What's Up? AUGUST 2025

Chris Baker
Aug 2
4 min read

Each month I highlight a number of objects in the night sky visible with the naked eye.

Fantastic planet viewings this month PLUS the Perseid meteor shower!

Planets

Mercury

Mercury is always difficult to spot but this month will be the best opportunity this year to see the illusive planet. It creeps out of the sun's glare and puts on a decent showing in the pre-dawn sky.

You will still need a good north-eastern horizon and an early morning start! Mid-month it will be 5 degrees above the horizon 40 minutes prior to sunrise - that is around 5pm.

Mercury mid month low down in the east prior to sunrise- around 5am

Venus

Venus is a brilliant morning object this month shining very brightly - you can't miss it -if you are an early riser!

It will gradually become easier to spot pre dawn as the height increases throughout the month. By the end of the month it will be around 20 degrees up pre dawn.

Venus in the east mid month at around 4:30am

Mars

We are going to have to wait until 2026 before the red planets makes a return to pour skies for viewing.

Jupiter

Jupiter will shine brightly this month - not quite like Venus - but easy to spot and close to Venus. By the end of the month it will be up at 30 degrees pre-dawn at around 4:45.

Jupiter and Venus clash!

Venus and Jupiter will appear less than 1 degree aprt for a great looking conjunction on the pre-dawn sky on the 12th August. They will be quite low down in the sky so you will need a good low eastern horizon.

Venus and Jupiter in the pre-dawn sky morning of the 12th -east

Saturn

Saturn is well placed this month and high in the sky by midnight at the end of the month.

Saturn in the south-east around midnight mid month - (it will be higher later in the month)

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

QUICK SUMMARY TO VIEWING: Look north east after sunset any time until dawn and you'll spot them between the 11th-13th August peaking on the night of the 12th.

What is a Meteor? Before we delve into the specifics of the Perseid meteor shower, it's important to understand what a meteor is. A meteor, often referred to as a "shooting star," is a streak of light that appears when a meteoroid – a small rocky or metallic body – enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up due to friction with the air. The result is a brilliant and fleeting streak of light across the sky.

What is the Perseid Shower? The Perseid meteor shower is a celestial phenomenon that occurs annually when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This debris consists of tiny particles, most no larger than a grain of sand, that were shed by the comet during its journey through the solar system. As these particles enter our atmosphere and vaporize, they create the breath-taking display of light known as the Perseid meteor shower.

When to See It The Perseid meteor shower is known for its reliable and impressive performance, making it a favourite among astronomers and sky enthusiasts. It typically occurs from mid-July to late August, with its peak activity around August 11th to 13th. During this time, the Earth passes through the densest part of the debris field, resulting in a higher frequency of meteors streaking across the sky. In fact, during the peak, observers can witness up to 60 or more meteors per hour under optimal conditions.

Where to Look Observing the Perseid meteor shower doesn't require any specialized equipment – just a clear sky and a comfortable vantage point away from bright city lights. To maximize your viewing experience, find an open area with an unobstructed view of the sky. Lie back on a blanket or reclining chair, allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness. While the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, they will all seem to radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus, which gives the shower its name. This radiant point rises in the north eastern sky after sunset and moves higher as the night progresses. However, don't focus solely on the radiant point – keep your gaze wandering to fully appreciate the stunning streaks of light across different parts of the sky.

Looking north east after dark will be good enough to spot the meteors - but to help you further look for the asterism 'W' shape of Cassiopeia and they will emanate from just below. But don't worry if you cannot find the W - simply look up in the north east and you'll be fine.

Cassiopeia in the north east - look for the 'W' - but anywhere in the sky you should spot the meteors