Discover the wonders of the night sky in June 2023, and get ready to be amazed by what the universe has in store for you. Despite the shortest night of the year approaching in the northern hemisphere due to the summer solstice on June 21, there is still an abundance of celestial beauty to behold. So, let’s embark on this cosmic journey together!
To begin with, all you need is your naked eye or perhaps a pair of binoculars. Imagine lying down on a soft patch of grass, surrounded by the warmth of the summer night, and immersing yourself in the celestial spectacle that awaits you. In this v/blog, I’ll guide you through the highlights, including the Moon, planets, and meteor showers.
Speaking of the Moon, mark your calendars for the 4th of June when you’ll witness a captivating full moon display, enhanced by its proximity to perigee. The enchantment continues on the 10th of June with the last quarter moon, followed by the new moon on June 18 and the first quarter moon on June 26. And guess what? From the 10th to the 25th of June, the moonlight will be at its minimum, offering you the perfect opportunity to bask in the starry nights.
Now let’s turn our attention to the planets: Venus, Mars, and Mercury. This month presents your final chance to marvel at the captivating presence of Mars and Venus for a while. As evening descends, look towards the western sky to catch a glimpse of Venus before it gradually disappears below the horizon, only to reappear as a magnificent morning star in late August. Mars, on the other hand, bids us a more dramatic farewell as it moves closer to the western evening sky, alongside Venus.
Make sure to give Venus and Mars a fond farewell on June 21 and 22, as the Moon graces the scene, with its illuminated face ranging from 12% to 20%. And if you’re up for a challenge, try spotting Mercury on the 4th of June, as it rises in the East-northeast just before sunrise.
But the planetary extravaganza doesn’t end there! Look southeast just before sunrise, and you’ll be greeted by the majestic presence of Saturn and Jupiter. As the days go by, watch them climb higher in the sky, captivating your imagination with their celestial dance. On the 10th of June, Saturn will have a close encounter with the Moon during its last quarter, while Jupiter will have its own rendezvous with a 17% lit Moon on the 14th of June.
Now, let’s talk about something truly awe-inspiring: meteor showers. The daytime Arietid meteor shower, which began on April 14 and continues until June 24, will reach its peak on June 7. Although the moon will be at 89% illumination, don’t miss the chance to cast your gaze towards the northeast before sunrise and witness this celestial spectacle. Similarly, the June Bootid meteor shower, spanning from June 22 to July 2, will reach its peak on the 27th. Look to the west or northwest after midnight to catch these unpredictable shooting stars. Despite the moonlight reaching 69%, there’s still a good chance you’ll spot some mesmerizing meteors streaking across the night sky.
For those of you captivated by the beauty of the Milky Way, I have a special treat in store. Head towards the southern part of the sky after midnight and seek out a dark spot, far away from any light pollution. The best conditions for capturing breathtaking Milky Way photographs will be around the new moon on the 17th of June. But if that’s not feasible, don’t worry! The period between the last and first quarter moons, from the 10th to the 25th of June, will still offer you ample opportunities to witness this celestial marvel.
I hope you find this information both inspiring and useful as you embark on your stargazing adventures. May the skies be clear and the stars shine brightly for you as you explore the wonders of the universe.
Clear skies to you all!