While the Buck Moon has already risen and set over the Lone Star State, July still has a handful of impressive celestial shows left for skywatchers—especially those lucky enough to stargaze from wide-open Texas skies.
Here’s what’s still in store for the rest of the month:
Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower (Peaks July 28–30)
One of summer’s most consistent meteor showers, the Delta Aquariids peak in late July and continue into August. While they aren’t the flashiest (expect about 15–20 meteors per hour), they’re still worth watching—especially in rural Texas, where skies tend to be darker.
- Best viewing: After midnight, July 28–30
- Where to look: The southern sky, near the constellation Aquarius
- Texas tip: Find a spot with minimal light pollution. Bring a lawn chair, lie back, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust.
Moon Meets Saturn (July 24–25)
Look up just before midnight on Wednesday, July 24, and into the early hours of Thursday, July 25, as the nearly full waning gibbous moon passes close to Saturn. Saturn will appear as a bright point just to the upper right of the moon.
- Best viewing: After 11 p.m., low in the southeastern sky
- Texas tip: If you’ve got binoculars or a backyard telescope, now’s the time to dust it off—Saturn’s rings are a Texas-sized treat.
Southern Milky Way Visible All Month
You don’t need a special date to appreciate one of the most spectacular features of the night sky: the Milky Way. In July, the bright core of our galaxy stretches high across the southern sky—perfectly visible on dark, clear nights.
- Best viewing: Anytime after 10 p.m., on moonless nights
- Where to look: South and southeast
- Texas tip: Camp out Bolivar Peninsula’s darker corners. The galaxy will rise like a ghostly ribbon over the Gulf.
Venus at Its Brightest (Late July, Pre-Dawn)
Venus has moved to the morning sky and will shine bright as a “morning star” just before sunrise. By the end of July, it becomes one of the brightest objects in the sky, best viewed about 30–45 minutes before dawn.
- Best viewing: Just before sunrise in the eastern sky
- Texas tip: If you’re an early riser, take your coffee outside and enjoy Venus rising over the water.
Final Thought
July still has its sparkle left—especially for Texans who know how to appreciate a good sky show. Whether you’re gazing from a beach chair, a ranch, or your own backyard, the universe is putting on a display worth watching.
