July is an excellent month for stargazers as it offers plenty of celestial phenomena like meteor showers, moon phases, and planetary conjunctions. So, if you’re a photographer or an astronomer, look at some of the most fascinating astronomical events in July 2024.
Astronomical Events In July 2024
The moon phases are an incredible sight for photography and capturing the night under moonlight. On top of that, people can enjoy the viewing experience of different celestial bodies visible in the sky, such as galaxies, star clusters, and meteors.
Different Moon Phenomenon In July 2024
Moon has different phases which are the result of its revolution around the Earth. Additionally, the moon phases are spectacular sights at night and in July, the prominent moon phases are given below.
Full Moon on July 5
When the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, the Moon is fully illuminated.
July 16: First Quarter Moon
One can find the first quarter moon on July 16.
The Moon at Aphelion July 20, Saturday
The Moon at Aphelion means it will be at its farthest point from the Sun.
Moon at Last Quarter July 28, Sunday
The quarter moon lies half in Earth’s shadow while the other half gets illuminated by the Sun.
Conjunction of Various Celestial Objects
There are millions of celestial objects in the night sky. Apparently, their visibility gets usually closer in perception and is known as conjunction. Additionally, a conjunction can occur with many objects like asteroids, planets, meteors, and natural satellites.
The conjunction of Moon And Mars (July 1, Monday)
The Moon and Mars are closer than their apparent viewing on July 1.
Conjunction of Moon And Jupiter (July 3, Wednesday)
Moon also gets in conjunction with Jupiter in July.
The conjunction of The Moon and Mercury (July 8, Monday)
Both the celestial bodies are visible closer to one another.
Conjunction of Mars And Uranus (July 15, Monday)
The relatively closer positions of Mars and Uranus are visible in the middle of the month.
Conjunction of The Moon And Saturn (July 25, Thursday)
The last significant conjunction of July 2024 is between Moon and Saturn.
Meteor Showers In July 2024
The remains of a comet that consists of cosmic dust and debris enters the Earth’s atmosphere and causes a flash of light. The resultant phenomenon based on the direction of meteors, comets and constellations is called a meteor shower.
Plenty of meteor showers occur throughout the year and are visible in the two hemispheres. So, let’s look at three of the major meteor showers visible in the night sky of July 2024.
Piscis Austrinids Meteor Shower (July 28)
The Piscis Austrinids meteor shower is visible in the Northern Hemisphere—coming from the direction of the constellation Pisces.
Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower (July 28)
The delta aquarids meteor shower peaks between the last week of July and mid-August.
Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower (July 30)
Hungarian astronomer Miklos von Konkoly-Thege discovered in 1871 that the alpha Capricornids meteors are bright with high ZHR.
Lunar Occultations
The phenomenon is called occultation when the Moon moves in front of any celestial body like planets.
Below are the different lunar occultations visible in July.
- Spica (July 14, Sunday)
- Antares (July 18, Thursday)
- Beta Tauri (July 31, Wednesday)
- Lunar Occultation of Saturn (July 25, Thursday)
- Lunar Occultation of Neptune (July 25, Thursday)
Celestial Close Approaches
A close approach is apparently the smallest distance between the two bodies in space. Even though, in reality, the two objects are pretty far from each other, perception makes them closer.
The different close approaches taking place in July 2024 are:
- Moon and Mars (1st and 30th July, Monday)
- Moon and M45 (2nd and 30th July, Tuesday)
- Mars and Uranus (July 15, Monday)
- Moon and Saturn (July 25, Thursday)
- Moon and Neptune (July 25, Thursday)
Summary
In July 2024, astronomers can enjoy celestial phenomena such as moon phases, conjunctions, meteor showers, lunar occultations, and celestial close approaches. Moon phases, such as full Moon, first quarter moon, and last quarter moon, provide stunning nighttime views.
Conjunctions between celestial objects, such as Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, and Saturn, make their visibility closer in perception.
Meteor showers, such as the Piscis Austrinids meteor shower, Delta Aquarids meteor shower, and Alpha Capricornids meteor shower, occur throughout the year and are visible in both hemispheres. Close approaches between celestial bodies, such as Mars and Saturn, are also observed.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What are the astronomical events in 2024 in India?
The different astronomical events in 2024 are given below.
- Meteor shower
- Moon phases
- Lunar Occultations
- Conjunctions
- Celestial Close Approach
What is the best meteor shower in 2024?
Based on ZHR, the Arietids meteors are the best to view.
What is in the night sky in July?
The different celestial objects in July’s night sky are below.
- Planets
- Close Approaches
- Conjunctions of Planetary Bodies
What is the next big astrological event?
The Solar Eclipse on October 2 is one of the most significant astrological events of 2024.
