Jonathan Powell

August will feature several notable astronomical events, including a partial solar eclipse on August 12, with about 90% of the Sun covered across the region, followed by a partial lunar eclipse on August 28. The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12 as Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. The article also reports plans for a 20-metre space radar station in Pembrokeshire awaiting Welsh Government approval and criticizes funding cuts affecting Jodrell Bank Observatory, which astronomer Allan Trow says is important for science education and future innovation. Venus will become increasingly difficult to observe as it sinks lower in the western sky during the month.

A near quarter Moon will pass close to Spica on July 20, while the Heart Nebula in Cassiopeia is highlighted through an astrophotography contribution from Mark Adams. The article explains Spica’s characteristics, details of the nebula’s structure, and notes an upcoming partial solar eclipse on August 12. China’s Long March 10-B rocket successfully completed a net-capture landing, demonstrating progress comparable to major American space companies. ISS viewing times for the week are also provided.

Guidance is provided for observing Venus, Saturn, the Moon and the Summer Triangle in early July, along with notes on the positions of the Pleiades and ISS viewing times. Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft is set to fly by asteroid Torifune, offering insights into asteroid formation, while the Large Hadron Collider undergoes an upgrade.