How to See the Full Moon and Planets This Weekend (August 9–11, 2025)
How to See the Full Moon and Planets This Weekend: August Skywatching Guide If you’ve been craving a peaceful moment under the stars, this weekend delivers a cosmic gift. From August 9 to 11, skywatchers across the world will be treated to a dazzling night sky—complete with a full moon and multiple visible planets.
Whether you’re new to stargazing or just looking for a magical way to unwind, here’s everything you need to know to see the full moon and planets this weekend—no telescope needed.
Full Moon Rising: When and What to Expect
The full moon will reach its peak on Saturday, August 9, around 7:55 PM local time, depending on your region. Known as the Sturgeon Moon, this particular full moon is named after the large fish often caught during this season by Native American tribes.
Expect a bright, glowing moon that rises just after sunset and shines through the night. It will be easy to spot and impossible to miss.
Planet Lineup: What’s Visible and When
This weekend is extra special because several planets will also be visible in the night sky. Here’s your skywatching checklist:
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Saturn – Rises in the southeast shortly after sunset. A small telescope or binoculars can reveal its rings.
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Jupiter – The second-brightest object in the sky after the moon. It will rise in the east around 10 PM and stay up most of the night.
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Mars – Appears reddish and will rise in the northeast after midnight. It’s dimmer than Jupiter but easy to spot.
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Venus – Not visible at night, but look east just before dawn to catch it shining like a star.
No need for any special equipment. These planets will be clearly visible to the naked eye in dark skies.
Best Time and Location to Watch
To make the most of your stargazing experience:
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When: Between 8 PM and 3 AM, from Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11
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Where: Go to a dark, open area away from city lights—such as a rooftop, beach, rural road, or open field.
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Direction: Use apps like Sky Guide, Stellarium, or Star Walk 2 to help locate planets and constellations.
Don’t Have a Telescope? Here’s What You Can Do
You don’t need a telescope to enjoy this celestial show. Your eyes are enough to see the moon and planets clearly. However, a pair of binoculars can bring out details like the moons of Jupiter or the red hue of Mars.
The key is to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20–30 minutes. Avoid looking at your phone screen directly—use night mode or a red flashlight if needed.
Stargazing Tips for the Best Experience
Here’s how to turn your evening into a night to remember:
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Check the weather forecast before heading out. Clear skies are a must.
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Bring a blanket, reclining chair, or yoga mat for comfort.
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Avoid artificial lights to improve visibility.
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Bring friends or family—the sky is better when shared.
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Download a skywatching app to track planets in real time.
You could even bring snacks and make it a mini night picnic under the stars!
Can You Photograph It?
Absolutely. You don’t need a fancy DSLR. Modern smartphones, when stabilized on a tripod or flat surface, can capture the moon and even some planetary points of light.
Use night mode, and experiment with long exposure settings using apps like Camera+ 2 or NightCap for iOS and ProCam X or Camera FV-5 for Android.
Why This Weekend Matters
A weekend that features a full moon alongside multiple bright planets is not something that happens often. It’s a rare and peaceful moment to reflect, relax, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the universe.
So take a break from screens, grab a friend or two, and look up. The chance to see the full moon and planets this weekend is more than just a skywatching event—it’s a reminder of the beauty and wonder right above us.