"Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying."
- Arthur C. Clarke

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Mercury

Mercury is visible during the first half of August. Look for it low in the western sky just after sunset.

Venus

Venus (the 'evening star') appears high in the eveniing sky throughout August.

Mars

Mars is found near Venus throughout most of August.

 
Sky Info for August, 2010

The image above shows the position of planets, stars, constellations and selected deep sky objects (DSO's) in mid-August at about 10:00 pm MDT from Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is also valid for late July at 11:00 pm, and early September at 9:00 pm. Clicking on the map will bring up a larger printable (inverted) image. To use the chart, hold it over your head with the direction indicators pointing in the appropriate direction. Many features will be impossible to see in a location polluted by poorly-designed lighting. Most of the DSOs (indicated in blue) will require binoculars or a telescope.

 
Jupiter

Jupiter rises just after dark during August. It's nearing opposition, so it's a good time to view.

Saturn

Saturn is near or a bit west of Venus at dusk. It's quite low in the west by month's end.

Uranus/Neptune

Uranus remains very near Jupiter. Neptune rises an hour before Uranus.