Between the planetary orbits of Mars and Jupiter, bits and pieces of rock have been jumbling around like a flying rubble pile since the early solar system. Millions of asteroids orbit the sun, ranging in size from a few hundred feet to the largest object in the group, dwarf-planet-sized Ceres. Smaller asteroids break apart and reform over time. Debris from such collisions can bring meteors into Earth’s atmosphere, prompting the study of a defense system for near-Earth objects. Larger asteroids make exciting telescope observational goals, particularly sought after by amateur astronomers. Several bigger asteroids will have their brightest showings of the year through August.

Asteroid 63 Ausonia, visible in the constellation Capricornus, will make its closest Earthly approach on Saturday, August 2.

August 10, Asteroid 89 Julia will be in opposition in the constellation Aquarius, best seen at the highest point around midnight near the star Kappa Capricorni. 89 Julia was discovered in 1866 by the French astronomer Edouard Stephen. Its namesake is believed to be Saint Julia of Corsica.

The largest will be Asteroid 6 Hebe, reaching opposition on August 25. 6 Hebe, named for the Greek goddess of youth, is unusually solid for its size. Astronomers believe it has been less impacted by collisions. As the fifth brightest object in the asteroid belt, it is perhaps the easiest to observe when scanning the skies with a telescope.