The Hanoi Astronomy Club (HAS) has just announced exciting astronomical events that will take place in July 2024.
July 5 – New Moon
The moon will be aligned with the sun relative to Earth, making it invisible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 7:49 PM (Vietnam time) on July 5. It is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters, as there is no moonlight to hinder visibility.
July 21 – Full Moon
The moon will be on the opposite side of Earth, fully illuminated by the sun. This phase occurs at 5:18 PM (Vietnam time) on July 21. This full moon is traditionally known as the Buck Moon by Native American tribes, as male deer begin to grow their antlers at this time of year. It is also referred to as the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon.
July 22 – Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
Mercury reaches its greatest elongation east, at an angle of 26.9 degrees from the sun. This is the best time to observe Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for this planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
July 28-29 – Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The meteor shower occurs annually from July 12 to August 23.
The Delta Aquarids is an average meteor shower that can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is created by debris left by the comets Marsden and Kracht. This annual meteor shower runs from July 12 to August 23, with its peak occurring on the night of July 28 into the early morning of July 29. The second crescent moon will obscure many fainter meteors this year. However, with patience, you may still catch a few bright meteors. The best time for observation will be from a dark location after midnight. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear anywhere in the sky.
