JUNE'25

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🌕 June 11 – Full Strawberry Moon

Experience the Strawberry Moon, the lowest full Moon in 18 years, appearing large and golden near the horizon. This phenomenon occurs due to the Moon's low position in the sky, creating a captivating visual effect.

☀️ June 20 – Summer Solstice

Marking the longest day of the year, the summer solstice occurs on June 20. It's an excellent opportunity to enjoy extended twilight and prepare for nighttime observations.

🔭 Planetary Observing Highlights

Evening Sky:

• Mercury:
  • Best Viewing: Mid to late June, approximately 45 minutes after sunset.
  • Details: Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, making it visible low in the western sky. On June 8, it appears near Jupiter, and by June 26-27, it's close to a thin crescent Moon, offering picturesque views.
• Mars:
  • Best Viewing: Early evenings throughout June.
  • Details: Mars remains visible in the western sky after sunset. Notably, from June 15-18, it passes near Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, providing a striking color contrast between Mars's reddish hue and Regulus's blue-white light.

Morning Sky:

• Venus:
  • Best Viewing: Pre-dawn hours throughout June.
  • Details: Shining brightly as the "Morning Star," Venus is easily visible in the eastern sky before sunrise. On June 22, it appears near a waning crescent Moon, creating a beautiful pairing.
• Saturn:
  • Best Viewing: Early mornings, rising around 2:30 a.m. at the beginning of the month and by midnight at month's end.
  • Details: Saturn is prominent in the southeastern sky before dawn. On June 19, it aligns closely with a waning crescent Moon, offering a great target for       telescopic observation.
• Jupiter:
  • Best Viewing: Early June, shortly after sunset.
  • Details: Jupiter is visible low in the western sky during the first few days of       June. It sets quickly after sunset and becomes increasingly challenging to observe as the month progresses.
• Uranus & Neptune:
  • Best Viewing: Pre-dawn hours with the aid of a telescope.
  • Details: Uranus and Neptune are positioned in the morning sky. Neptune lies within 1 degree of Saturn from June 27 to July 17, providing an excellent       opportunity for telescopic observers to spot both planets in the same field of view.

🌌 Deep Sky Delights

June's dark skies, especially around the new moon on June 25, are perfect for exploring the Milky Way's rich star fields and nebulae. Look towards the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius to find treasures like the Lagoon Nebula (M8), Trifid Nebula (M20), and the Swan Nebula (M17).

🌠 Meteor Activity

While the Perseid meteor shower peaks in August, early meteors may be visible in late June. Additionally, the June Bootid meteor shower peaks around June 27, offering a chance to catch some unexpected shooting stars.

🛠 Observing Tips

• Dew Protection: Summer humidity can lead to dew formation on optics. Use      dew shields or heaters to keep your lenses clear.
• Comfort: Bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfortable skywatching sessions.
• Light Pollution: Seek out dark-sky locations away from city lights to enhance your viewing experience.