Californians, here's how to see Venus, Jupiter and a meteor shower all in one week

Stargazers across California have the chance to see two planets in our solar system appear remarkably close together in August, coinciding with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

“[Jupiter and Venus] shine brightly in the east before sunrise throughout the month,” according to NASA. “The pair begin the month farther but quickly approach each other in the sky.”

Jupiter and Venus will appear closest over Aug. 11-12, according to NASA, appearing as if they’re “grazing” each other despite still being millions of miles apart. It comes as a popular meteor shower, which will be active through Aug. 23, peaks right around the same time.

Here’s what to know to prepare for two stunning sights.

What is a planetary conjunction?

A planetary conjunction is an astronomical event in which at least two planets —sometimes more— appear to our vantage from Earth to be close together in the sky.

Even though the planets are still tens of millions of miles apart, the events present a special opportunity for astronomers and casual stargazers to see multiple worlds in our solar system at one time.

So, what causes conjunctions to take place?

As planets in our solar system orbit the sun at varying speeds, sometimes their orbital paths bring them close together on the same side of the sun. When this event lines up with our view from Earth, we get a conjunction, according to the nonprofitPlanetary Society.

How to see Venus, Jupiter conjunction in August

Sky chart showing the eastern sky before sunrise Aug. 11, with Venus and Jupiter only a degree apart.

While telescopes certainly will enhance the view, spectators don't necessarily need any equipment to spot Venus and Jupiter in the pre-dawn sky from the Northern Hemisphere. Why? After the sun and moon, they're the two brightest objects in our solar system.

Seek out locations withunobstructed viewsof the horizons and check theweatherforecast to ensure skies will be clear. Then, simply look to the east to find what will appear as two uncommonly bright stars, and you're likely looking at the two planets.

See another spectacle in August, the Perseids

This year, the Perseid meteor shower will be active from Thursday, July 17, through Aug. 23, according to NASA. The space agency described the Perseids as the most popular meteor shower of the year, which makes sense considering this meteor shower boasts bright meteors, fireballs, and occurs during summer, making it more comfortable for people to go out and view them, explained NASA.

This year, the Perseids are expected to peak Aug. 12-13.

Unfortunately, a nearly full moon will disrupt the peak viewing of the Perseid meteor shower this year, said theGriffith Observatory. The full moon is on Aug. 9; At the time of the Perseids peak, it’ll be in its waning gibbous phase, said the observatory. TheAmerican Meteor Society saidthat the waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce activity by at least 75% as only the brighter meteors will be visible.

What time can you see the Perseid meteor shower?

The Perseids are best viewed in the hours before dawn, according to NASA. However, it is possible at times to view the meteors as early as 10 p.m.

See how you can check for clear skies in California

You can check for clear skies across California by using the National Weather Service’s graphical forecast for Northern and Southern California by selecting which region you want. One option is sky cover, which tells you the percentage of opaque clouds covering the skies forecasted at select times, giving you insight into where it’ll be cloudy, and where clearer skies are forecasted. You can also choose to see where fog, smoke and haze are forecasted across the state for hourly intervals.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Venus, Jupiter to appear very close together as Perseids peak