Stargazing on a balmy summer night? Hardly any better than this month in Vienna!July not only offers numerous open-air events and film festivals, but also a number of spectacles in the sky. From shining planets and impressive moon phases to one of the most beautiful meteor streams of the year – you shouldn’t miss these celestial events in Vienna.
The celestial spectacles at a glance
One event follows the next: the sky over Vienna has something for everyone this month. Discover these spectacles in July:
- July 4: Mercury is visible
- July 10: Full moon “Buck Moon”
- July 16: Triple conjunction: Moon, Saturn and Neptune
- July 20: Crescent moon at the Pleiades
- July 24: New moon
- July 28-29: Peak of the Delta Aquariids (meteor stream)
What the individual events mean
The beginning of July offers a rare opportunity to spot Mercury low on the western horizon after sunset. Binoculars can help you spot the fleeting planet in the twilight. Mercury is only visible to the naked eye as a star. The first full moon of the summer, known as the “Buck Moon”, then lights up the night sky on July 10. The name comes from the time when male deer grow their new antlers.
On July 16, a rare spectacle takes place in the constellation of Pisces: In the early hours of the morning, the waning moon passes Saturn and Neptune. This triple conjunction is a special highlight for skywatchers, as three celestial bodies come together in a small space in the sky. While Saturn is visible to the naked eye, you need a telescope to see Neptune.
A few days later, you can discover more celestial events in Vienna: before sunrise on July 20, the narrow crescent moon will be close to the Pleiades star cluster. With binoculars, both can be admired together in the field of view – an aesthetic highlight for early risers.
After the new moon on July 24, the Delta Aquariids meteor stream reaches its peak at the end of July. Up to 25 shooting stars per hour can be seen under optimal conditions. The moon hardly interferes, making the nights particularly dark and ideal for observation.
How can you best observe these celestial spectacles?
Find a place outside the city that is as dark as possible to enjoy the full spectacle. The outskirts of the city or the Viennese vineyards are well suited for this. Binoculars or a telescope will give you additional details, especially for planets and star clusters. A blanket and patience are recommended for meteor streams – the best chances are after midnight.
July 2025 is a festival for anyone who loves the night sky. Whether you want to hunt planets, marvel at the full moon or count shooting stars, the sky in Vienna has plenty to offer you.