Milky Way Center Lights Up July Skies, With Best Viewing Near July 14 New Moon
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 2
Milky Way Center Lights Up July Skies, With Best Viewing Near July 14 New Moon
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 2
Summary
The Milky Way’s bright galactic center will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere throughout July, including the U.S. Fourth of July weekend.
July 14 should offer the clearest view because the new moon will leave skies darkest, while the holiday weekend faces interference from a moon more than 80% full through July 5.
No telescope is required: the band is best seen from dark, cloud-free locations away from city lights, typically after astronomical twilight and often between midnight and 5 a.m.
Milky Way season in the Northern Hemisphere generally runs from March to September, when the galaxy’s core appears as a faint hazy arc stretching across the night sky.