Summer skies are among the best times for having a great star gazing experience. July is one of those months where you don’t need much for viewing astronomical phenomena. At the same time, July also brings some of the most promising events for enthusiasts and photographers. So, suppose you want to capture the beauty of the night sky this month. In that case, the different astronomical events in July 2025 will not disappoint.
Astronomical Events In July 2025
This month has a lot of different phenomena, ranging from meteors, planetary alignments and occultations. So, if you’re an enthusiast, you’ll find a lot of things for amusement and capturing in the night sky. Even the moon phases are very clear in July. Thus, it gives an opportunity for photographers to get the most iconic picture of the natural satellite.
- Meteors.
- Planetary alignments.
- Occultations.
Sky Conditions In July
The best night for stargazing is the new moon. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in the moon, then it’s the full moon. Therefore, you need to install a lunar calendar or an application that tells you not only about the position but also the weather conditions of your area. Clouds and haze can also reduce your viewing experience, which is very disheartening for an observer.
- Full Moon: Jul 9
- New Moon: Jul 24
Meteor Showers
The remains from the comet enter the atmosphere, and their burning causes a small ignition. It is known as a meteor shower since the frequency of the coming debris is high from a particular point in the sky. In July, you can view the Delta Aquariids, which peak later in the month. These are among the most active meteor showers, so you can’t miss them.
Delta Aquariids
- Description and origin: Comet 96P/Machholz
- Peak dates and expected hourly rate: July 29–30; 15–25/hr
- Best viewing strategy: After midnight in the dark sky
Potential minor showers
Some June Bootids are also visible in the month of July. You can find them in the direction of the constellation Boötes.
Everyday Sky-watching Tips
The use of apps and star charts is very crucial to watch the sky. It’s not easy to navigate dark-sky locations, especially for beginners. So, it is advisable to use apps and star charts. These will help you find the most difficult constellations, stars or other heavenly bodies. On top of that, you need to know about the weather of your place, along with carrying insect repellents and flashlights.
Finally, don’t lose hope if the weather is not clear or you have any other interruptions—stargazing is a patient activity, so don’t give up easily.
Gear Guide For Astronomical Events In July 2025
Even if you’re a mere observer, you still need some equipment that can improve your gaming experience. You can carry a telescope and some LED headlamps to the remote place. Having a smartphone is also crucial, but don’t overuse it, as it can affect the visibility of your eyes at night.
- Binoculars.
- Smartphone with Astronomy App.
- Red LED Headlamp.
- Entry-Level Telescope.
- Sturdy Tripod.
Calendar & Quick Reference Table
Date | Event | Best Viewing Time | Sky Region / Notes |
July 1 | Messier 22 at highest point | Around midnight | Sagittarius; bright globular cluster, binoculars/telescope recommended |
July 3–4 | Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation | 30–45 min after sunset | Low west-northwest horizon, mag 0.4, naked eye or binoculars |
July 4 | Uranus near Venus | Pre-dawn (12:45 GMT closest) | Taurus; Venus naked eye, Uranus with binoculars |
July 6 | Saturn and Neptune Conjunction | Before morning twilight | Eastern sky, binoculars/telescope for Neptune |
July 10 | Full Buck Moon | Evening (20:37 GMT) | Sagittarius; bright, good for lunar photography |
July 13 | Venus passes Aldebaran | Morning twilight | Taurus; brilliant Venus, red Aldebaran nearby |
July 16 | Moon near Saturn | Early morning (07:53 GMT) | Pisces; 70% moon, Saturn mag 0.9, binoculars enhance view |
July 20 | Moon Occults Pleiades (Seven Sisters) | Early morning (Americas) | Taurus; waning crescent moon, spectacular star cluster event |
July 25 | Pluto at perigee (brightest in 2025) | All night | Sagittarius; telescope and star chart needed |
July 29 | Moon near Mars | Evening, low horizon | Taurus; crescent moon and reddish Mars, striking photo op |
July 29–30 | Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak | After midnight, pre-dawn | Aquarius; up to 25 meteors/hr, best in Southern Hemisphere, low moon |
July 31–Aug 1 | Delta Aquariids (continued peak) | After midnight, pre-dawn | Aquarius; ZHR 25, 46% moon, good conditions |
Final Thoughts On Astronomical Events In July 2025
July is a short month like any other. So, don’t waste your time and mark your calendar as per your interest in gazing at the wonders of the universe. You can find a lot of events taking place in the night sky of both hemispheres, so don’t miss the opportunity.
Happy Stargazing!