Lake Powell’s low light pollution and untouched natural landscapes make it a great area for stargazing. Fortunately, visitors to the lake area in July will have several uniquely special astronomical events to look forward to seeing. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Powell in July, make sure not to miss these wonders in the night sky:
1. Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower is a great chance to spot a shooting star (don’t forget to make a wish!) and will be visible in Lake Powell at its peak from July 28 – July 30. Viewers will be able to spot between 20 and 20 meteors per hour, and it even coincides with the new moon for better viewing. To see the meteor shower for yourself, look south in the pre-dawn hours, and focus on the darkest part of the sky for the best chance of seeing a shooting star.
2. Summer Triangle
The Summer Triangle is July’s best constellation, and its three stars, Vega, Altair, and Deneb, are even known as the “stars of summer.” The constellation’s three-cornered pattern can be seen in the southern sky and can be used to find the Southern Cross as well.
3. Saturn
The planet Saturn rises at 11 am on July 4th and will continue to rise a half hour earlier each day through the end of the month. Jupiter follows close behind, staying low in the eastern sky. Both planets are at their highest around dawn.
4. Supermoon
July’s full moon is traditionally known as the “Buck Moon” or “Thunder Moon,” and occurs on July 13 this year. However, July 2022’s full moon is extra special as it’s what’s known as a “Supermoon.” This is when the moon is the closest it will get to the earth on its orbital path and appears 10% bigger than normal to the naked eye. It even makes ocean tides larger than usual.
5. Mars
Visitors to Lake Powell in July will be able to see Mars, the second-smallest planet in the solar system. It rises at 2 am, however, so you’ll have to be up late to spot the red planet.
6. Uranus
The planet Uranus will be visible as part of the Aries constellation for the entire month of July from Lake Powell. Visible in the early morning hours, Uranus can be seen without a telescope if you have good eyesight and a dark location, but binoculars or a telescope are better for getting the full effect of its green tinge.
Professional Guide Services for Your Next Lake Powell Vacation
Want to make sure you don’t miss these incredible sights in the night sky while you’re in Lake Powell? Lake Powell Guide Services provides dedicated stargazing trips led by expert guides, so you can take full advantage of the incredible night sky visible at Lake Powell. In addition to stargazing trips, we also offer guided fishing trips, camping excursions, and other activities to make your next trip to Lake Powell memorable and stress-free. Contact us today for more information or to book your trip.