Venus and Mars headline the celestial events of July 2021
This NASA guide highlights the best skywatching opportunities for July 2021, focusing on the prominent appearance of Venus and its close encounter with Mars. It provides essential context for observing these planets and finding the best conditions to view the Milky Way.
In July 2021, Venus shines brightly as the Evening Star following sunset. Observers can spot a much fainter Mars nearby, with the two planets reaching a super close pairing on July 12. Beyond planetary viewing, the month offers ideal conditions for those who can reach dark skies to witness the Milky Way.
NASA's monthly skywatching series serves as a resource for amateur astronomers to explore the night sky. While planets like Venus and Mars are often visible in the hours around sunset, the series emphasizes that skywatching is a practice of patience and preparation, whether one is tracking planetary movements or seeking out the best locations for stargazing.
