One of the more reliable annual meteor showers, the Orionids, peaks during a new moon, making 2025 an excellent year to watch for shooting stars in the autumn sky.
The moon is near new phase this week, and clearer skies and cooler overnight temperatures means that this is also an optimum week to check out the beautiful summer Milky Way.
A rare August morning alignment brings Mercury, a thin crescent moon and the Beehive Cluster together in the predawn sky. Here's how you can see it for yourself.