May 30, 2024, 01:49 PM IST
6 Upcoming Celestial Events in June 2024
June 2024 will feature several notable celestial events, providing opportunities to both casual stargazers and avid astronomers to enjoy the night sky. Here are some of the highlights:
Planetary Alignment - June 3
A remarkable alignment of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will occur. These planets will appear close together in the sky, offering a spectacular sight, especially in areas with minimal light pollution.
Close Approach of Jupiter and Mercury - June 4
Jupiter and Mercury will be in close proximity, with a separation of only 0.07 degrees. This event will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the experience.
New Moon - June 6
The New Moon will occur, making it an excellent time for stargazing since the absence of moonlight means darker skies.
Summer Solstice - June 20
The June solstice marks the start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It will occur at 20:51 GMT and is the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.
Full Strawberry Moon - June 22
The Full Moon in June, known as the Strawberry Moon, will reach its peak at 01:08 GMT. This Full Moon will be in the constellation Sagittarius.
Lunar Occultation of Saturn - June 27
The Moon will pass very close to Saturn, and in some regions, it will occult the planet, meaning it will pass in front of and temporarily hide Saturn from view. This event is best observed with a telescope.