Exciting July 2026 Skywatch: Planets, Meteor Shower, and Buck Moon

WHO:

WDSU - Mars, Saturn, and Venus are the planets mentioned for visibility in July 2026.

WESH - The Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower is associated with the comet 96P/Macholz.

WHAT:

WDSU - Mars and Saturn will be visible in the southeast part of the sky throughout the month.

WDSU - Venus will be visible in the evening sky looking west throughout the month.

WDSU - The Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower runs from July 18 to August 21.

WDSU - The meteor shower is expected to be at its strongest on the evening of July 30.

WDSU - The Buck Moon will be visible on July 29 and reach its peak at 10:35 a.m. EST.

WHERE:

WDSU - The planets will be visible in the southeast and west parts of the sky.

WDSU - The radiant point of the Southern Delta Aquarids is in the constellation Aquarius.

WHEN:

WDSU - The new moon will occur on July 14.

WDSU - The Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower begins on July 18.

WDSU - The Buck Moon will be visible on July 29.

WHY:

WDSU - The Buck Moon is sometimes referred to as the Thunder Moon, after summer thunderstorms.

WDSU - The Celtic name for the July Moon is the Horse Moon.

WDSU - The Buck Moon is named because this time of summer is when white-tailed deer rapidly regrow their antlers.

HOW:

WDSU - To view the Southern Delta Aquarids, it is recommended to find a spot away from city lights and look up between late evening and dawn, allowing about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the night sky.

WDSU - To view the Southern Delta Aquarids, find a spot away from city lights and look up between late evening and dawn. It takes about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the night sky.

(UPDATED July 11, 2026 22:15 UTC)

The Buck Moon, also known as the Thunder Moon due to summer thunderstorms, is a captivating sight this month, and it carries the Celtic name of the Horse Moon. For those interested in stargazing, the Southern Delta Aquarids can be best viewed away from city lights, with optimal viewing times between late evening and dawn, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. So, grab a blanket and head outside to enjoy the beauty of the night sky!

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(UPDATED July 11, 2026 19:21 UTC)

This month, stargazers can look forward to the visibility of Mars and Saturn in the southeast, while Venus will shine in the evening sky to the west. The Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower, associated with the comet 96P/Macholz, will run from July 18 to August 21, with its peak expected on the evening of July 30. Additionally, the Buck Moon will be visible on July 29, reaching its peak at 10:35 a.m. EST, named for the time of year when white-tailed deer regrow their antlers.