powers as a community-minded Aquarius!

Pisces

Your uncertainty about the future of your relationships could cause you to preemptively create distance. Don’t pull away from those you care about until you’ve witnessed red flags in the relationship. Until then, you can keep them going.