Stargazing in mid-northern latitudes during the second week of July 2026 features a rare alignment of dark skies and planetary proximity. According to reports from Jamie Carter, key events include Earth reaching aphelion on July 6 and the “Manhattanhenge” solar alignment in New York City on July 11 and 12.
What is Earth’s aphelion and why does it happen?
Earth reaches aphelion on July 6, marking the point in its annual orbit farthest from the sun. According to data provided by Jamie Carter, Earth sits approximately 94.5 million miles (152.1 million kilometers) away from the sun at this time. This contrasts with perihelion, when the planet is only 91.3 million miles (147.1 million kilometers) away.
The difference between these two points is about 3.4%. While this distance change is significant in astronomical terms, it doesn’t dictate seasonal temperatures, which are instead driven by the tilt of Earth’s axis.
How to spot Venus, Mars, and the Milky Way this week
The window for deep-sky observation opens after the last-quarter moon rises around midnight on July 7, creating a 12-night stargazing window. Observers can track several specific celestial events throughout the week:
- July 8: Venus appears one degree from Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, shortly after sunset in the west.
- July 11: At 4:00 a.m. local time, a 13%-lit waning crescent moon will be visible near Mars and Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus.
- The Milky Way: Looking toward the southeast during the dark-sky window allows the naked eye to see the pale arc of billions of distant stars.
For those searching for constellations, the “Eagle” (Aquila) is prominent in the east after dark. It is anchored by Altair, a star located 17 light-years away. According to Carter, Altair rotates so rapidly—completing a turn in about 10 hours—that it bulges at its equator.
What is the Manhattanhenge effect in New York City?
Manhattanhenge occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west street grid of Manhattan. For 2026, this alignment happens on July 11 and 12. The full sun alignment is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. EDT on Saturday, followed by a half sun alignment at 8:21 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
What comes next in the 2026 astronomical calendar?
The darkness of the sky increases toward the middle of the month. A new moon on July 14 will provide ideal conditions for the annual Perseid meteor shower, which begins on July 17. Other upcoming events include a crescent moon appearing near Venus after sunset on July 17 and the full Buck Moon on July 29.
Quick Reference: July 2026 Celestial Timeline
| Date | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| July 6 | Aphelion | Earth at farthest point from sun |
| July 8 | Venus-Regulus Conjunction | 1 degree separation |
| July 11 | Moon/Mars Alignment | 4:00 a.m. in the east-northeast |
| July 11-12 | Manhattanhenge | Sunset grid alignment in NYC |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the Milky Way?
Go to a location with low light pollution, wait until two hours after sunset, and look toward the southeast. Allow 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
What is the difference between aphelion and perihelion?
Aphelion is the point where Earth is farthest from the sun (approx. 94.5 million miles), while perihelion is the closest point (approx. 91.3 million miles).
When is the best time to see the Perseid meteor shower?
The shower begins on July 17, following the new moon on July 14, which ensures the darkest possible skies for viewing.
Want to track these events in real-time? Use a digital planetarium like Stellarium to get location-specific coordinates for your city. Let us know in the comments which celestial event you’re most excited to photograph!
