Collection Astronomy & Constellations 2026.07.20

Collection of Star Constellations and Astronomical Phenomena Ideal for Observation in July 2026

From the Milky Way around the new moon to the close approaches of Delta Aquarids, Venus & Regulus, and Mars & Aldebaran

#Constellations #Astronomical Phenomena #Summer Night Sky #July 2026 #Meteor Shower

July 2026 marks the full arrival of summer constellations as the centerpiece of the night sky. With the new moon at the beginning and end of the month, it's the perfect time to observe the Milky Way and deep-sky objects. According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's monthly astronomical phenomenon data, Venus will be closely visible with Regulus on July 9, Mars will approach Aldebaran on July 12, and the new moon will occur on July 14. Although the maximum of the Delta Aquarids is expected on July 28, the proximity of the full moon on July 29 means we need to consider moonlight conditions. This list compiles targets that are great references for planning actual observations in Korea during July 2026.

Observing the Milky Way Around July 14, 2026

Observing the Milky Way Around the New Moon on July 14, 2026

July 14, 2026, corresponds to the new moon, making it the darkest time of the night sky. If you want to see the Milky Way or faint star clusters and nebulae, this few days surrounding the new moon offers a great opportunity. In Korea, the summer Milky Way stretches low across the southern sky towards the directions of Sagittarius and Scorpius, so finding a dark location with a clear southern view is important. Since clouds during the monsoon season can be unpredictable, it's advisable to have 2-3 possible nights instead of sticking to just one.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 12~16일 전후 관측 방향 남쪽~남동쪽 어두운 하늘 난이도 광해 적은 장소 필수

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July 28, 2026 Aquarius Delta Meteor Shower

Delta Aquarids on July 28, 2026

The Delta Aquarids are a summer meteor shower that runs from the end of July to the beginning of August. According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's data for 2026, the peak is indicated on July 28; however, it is close to the full moon on July 29, which may obscure faint meteors due to moonlight. Nevertheless, bright meteors can still be observed, so it's best to choose a time when the moon is low or out of sight and look at the wide sky away from city lights. Observing meteor showers is better done with the naked eye rather than through a telescope.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 28일 전후, 새벽 시간대 권장 관측 방향 남쪽~남동쪽 넓은 하늘 난이도 달빛 영향 큼, 인내 필요

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July 9, 2026 Close Approach of Venus and Regulus

Close Approach of Venus and Regulus on July 9, 2026

On July 9, you can see bright Venus close to Regulus, the representative star of Leo. Venus is very bright and easy to spot, while Regulus is much dimmer, making it helpful to use binoculars to confirm their positional relationship. Observations should be made from a location with an open view of the western sky after sunset, and as the altitude decreases, the influence of the atmosphere and buildings increases. By comparing the brightness differences between the planet and the star, even beginners can enjoy reading the sky.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 9일 저녁 관측 방향 서쪽 하늘 난이도 맨눈 관측 가능, 쌍안경 추천

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July 12, 2026 Close Approach of Mars and Aldebaran

Close Approach of Mars and Aldebaran on July 12, 2026

Both Mars and Aldebaran exhibit a reddish hue, making them great targets to compare colors when they are close together. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's data shows their close approach on July 12, 2026. However, the visibility may vary depending on the observation time and altitude, so it's advisable to check their positions using an astronomy app in advance. Observing Mars is also a great way to feel the movement of a planet compared to stars as it shifts between constellations over time.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 12일 전후 관측 방향 새벽 동쪽 하늘 중심 난이도 시간대 확인 필요

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July Sagittarius Teapot and Milky Way Center

Teapot of Sagittarius and the Center of the Milky Way in July

Sagittarius is the key constellation for observing the summer Milky Way. In Korea, it floats in the low southern sky, which makes it challenging to see if there are tall buildings or mountains nearby. However, in a dark place with an open view, you can find the center of the Milky Way based on the teapot-shaped arrangement of stars. It may be difficult to expect a clear view of the Milky Way as shown in photographs, but in areas without moonlight or light pollution, you can experience the feeling of a cloudy star field.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 신월 전후 밤 관측 방향 남쪽 낮은 하늘 난이도 남쪽 시야와 어두운 하늘 필요

July Cygnus and Deneb

Cygnus and Deneb in July

Cygnus becomes increasingly visible in the July night sky as a representative summer constellation. Deneb is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle, and the long cross shape of Cygnus is relatively easy to envision. Since the Milky Way passes through the direction of Cygnus, stars appear much more abundant in a dark sky. Beginners can start by finding Vega, Deneb, and Altair, and then try to expand the cross shape around Deneb.

관측 시기 2026년 7월 밤 동쪽~머리 위 하늘 관측 방향 동쪽에서 남중으로 이동 난이도 맨눈 관측 가능

The night sky in July is when summer constellations are most abundant, but monsoon rains, humidity, clouds, and moonlight are significant variables affecting observation. The Milky Way and meteor showers are best viewed away from city lights, and the timing of planetary close approaches is crucial. Around the new moon on July 14, aim for a dark sky, and for the meteor showers at the end of July, consider observing at times when the moon is low or has set due to the influence of the full moon. Before observing, check the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's monthly astronomical phenomena and real-time weather forecasts.

한눈에 보기 6개

Observing the Milky Way Around July 14, 2026

2026년 7월 12~16일 전후 · 남쪽~남동쪽 어두운 하늘 · 광해 적은 장소 필수

July 28, 2026 Aquarius Delta Meteor Shower

2026년 7월 28일 전후, 새벽 시간대 권장 · 남쪽~남동쪽 넓은 하늘 · 달빛 영향 큼, 인내 필요

July 9, 2026 Close Approach of Venus and Regulus

2026년 7월 9일 저녁 · 서쪽 하늘 · 맨눈 관측 가능, 쌍안경 추천

July 12, 2026 Close Approach of Mars and Aldebaran

2026년 7월 12일 전후 · 새벽 동쪽 하늘 중심 · 시간대 확인 필요

July Sagittarius Teapot and Milky Way Center

2026년 7월 신월 전후 밤 · 남쪽 낮은 하늘 · 남쪽 시야와 어두운 하늘 필요

July Cygnus and Deneb