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Scotsman
12-08-2025
- Science
- Scotsman
Your best chance to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2025 is almost here
People wanting to see them at peak brightness may have a late night or early morning in store ☄ Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The yearly Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak tonight But the annual fireball extravaganza may be harder to see than in years past Regardless, stargazers may still spot up to 20 shooting stars per hour if the weather is on their side For those that miss out, tonight won't be their last chance to see it One of the highlights of the annual stargazing calendar will reach its peak tonight – but it may be a little trickier than usual to see with the naked eye. The Perseid meteor shower is visible for a time every year across much of the Northern Hemisphere, usually from mid July until late August. But for a few glorious nights it will hit a crescendo, with dozens of 'shooting stars' dancing across the night sky each hour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That time has now come. Tuesday night (August 12/13) is expected to be the height of the annual spectacle, according to BBC's Sky at Night magazine. Unfortunately, astronomy experts have warned that it might not be so easy to observe in its full glory in 2025, especially for the more casual stargazer. But that doesn't mean that there's no point keeping an eye on the sky, or that there is nothing people in the UK hoping to catch a glimpse can do to maximise their chances. Here's everything you need to know about the Perseids, from what they actually are, to how you can increase your odds of seeing them them: A composite photo of 15 Perseid meteors seen over the US back in 2018 | (Photo: STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) What actually is the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower is directly connected to the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet. This space giant is also orbiting our sun, although it takes about 133 years to make a full lap, according to experts at EarthSky. The meteor shower that we see here is actually bits of dust and debris from that comet burning up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere, US space agency NASA says. This is why there tends to be a peak night each year, which lines up with when the planet passes through the thickest parts of this cloud. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The reason it is called the Perseid meteor shower is because they look like they're coming from the constellation Perseus – named after the Greek mythological hero. In astronomy, the point in the sky where meteors appear to be coming from is known as the 'radiant'. Why seeing it may be tricky this year August's full moon – sometimes known as the Sturgeon Moon – arrived over the weekend. Even though it is now waning, the moon remains very large and bright. This illuminates the night sky, and can make it harder to see the smaller, dimmer lights of the meteor shower. EarthSky says that typically, someone watching a dark night sky during the Perseids' peak would see between 60 and 90 shooting stars over the course of an hour. But only about a quarter of that will be visible in bright moonlight, or around 10 to 20 per hour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How can I see it – and where will be the best places in the UK to watch? Royal Museums Greenwich says that people in the UK should be able to see the odd meteor from the time the sun sets. But if you're wanting to see a lot of them at peak brightness, you might have either a late night or an early morning in store – with the best viewing times being between midnight and 5.30am. As always, dark skies with few other sources of light pollution (except the moon, which nothing can be done about) are typically the best places to observe anything going on in the night sky. Spots across the UK known for having especially dark skies include Northumberland, Herefordshire, Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, and large parts of Northern Ireland. However, it is possible to see at least some of the meteor shower anywhere that the weather is clear. According to the Met Office's cloud cover map, much of the south and midlands of England will be in luck tonight. However, there is spotty cloud cover expected over the north, as well as over much of Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout the night – especially over northern Scotland. If you're keen on heading out to watch the spectacle, it's best to check your local weather forecast for a better idea. If the bright moon is what is disrupting your viewing, the good news is that the shower will continue for the next few weeks. It won't be quite as intense as it's expected to be tonight, but keeping an eye out over the next few days as the moon continues to dwindle (but we're still close to the event's peak) will give you a good chance of spotting meteors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Elle
10-07-2025
- General
- Elle
The Full Buck Moon Is Coming—Here's What It Means for Each Star Sign
If things have been feeling a little off-kilter lately, take solace in the fact that July's full moon—nicknamed the buck moon—is about to rise, and with it comes inevitable change. The buck moon gets its name from the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their new antlers, per BBC's Sky at Night magazine, and it will be available to witness on Thursday, July 10. It's also notable because it's one of the lowest-hanging full moons you'll see all year. Full moons mirror the sun's positions, so when the sun is at its highest (as it is in the summer months), the full moon is as its lowest. This year's buck moon will bring inner strength, a result of the tension between our current Cancer sun and Capricorn moon, which dictate our personal lives and public ambition, respectively. Find everything you need to know about how the buck moon will impact your sign, below. The buck moon is responsible for supercharging ambition, so expect to feel the urge to chase goals that perhaps, until now, you've been burying deep within. Your confidence may begin to spike, as will your impatience, so channel that energy into a bold move—not a meltdown. The buck moon will spotlight your finances and values, dear Taurus. It's time to shed old spending habits and invest in what truly matters: emotional security and the relationships that tether you and keep you grounded. Expect a surprise in your comfort zone but rather than running away, which may be your natural instinct, try to embrace it. Communication is your playground this year, Gemini, and July's buck moon will truly hand you the megaphone. Remember to speak your truth, but don't overshare. Sibling drama or neighborhood news may surface, but what goes around comes around, so try to avoid the urge to engage in frivolous gossip. If there's been a simmering romance burning in the background of your life, this may be the time to enjoy it a little; write, call, connect, but don't forget to listen. The moon is your celestial North Star, and this month's full moon promises to truly light up your self-worth. If old, tired insecurities threaten to resurface, channel your inner light; you've worked hard to be where you are today. Money matters may also demand attention this month, but just remember to budget—there's no need to binge. The buck moon lands in your sign this month, Leo, making you the ultimate main character. Use that energy to reinvent your look, your brand, and your attitude. Old drama may fall away, and relationships might shift as you demand authenticity. Just remember to keep the people who have supported you from the beginning by your side; loyalty has never meant more. Consider this buck moon your cosmic detox, Virgo. If hidden feelings threaten to bubble up, then let them—it's time to release what's no longer serving you. A secret might come to light, but it'll be liberating, so use that energy to prepare for a new chapter. Mental and emotional clutter, be gone. July is when your social calendar explodes—expect invitations, group chats, and maybe a reunion. The buck moon highlights your friendships and future goals, but remember that while collaboration is key, so is setting boundaries. In the romance realm, love could blossom with a friend—or an old flame may reappear. Be ready, but stay grounded. A career makeover is coming your way, Scorpio, as the buck moon puts your ambitions in the spotlight. The propulsive energy of this full moon will also lead you to a place of recognition. Own your power, but play nice with people in positions of authority. And if you've been hustling for a while, trust that the rewards are close. Adventure beckons this month, Sagittarius, and the buck moon is your cosmic passport. Travel, study, or a wild idea may tempt you this month. All that's left for you to do is to say yes and lean into the power of the unknown. Everything is possible. And while it may be time to broaden your horizons, don't ghost your responsibilities—inspiration may strike from afar. Transformation is the name of the game. The buck moon will expose what's hidden: debts, desires, or a taboo topic, so ensure you demand clarity with any financial matters that may arise. This month, an intimate relationship will also deepen or end, but before you make any knee-jerk decisions, remember that vulnerability is your secret weapon. Walk away from old baggage that no longer serves you and watch as, like a phoenix from the ashes, you emerge stronger. Partnerships take center stage this month as the buck moon brings clarity to a relationship—romantic, business, or otherwise. It will also force you to make a choice when a pressing decision looms: Now is your time to either commit or quit. Communication is key, but so is compromise. Wellness is your full-moon focus for the month of July; use the energy that you'll feel to cement habits and routines you've been trying to make stick. But also listen to your body and rest, hydrate, and skip the drama. There may be a work project that wraps up or a new door that opens—stay ready.
Elle
09-07-2025
- General
- Elle
July's Full Moon: When to See the ‘Buck Moon' Rise Where You Are
Rejoice! Hot on the heels of June's full strawberry moon, July's full moon, which is also the first official full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, is coming soon on Thursday, July 10. Called the 'buck moon,' this full moon in particular gets its name from the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their new antlers, a symbol of summer's peak and nature's renewal, per BBC's Sky at Night magazine. July's buck moon is also notable as it's one of the lowest-hanging full moons of the year. That's because a full moon is directly opposite the sun, mirroring its position; the full moon is at its lowest when the sun is at its highest, as it is in the summer months. That's not all: This year's buck moon is also a catalyst for realignment, due to the tension between the current Cancer sun, which dictates our personal lives, and the Capricorn moon, which dictates public ambition. What does that mean exactly? Well, in short, it means that this full moon will bring a powerful wave of growth and renewal for all 12 zodiac signs. The buck moon is a time to reinforce boundaries and unapologetically pursue goals. To find the best time to see the buck moon appear, consult a moonrise calculator. Here are some sample times: The next full moon is the 'sturgeon moon,' which will occur on Saturday, August 9. It will be the second full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
How to see the flower moon in UK skies next week
The flower moon will rise over the UK on 12 May, but will be a little smaller than most full moons. A micromoon rises behind the so-called liver bird, the symbol of Liverpool that sits on top of the city's Royal Liver Building. (Alamy) The flower moon will rise over British skies on 12 May, but it will be a little smaller than most full moons, making it what is known as a 'micromoon'. The moon will appear full over most of the weekend, but will be at its best on Monday night. A full moon is when the moon appears as a complete circle in the sky: this is because the whole side of the moon facing us on Earth is lit up by the sun's rays. Because the moon does not produce its own light, we only see the parts of it that are lit up by other objects like the sun. This one will appear smaller, as it's further away. Where and when is the best time to see it? The flower moon will rise over the UK at 9.28pm BST on 12 May, according to Sky at Night. The moon will rise in the southeast beneath the constellation Libra and will not rise very high in the sky, and will stay in the southern part of the sky, setting in the southwest before dawn. A micromoon rises over the Czech capital of Prague last month. (Alamy) Why is it called the flower moon? The names we use for full moons today (such as cold moon, wolf moon and harvest moon) come to us indirectly from Native American traditions. Nasa's Gordon Johnston wrote: 'In the 1930s, the Maine Farmer's Almanac began publishing Indian names for the full moons, tying these names to the European months." The flower moon is named as such because it coincides with a time of year when flowers are abundant – it's also known as the corn-planting moon or milk moon, according to NASA. What is a micromoon? In contrast to the better-known supermoon, this month's flower moon will be a "micromoon". This means it appears very slightly smaller from Earth. Both supermoons and micromoons are due to the fact that the moon's orbit is not a circle – it's elliptical. This means that the moon is sometimes closer to Earth and sometimes further away - a micromoon occurs when a full moon happens when it is furthest away from the Earth.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Watch unique sky event from your backyard as planet passes through a cosmic beehive
Down on Earth, it is about to look as though a reddish star in the Beehive star cluster is moving. The reality is it's not a star, it's Earth's neighbor, Mars. Between May 1 and 6, Mars is expected to make its approach through the Beehive star cluster, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Mars infrequently passes through the star cluster once every year, either in the spring or in the fall, as it did in December 2024, BBC Sky at Night reported. The best night to see Mars make its passage is May 2, two hours after sunset, the space website When the Curves Line Up wrote. The moon's illumination should be over 30%, which could wash out the naked-eye view of some of the cluster's stars. Scientifically designated as Messier 44 and located in the constellation Cancer, the Beehive is made up of around 1,000 stars loosely connected by gravity, NASA stated. It is best seen in the spring night sky and covers a part of space large enough to fit about three full moons. Mars should be seen making its way through the star cluster with a pair of binoculars, When the Curves Line Up wrote. This star cluster is unique for being positioned along the elliptic, the invisible plane in which all the solar system's planets line up as they orbit around the sun. Though Mars resembles a star in the night sky, it's far closer than the stars that make up the Beehive. The star cluster is 600 light years away, according to NASA, while the space agency reports that Mars is 142 million miles from Earth. While second-century astronomer Ptolemy noted the cluster as 'the nebulous mass in the breast of Cancer,' Galileo made the first telescopic view of the star cluster in 1609, when he counted 40 stars, EarthSky wrote. Here are 10 photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope after 35 years in space Why won't you be able to see the closest supermoon of 2025? This newly found green comet may not have survived its trek past the sun Here's what a Beatles song and a fossil have to do with a NASA mission to study asteroids 4 planets align in early-morning sky: How and where to spot them
