| August guide to the bright planets | | | In August 2018, 4 planets arc across the evening sky. From west to east as night falls, these bright worlds are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. Late August features Mercury before sunrise. | | |
| Expect moonless nights for 2018's Perseids | | | Starting to watch for Perseids now? They're rising in numbers, but - for the moment - the moon is in the way. That means the peak will be glorious - and moon-free - on the mornings of August 11, 12 and 13. | | |
| Dust in space: 10 cool things to know | | | In space, dust comes from comets and exploding stars. It can form planetary rings, drive global weather patterns and even form the seeds of new planets. | | |
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