July's Buck Moon leads mini planet parade in summer sky tonight

Buck Moon to light up the night sky

July's full moon, known as the Buck Moon, reaches its peak tonight. It will be the brightest object in the sky, but it has company — a mini parade of five planets will also be visible.

The Buck Moon gets its name from the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin growing their antlers. This year, it appears as a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.

When and where to watch in India

The moon will reach full illumination at a specific time, varying by location. In India, the best viewing starts just after sunset, around 7:00 PM IST, when the moon rises in the east.

Moneycontrol reports that key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will have clear views if monsoon clouds do not interfere. In regions with heavy rain, like Kerala or northeast India, the moon may be obscured. Skywatchers in drier areas, such as Rajasthan, have the best chance of a clear sighting.

Planet parade lineup

The mini planet parade includes Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. They will appear in a line near the moon, with Venus being the brightest. Mercury will be low on the horizon, so a clear view is essential.

No telescope is needed, but binoculars help spot Mercury and Saturn. The planets will be visible for about an hour after sunset before they set.

Monsoon threat and viewing tips

The Indian monsoon could spoil the show. Heavy rain clouds may block the moon and planets in many parts of the country. The Indian Meteorological Department has not issued a specific forecast for tonight, but local weather reports should be checked.

To maximise viewing, find a spot away from city lights. An elevated area, like a terrace or hill, works best. The moon will be visible even with some clouds, but planets may be harder to spot.

What to expect

This event is a treat for amateur astronomers. The Buck Moon will dominate the sky, but the planet parade adds a rare spectacle. The planets will appear as bright stars, moving slowly across the sky.

No special equipment is needed, but a camera with a zoom lens can capture the scene. The moon and planets will be visible for a few hours after sunset.

Officials have not confirmed whether the event will be visible in all parts of India. Local astronomy clubs may host viewing sessions in some cities.

What happens next

The next major sky event is the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August. But for tonight, the Buck Moon and planet parade are the main attractions. If clouds stay away, it will be a memorable sight across the country.