Catch the Spectacular June Sky: Mars, Venus, Spica, Arcturus, and the Summer Triangle!

In June 2023, the sky will dazzle with celestial highlights like the approach of Mars and Venus, Saturn’s pre-dawn procession led by Jupiter, and the radiant evening stars of Spica and Arcturus. Major events include Mars crossing the Beehive Cluster on June 1-2, a full moon on June 3, a new moon on June 18, and the June solstice on June 21, which coincides with a special alignment of the crescent Moon, Venus, and Mars.

The spectacle of Mars and Venus, along with the summer stars and the June solstice, are unmissable! The planets representing war and love inch closer each night, while the vivid stars of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer ascend. The June solstice on the 21st is especially noteworthy.

So, what celestial highlights can we expect in June 2023?

Throughout the month, Mars and Venus converge, and Saturn guides Jupiter into the morning sky. The evening skies of June will be dominated by the bright stars Spica and Arcturus, accompanied by the Summer Triangle. Furthermore, the June solstice on the 21st is uniquely significant.

Monthly Highlights:

June 1-2 – Spot Mars in the Beehive Cluster (M44). The Red Planet can be seen in the west after dark, with binoculars or a small telescope revealing a scattering of glittering stars in this open star cluster.

June 3 – Full moon

June 18 – New moon

June 21 – A beautiful crescent Moon aligns with Venus and Mars. They can be found in the west after sunset.

June 21 – June Solstice, which marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as the Sun travels its highest, longest path across the sky. Conversely, it’s the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, during the chilly winter months.

All month – Mars and Venus inch closer each evening in the western sky after sunset, appearing slightly lower each night.

All month – Saturn ushers Jupiter into the new day, with the Ringed Planet rising around midnight, and Jupiter following a couple of hours later.

All month – The two radiant stars high overhead in the first few hours after dark are Spica and Arcturus (for Northern Hemisphere skywatchers).

Southern Hemisphere observers will find bright stars Alpha Centauri and Hadar, along with the stars of constellation Crux, in their south-facing view.

All month – Observe the stars of the Summer Triangle – Vega, Deneb, and Altair – rising in the east in the hours after dark. They rise earlier each month throughout the summer.

Turning our gaze to the morning sky, Saturn and Jupiter ascend before dawn, with Saturn leading Jupiter into the new day. They can be found in the eastern sky before sunrise all month long. On June 14, Jupiter rises with the crescent Moon.

The bright stars that Northern Hemisphere observers will notice when looking south on June evenings are Spica and Arcturus.

Also, throughout June evenings, the stars of the Summer Triangle – Vega, Deneb, and Altair – ascend a couple of hours after dark, marking the arrival of the long, warm nights of Northern summer. They rise earlier each month as summer advances.

June 21 marks the Summer Solstice for the Northern Hemisphere and the Winter Solstice for the Southern Hemisphere. This day, being the longest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, brings more sunlight hours, which combined with the Sun’s direct angle overhead, lead to warmer summer temperatures. The situation is opposite for those residing south of the equator, where it’s the shortest

Related links:

• NASA’s What’s Up for June 2023
• Star-Gazing in June: Top Celestial Events
• About the Beehive Cluster (M44)
• About the Summer Triangle