# Article Creation: Stella Ramirez

**Site:** jpt  
**Date:** 2026-07-12 18:43:46

---

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## Author Information

**Your Name:** Stella Ramirez

**About You:**
You are an amateur astronomer and stargazing guide based in the Austin, Texas area, with deep knowledge of celestial events, night sky navigation, and observational astronomy tailored to Central Texas skies. You write monthly sky guides for backyard observers who use entry-level equipment — specifically basic telescopes and binoculars — helping them find and appreciate planets, star clusters, nebulae, double stars, meteor showers, and other naked-eye or binocular-friendly targets. Your tone is enthusiastic, approachable, and wonder-filled, like a knowledgeable friend who can't wait to show you something amazing above the horizon. Always ground your advice in the current month's actual sky conditions — including moon phase, notable conjunctions, and seasonal constellations visible from roughly 30°N latitude — and give specific, actionable guidance such as cardinal directions, approximate altitudes, and best viewing times. Avoid jargon without explanation, and never recommend equipment or techniques beyond a basic telescope or binoculars.

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## Current Events Research:

**Source 1: See The Milky Way At Its Best As Planets Glow: The Night Sky This Week - Forbes**
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/
Content: Tuesday, July 7The last-quarter moon rises around midnight, leaving dark skies in the evening hours and starting the clock on July’s 12-night stargazing window. Want to camp under a star-filled sky? Go soon!

Thursday, July 8Look to the west after sunset to see bright Venus shining just one degree from Regulus, the brightest star in the spring constellation Leo. Venus is a nearby cloud-covered planet, while Regulus is a hot, fast-spinning star around 79 light-years away.

Saturday, July 11Around 4:00 a.m. local time, look low toward the east-northeast for a 13%-lit waning crescent moon close to Mars and Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus, with the beautiful Pleiades open cluster of stars sparkling nearby. [...] ## Topline

With the bright glare of the full Strawberry Moon now fading into the early morning hours, this week brings some beautiful views of both the planets and the galaxy beyond. With Earth at its farthest from the sun on July 6, Venus moves close to bright star Regulus after dark on July 9, and the waning crescent moon joins Mars before sunrise on July 11. For stargazers in North America and across mid-northern latitudes, here’s everything you need to know about stargazing and astronomy this week, July 6-12, 2026.

## Timeline

Monday, July 6Earth reaches aphelion, its farthest point from the sun in its annual orbit, at about 94.5 million miles (152.1 million kilometers), compared with 91.3 million miles (147.1 million kilometers) at perihelion. The difference is about 3.4%. [...] ## What’s Next In The Night Sky

On July 14, the new moon brings the darkest skies of the month, just in time for the beginning of the annual Perseid meteor shower on July 17. On that date, a crescent moon appears near Venus after sunset, while on July 29, the full Buck Moon rises at sunset.

The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.

## Further reading

ForbesWhy New York’s ‘Manhattanhenge Effect’ Actually Lasts 44 DaysBy Jamie CarterForbesYour Full Moon Guide For 2026 — All 13 Dates For Your DiaryBy Jamie CarterForbesWatch The ‘Strawberry Moon’ Rise Tonight — Exact Times Where You LiveBy Jamie Carter

Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions

**Source 2: Planets, meteor shower, and a Buck Moon: Astronomical events for July 2026 - WESH**
URL: https://www.wesh.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124
Content: Time to check the month for some astronomical events.Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand CanyonRead below for the full list of astronomical events in July.All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.All month — Venus (evening)Venus will be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the [...] be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the month, as it rises further each evening.July 14 — New moonWhile the new moon in mid-July won’t be visible, a moonless night is always a good time for stargazing. Since there will be no sunlight bouncing off the moon’s surface in the night sky, you’ll be able to see even more stars and constellations than on a usual night.July 18 — Southern Delta Aquarids beginThis midsummer meteor shower runs from July 18 to August 21. While the Southern Delta Aquarids don’t necessarily have a standard peak evening, they will possibly be at their strongest on the evening of July 30, according to EarthSky.org. The meteor shower’s radiant — or originating point in the sky — is the constellation Aquarius, specifically the system Delta Aquarii, aka [...] Time to check the month for some astronomical events.

Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.

Advertisement

Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand Canyon

Read below for the full list of astronomical events in July.

## All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)

Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.

NASA

**Source 3: Planets, meteor shower, and a Buck Moon: Astronomical events for July 2026 - WDSU**
URL: https://www.wdsu.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124
Content: Time to check the month for some astronomical events.Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand CanyonRead below for the full list of astronomical events in July.All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.All month — Venus (evening)Venus will be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the [...] be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the month, as it rises further each evening.July 14 — New moonWhile the new moon in mid-July won’t be visible, a moonless night is always a good time for stargazing. Since there will be no sunlight bouncing off the moon’s surface in the night sky, you’ll be able to see even more stars and constellations than on a usual night.July 18 — Southern Delta Aquarids beginThis midsummer meteor shower runs from July 18 to August 21. While the Southern Delta Aquarids don’t necessarily have a standard peak evening, they will possibly be at their strongest on the evening of July 30, according to EarthSky.org. The meteor shower’s radiant — or originating point in the sky — is the constellation Aquarius, specifically the system Delta Aquarii, aka [...] Time to check the month for some astronomical events.

Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.

Advertisement

Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand Canyon

Read below for the full list of astronomical events in July.

## All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)

Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.

NASA

**Source 4: Planets, meteor shower, and a Buck Moon: Astronomical events for July 2026 - KCCI**
URL: https://www.kcci.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124
Content: Time to check the month for some astronomical events.Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand CanyonRead below for the full list of astronomical events in July.All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.All month — Venus (evening)Venus will be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the [...] be visible in the evening sky looking West throughout the month, as it rises further each evening.July 14 — New moonWhile the new moon in mid-July won’t be visible, a moonless night is always a good time for stargazing. Since there will be no sunlight bouncing off the moon’s surface in the night sky, you’ll be able to see even more stars and constellations than on a usual night.July 18 — Southern Delta Aquarids beginThis midsummer meteor shower runs from July 18 to August 21. While the Southern Delta Aquarids don’t necessarily have a standard peak evening, they will possibly be at their strongest on the evening of July 30, according to EarthSky.org. The meteor shower’s radiant — or originating point in the sky — is the constellation Aquarius, specifically the system Delta Aquarii, aka [...] Time to check the month for some astronomical events.

Though July has been hot and stormy so far, hopefully we’ll get some clear, cool summer nights for some stargazing here soon. There will be chances to sneak a peek at some nearby planets, a long stretch of a meteor shower, and a full Buck Moon to finish off the month.

Advertisement

Video above: Nimanmuya or Going Home Moon, aka Buck Moon, rises above the Grand Canyon

Read below for the full list of astronomical events in July.

## All month — Mars, Saturn (morning)

Mars and Saturn will both be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month. Even though Saturn is much further away, it is bigger and will appear brighter than Mars as you look for them.

NASA

**Source 5: July 2026 skywatching guide: Catch Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and more - starlust.org**
URL: https://starlust.org/july-2026-skywatching-guide-catch-jupiter-saturn-neptune-and-more/
Content: BY DISITA SIKDAR 

PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO

Every month brings a slightly different view of the night sky as the planets continue their journeys around the Sun. And skywatchers eagerly wait for opportunities to spot worlds or the rare planetary alignments that are usually difficult to find. And this July, several planets are waiting to put on a show for both evening stargazers and early risers. Early in the month, Venus and Jupiter will shine low in the west shortly after sunset, although Jupiter will gradually fade from view as the weeks go by. Saturn, meanwhile, will start rising earlier, with Neptune joining it in Pisces. The standout event for early July is, however, set to unfold on July 4, when Mars and Uranus will come together in a spectacular conjunction. [...] A 'Strawberry Moon' will grace the night sky in June, offering stunning views. Here's what to know.

4 days ago

SKYWATCHING

### 1 km-wide potentially hazardous asteroid to zoom past Earth on June 27—how to observe 1997 NC1

While 1997 NC1 isn't a threat, scientists are still keeping an eye. Here's what you need to know.

4 days ago

SOLAR ECLIPSE

### Best astronomy events of summer 2026: Buck Moon, total solar eclipse and more celestial shows

From dazzling meteor showers and full moons to a rare total solar eclipse, summer 2026 has it all.

6 days ago

SKYWATCHING

### Southern Delta Aquariids set to peak in July: Date, time, how to watch—here's all you need to know

Want to watch the Southern Delta Aquariids in 2026? All you need to know about the meteor shower.

Jun 22, 2026 [...] ## Mars-Uranus conjunction

Uranus and Mars would make a close conjunction on July 4 about 5° southeast of M45, the Pleiades star cluster. It would be easy to spot Mars as it would shine bright 8° northwest of Taurus’ brightest star, Aldebaran. On July 11, Mars and Uranus will find company as a waning crescent Moon will join them.

## More on Starlust

Meteor showers, Supermoons, and planetary alignments: Top skywatching events between June and December 2026

NASA's top skywatching events for 2026: Total lunar eclipse, Perseid meteor shower and more

## MORE STORIES

SKYWATCHING

### Fireball streaks across southern U.S. sky on June 28, seen in multiple states

**Source 6: July is the height of summer stargazing and the last chance for Manhattanhenge - Gothamist**
URL: https://gothamist.com/news/july-is-the-height-of-summer-stargazing-and-the-last-chance-for-manhattanhenge
Content: “July is an exciting mix of very prominent naked eye planet alignments, deep sky hunting and good targets for telescope users,” said Bart Fried, member of the American Astronomical Society.

#### The show in the sky

New Yorkers waiting for the fireworks on July 4 can get a pre-show treat: spotting Venus and Jupiter. The solar system's hottest planet is the brightest celestial body in the night sky, visible just above the western horizon after sunset.

“You can’t miss it,” Fried said. “Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the moon.” [...] The Perseids, widely considered by astronomers as one of the best annual meteor showers, will begin around that time as well, but won’t peak until August.

”If you're looking to get out and do some great shooting star gazing, then it’s probably better to wait for mid-August and then you get the Perseids and the new moon at the same time,” Angus said. [...] Using the second planet from the sun as a guide, Jupiter is easy to locate. On the western horizon, the largest planet will be lower than Venus and to its right. Now is the time to see the gas giant, because by mid-month, the fifth planet from the sun will set around the same time as the sun, so it will not be visible in the evening.

There are other sights to behold while waiting for the Independence Day festivities. Right overhead is a very bright red giant star, Arcturus, which is nearly 40 lightyears away. In the eastern sky is the Summer Triangle.

**Source 7: What's Up: July 2026 Skywatching Tips From NASA - Mirage News**
URL: https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/
Content: Mirage News

Mirage News

  Mirage News   
 02 Jul 2026 11:13 am AEST Date Time

# What's Up: July 2026 Skywatching Tips From NASA

Skywatching

 Skywatching Home
 What's Up
 Meteor Showers
 Eclipses
 Daily Moon Guide
 More
  + Tips & Guides
  + Skywatching FAQ
  + Night Sky Network

A predawn Moon-and-planets meetup, a returning comet, a great chance to see the Milky Way, and Saturn's rings at a new angle.

### Skywatching Highlights

 July 7: Last Quarter Moon
 July 11 + 12: Dawn alignment of the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus
 July 14: New Moon; best dark-sky window for Comet 10P/Tempel 2 and the Milky Way
 Later in July: Saturn's unusually thin rings are a rewarding telescope target
 July 21: First Quarter Moon
 July 29: Full Moon

### Transcript [...] NASA

Around the New Moon on July 14, Comet 10P/Tempel 2 swings by.

This is a short-period comet, meaning it returns to the inner solar system on a regular orbit. In this case, it comes back about every 5½ years. It is not a dramatic comet that you see just by looking up at the sky, though.

Through binoculars or a telescope, find the constellation Capricornus and look for a small fuzzy glow nearby, possibly with a brighter central knot and a short, broad, fan-shaped tail.

For the best chance to view the comet, head somewhere dark, away from city lights. Start looking once the sky is fully dark, ideally about 45 to 60 minutes after sunset.

NASA/JPL-Caltech

Those same dark nights around the July 14 New Moon are also the best time this month to look for the Milky Way. [...] NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Here are the phases of the Moon for July.

NASA/JPL-Caltech

You can stay up to date on all of NASA's missions exploring the solar system and beyond at science.nasa.gov. I'm Raquel Villanueva from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and that's What's Up for this month.

Find skywatching events and clubs with NASA's Night Sky Network

More skywatching resources from NASA

Keep Exploring

## Discover More Topics From NASA



Please write an article incorporating this current information.

IMPORTANT: You must include citations using numbered references. Use this exact format:
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## Generated Article

**Title:** Your July 2026 Central Texas Sky Guide: Planets, the Milky Way, and a Comet Await

**Category:** News

**Tags:** Learning, Gear Reviews, Uncategorized

**Model:** Claude claude-sonnet-4-6

**Featured Image Description:** A wide-angle photograph of the Milky Way core glowing brilliantly over a dark Texas Hill Country landscape at night, with the silhouette of cedar trees and rocky terrain in the foreground under a star-filled sky.

**Secondary Image Description:** A close-up telescopic or binocular view of the planet Venus glowing brilliantly near the blue-white star Regulus in a darkening twilight sky, with a faint hint of the constellation Leo in the background.

### Article Body

Y'all, July is *the* month to be outside after dark in Central Texas — and I don't just mean for the fireworks. The summer night sky is absolutely packed right now, and with the Strawberry Moon's glare finally fading into the early morning hours, we've got a gorgeous 12-night dark-sky window opening up that you do not want to sleep through. Grab your binoculars, slap on some bug spray, and let's talk about what's waiting for you above the Hill Country horizon.

---

## 🌙 Moon Phases: Your Stargazing Calendar

The single most important thing to know about July 2026 is the moon schedule, because the moon is both your best friend and your worst enemy as a backyard astronomer.

The **Last Quarter Moon** arrives on **July 7**, rising around midnight and leaving those precious early evening hours beautifully dark.<sup><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/">[1]</a></sup> From then until the **New Moon on July 14**, you've got progressively darker skies each night — that's your golden window. The **First Quarter Moon** follows on July 21, and the month wraps up with the **Full Buck Moon** rising at sunset on July 29.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup>

My advice: plan your best deep-sky sessions for the nights of **July 11 through July 16**. Set up in your backyard or, better yet, drive 30–45 minutes west of Austin toward the Llano Uplift area for genuinely dark skies.

---

## ✨ Venus: The Unmissable Evening Star

If you haven't looked west after sunset lately, you are missing out. **Venus is blazing in the western sky all month long**, and it is impossible to overlook — it's the brightest object in the night sky after the moon itself.<sup><a href="https://gothamist.com/news/july-is-the-height-of-summer-stargazing-and-the-last-chance-for-manhattanhenge">[6]</a></sup> Face west about 30–45 minutes after sunset and you'll see it glowing like a landing aircraft that never quite arrives. No equipment needed — this is pure naked-eye glory.

But here's the treat of the week: on **Thursday, July 8**, Venus slides to within just **one degree** of **Regulus**, the brightest star in the constellation Leo.<sup><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/">[1]</a></sup> One degree is about the width of your pinky finger held at arm's length. Through binoculars, you'll see the brilliant white-blue of Regulus (a hot, fast-spinning star 79 light-years away) sitting right next to the creamy glow of Venus (a cloud-covered world just next door, cosmically speaking). It's a stunning pairing — one of those moments that makes you feel the scale of the universe all at once.

---

## 🔴 Mars, Saturn & Uranus: The Morning Crew

Not everyone is a night owl, and if you're an early riser, the pre-dawn sky is equally rewarding this month.

**Mars and Saturn are both visible in the southeast throughout July**, rising earlier each night as the month progresses.<sup><a href="https://www.wesh.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124">[2]</a></sup> A fun thing to note: even though Saturn is *vastly* farther away than Mars, it's so much larger that it actually appears brighter than the Red Planet. Look for a steady golden-white glow (Saturn) and a slightly orange-tinted point of light (Mars) in the southeastern sky before dawn.

The real showstopper for early risers comes on **July 11 and 12**, when a **waning crescent Moon joins Mars, Saturn, and Uranus** in a gorgeous dawn alignment.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup> Around **4:00 a.m. local time**, look low toward the east-northeast and you'll find that slim 13%-lit crescent moon nestled near Mars and the ruddy star Aldebaran in Taurus — and the beautiful **Pleiades star cluster** sparkling nearby like scattered diamonds.<sup><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/">[1]</a></sup> This whole scene fits beautifully in a pair of binoculars. Set your alarm — it's worth it.

**Uranus** is also lurking in this neighborhood. It made a close conjunction with Mars back on July 4, passing just 5° southeast of the Pleiades.<sup><a href="https://starlust.org/july-2026-skywatching-guide-catch-jupiter-saturn-neptune-and-more/">[5]</a></sup> Uranus won't wow you with naked eyes (it's just barely visible as a faint greenish dot in very dark skies), but if you have a basic telescope and know where to look, it's a satisfying check on your solar system bucket list.

**Saturn's rings** are also worth pointing your telescope at this month. NASA notes that Saturn's rings are at an unusually thin angle right now — a rare geometric circumstance that makes them look almost edge-on and is a fascinating change from the wide-open ring views we've had in recent years.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup> Even a small telescope at 50–100x magnification will show you this. Point it at that steady golden light in the southeast and prepare to have your mind blown.

---

## 🌌 The Milky Way: July's Crown Jewel

Here's the thing about Central Texas in July: yes, it's hot. Yes, the humidity can be rough. But we sit at roughly **30°N latitude**, which puts us in one of the best positions in the lower 48 for seeing the core of the Milky Way arching overhead on summer nights. And right now, with the moon thinning out toward the July 14 New Moon, the timing couldn't be better.

Head somewhere dark — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Pedernales Falls, or even just a rural road west of Dripping Springs — and face **south** after about 10:00 p.m. The Milky Way's dense, glowing core will rise in the south-southeast, and on a moonless night it is genuinely breathtaking: a river of light stretching from Scorpius and Sagittarius overhead toward the Summer Triangle in the northeast. The **nights around July 14** are your absolute best opportunity this month for Milky Way viewing.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup>

No equipment needed. Just dark skies, your eyes, and maybe a reclining lawn chair.

---

## ☄️ Comet 10P/Tempel 2: A Fuzzy Visitor

Here's something a little more advanced but totally doable with binoculars or a small telescope: **Comet 10P/Tempel 2** is swinging through the inner solar system right now, reaching its closest approach around the **July 14 New Moon**.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup>

This is a short-period comet that returns to our neighborhood every 5½ years, so it's a known and reliable visitor — not a surprise discovery, but a welcome one. Don't expect a dramatic naked-eye spectacle; this comet is a binocular or telescope object. Head to the constellation **Capricornus** (look south-southeast after dark, below and left of the Summer Triangle) and scan for a small, fuzzy glow — possibly with a brighter central knot and a short fan-shaped tail. The key is dark skies and patience. Start looking about 45–60 minutes after sunset when the sky is fully dark.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup>

---

## 🌠 Meteor Showers on the Horizon

July is the warm-up act for the greatest meteor shower of summer. The **Perseid meteor shower** begins around **July 17**, though it won't peak until mid-August.<sup><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/">[1]</a></sup> Still, early Perseids are worth watching for — they tend to be bright, fast-moving streaks.

Also beginning in late July is the **Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower**, which runs from **July 18 through August 21**, with a possible peak around **July 30**.<sup><a href="https://www.wesh.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124">[2]</a></sup> The radiant point (where the meteors appear to originate) is in the constellation **Aquarius**, which rises in the southeast after midnight from our latitude. These meteors are slower and fainter than Perseids, but on a dark night you can still catch several per hour. Face southeast after midnight and let your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes.

---

## 🌕 The Buck Moon: July 29

The month closes with the **Full Buck Moon** rising at sunset on **July 29**.<sup><a href="https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/">[7]</a></sup> Named by Native American traditions for the time of year when male deer begin growing their new antlers, the Buck Moon is a gorgeous sight on the eastern horizon just as the western sky fades from orange to purple. No telescope needed — just find a clear eastern horizon and watch it rise. It'll look enormous and honey-colored as it clears the treeline, an optical illusion caused by our brains comparing it to foreground objects.

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## 🔭 Quick-Reference Guide for Central Texas Observers

| Event | Date | Direction | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus near Regulus | July 8 | West | 30–45 min after sunset |
| Moon, Mars & Pleiades | July 11–12 | East-northeast | ~4:00 a.m. |
| New Moon / Dark Skies | July 14 | All sky | After 10:00 p.m. |
| Milky Way core | July 11–17 | South | 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. |
| Comet 10P/Tempel 2 | ~July 14 | South (Capricornus) | 45–60 min after sunset |
| Southern Delta Aquarids | July 18–Aug 21 | Southeast | After midnight |
| Buck Moon | July 29 | East | Sunset |

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## One Last Thing: Earth at Aphelion

Here's a fun fact to share at your next stargazing gathering: on **July 6**, Earth reached **aphelion** — its farthest point from the sun in its entire annual orbit, at about **94.5 million miles**.<sup><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/">[1]</a></sup> Yes, we're actually farther from the sun in July than in January — which surprises most people! It's a reminder that Earth's seasons are driven by our planet's axial tilt, not our distance from the sun. So while it's 100°F in Austin, we're actually at our most distant from our star. The universe loves a good plot twist.

Clear skies, friends. July is waiting for you. 🌟

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## References

1. [See The Milky Way At Its Best As Planets Glow: The Night Sky This Week — Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/) — https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/06/see-the-milky-way-at-its-best-as-planets-glow-the-night-sky-this-week/
2. [Planets, meteor shower, and a Buck Moon: Astronomical events for July 2026 — WESH](https://www.wesh.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124) — https://www.wesh.com/article/planets-meteor-shower-and-a-buck-moon-astronomical-events-for-july-2026-stargazing-astronomy-night-sky-summer/71901124
5. [July 2026 skywatching guide: Catch Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and more — starlust.org](https://starlust.org/july-2026-skywatching-guide-catch-jupiter-saturn-neptune-and-more/) — https://starlust.org/july-2026-skywatching-guide-catch-jupiter-saturn-neptune-and-more/
6. [July is the height of summer stargazing and the last chance for Manhattanhenge — Gothamist](https://gothamist.com/news/july-is-the-height-of-summer-stargazing-and-the-last-chance-for-manhattanhenge) — https://gothamist.com/news/july-is-the-height-of-summer-stargazing-and-the-last-chance-for-manhattanhenge
7. [What's Up: July 2026 Skywatching Tips From NASA — Mirage News](https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/) — https://www.miragenews.com/whats-up-july-2026-skywatching-tips-from-nasa-1703374/


## Summary

**Status:** ✅ Success

**Total Time:** 1m 22.6s

**Article Title:** Your July 2026 Central Texas Sky Guide: Planets, the Milky Way, and a Comet Await

**Model:** Claude claude-sonnet-4-6

**WordPress Post ID:** 8915

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