Exploring the July 2025 Sky with NASA's Tips
As the summer nights of July 2025 unfold, skywatchers across the United States have a fantastic opportunity to witness a celestial display, thanks to detailed guidance from NASA. The agency's latest skywatching tips highlight a variety of planets visible at different times of the day and the striking Aquila constellation, often referred to as the eagle. This month promises an engaging mix of planetary alignments and starry patterns for both novice and seasoned observers.
According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the evening sky will feature Mars shining brightly in the west, approximately 20 degrees above the horizon as twilight fades. For a brief period in early July, Mercury joins Mars, visible very low in the west, about 10 degrees or lower, starting 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. These fleeting moments to catch Mercury require a clear view of the horizon, making it a rewarding challenge for dedicated stargazers.
Morning Planets and the Eagle Constellation
The morning sky in July 2025 offers its own spectacle, with Venus dominating as a brilliant beacon in the east during the couple of hours before sunrise. NASA's tips note that Venus is accompanied by notable stars like Aldebaran and Capella, as well as the Pleiades cluster, creating a stunning visual. Mid-month, Jupiter begins to appear low in the east in the hour before sunrise, rising higher each day through August and gradually approaching Venus.
Saturn also makes an appearance, rising around midnight and climbing into the southern sky by morning. This lineup of three bright planetsโVenus, Jupiter, and Saturnโalong the path the sun travels during the day provides a remarkable sight for early risers. Additionally, all month long, the constellation Aquila, representing an eagle, soars overhead, offering a chance to explore one of summer's iconic star patterns with its bright star Altair as a guidepost.
Special Events and Lunar Highlights
July 2025 isn't just about planets and constellations; it also features significant lunar events and meteor showers for sky enthusiasts. On July 10, the full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will reach peak visibility into the early hours of July 11, shining brightly all night across the globe alongside Mars and Venus. This event marks a highlight for lunar observers eager to capture the moon's beauty.
Towards the end of the month, skywatchers can anticipate the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers peaking on July 29. These showers offer a chance to see streaks of light across the night sky, especially under dark conditions away from city lights. With up to six planets potentially visible after sunset on certain nights, including Saturn, Venus, and Mars, July 2025 provides a packed calendar of celestial wonders to explore, as shared by NASA and other astronomical resources.