July astronomy outlook: Buck Moon and return of shooting stars

July brings the return of shooting stars overhead, on an otherwise quieter month for astronomy events.

The month begins on July 5th with a New Moon, bringing the darkest skies of the month and the best chance for a night under the stars free from moonlight.

Then, a break until July 21st, when the Full Buck Moon rises. Last year, this arrived as a supermoon.

On July 22nd, Mercury is at its greatest eastern elongation, marking the time of the year when the first planet from the Sun is easiest to spot on the western horizon.

Finally, the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower reaches its peak on the evening of July 28th. The shower itself is active from July 12th and will be visible until late August.

Get additional astronomy insights from the Weather & Radar astro card on your home screen, and check back for more detailed information on each event as they arrive.