Each Monday I pick out the northern hemisphere’s celestial highlights (mid-northern latitudes) for the week ahead, but be sure to check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
The Night Sky This Week: June 19-25, 2023
This week’s it’s all about the solstice, which signals the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and the start of winter below the equator. Solstice means a still sun. On this day of the year—something observed by ancient human cultures for thousands of years—the sun appears as far north in the sky as it ever gets.
It also means the nights are as short as they get, but luckily the presence of the crescent moon makes it a wonderful week to be outside during the long, late twilight hours after sunset.
Monday, June 19: Crescent Moon And ‘The Twins’
Castor and Pollux, the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini, will shine close to a 3.4% crescent moon. It should be a lovely sight low on the western horizon after sunset, though you’ll have to be quick.
Tuesday, June 20: Crescent Moon Aligns With Venus And Mars
Tonight a 7.7%-lit crescent moon will be visible in the west, though slightly higher than last night and with Venus and Mars beyond it. Have a look at the darkened limb of the moon and you’ll see “Earthshine,” sunlight reflected from an almost full Earth back onto the lunar surface. Earthshine is at its best in April and May.
Wednesday, June 21: Venus, Mars And A Crescent Moon On The Solstice
The summer solstice—the longest day and shortest night of the year—occurs at precisely 10:58 a.m. EDT and means also zero astronomical darkness for northerly latitudes, and a short night for the entire northern hemisphere. However, if you look west shortly after dark tonight you’ll see a beautiful 13%-lit crescent Moon beside the bright planet Venus. Look at the Moon’s darkened limb to see “Earthshine.” Just above the pair will be the red planet Mars forming a pretty celestial triangle
Thursday, June 22: Regulus And The Moon Align With Planets
Now 21%-lit, the crescent moon will shine close to Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo and the 21st brightest star in the night sky. It’s 77 light-years from the solar system. Follow the pair towards the northeastern horizon and you’ll come across first dim Mars then bright Venus.
Stargazing Tip Of The Month: Explaining The Solstice
The axis on which Earth rotates is tilted by 23.5°, so during our annual orbit around the sun, different parts of Earth receive sunlight for different lengths of time. At the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, so the Sun hangs highest in the sky. So the northern hemisphere gets the full glare of the Sun’s rays, which means the longest day and the warmest temperatures.
Times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset times for where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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