June skygazing: A strawberry moon, the summer solstice… and Asteroid Day!

June Astronomy Events: What to Look for in the Sky in June

As the summer season begins, the nights may be shorter, but there are still plenty of celestial events to observe in the sky during the month of June. From planetary alignments to a significant moon phase, here’s what you can expect to see in the night sky this month.

June 1 – Crescent Moon Visible Between Mars and Regulus

On the evening of June 1, sky gazers will have the opportunity to witness the crescent moon positioned between Mars and Regulus. Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation, is actually a system of four stars, making it a fascinating sight to behold. Keep an eye out for this unique celestial alignment at the beginning of the month.

June 11 – Full Strawberry Moon

The full moon in June, known as the Strawberry Moon, will reach peak illumination in the early hours of June 11. Named after the ripening of strawberries in this season, this full moon holds significance in various Native American cultures, each with their own poetic name for it. Enjoy the beauty of the Strawberry Moon as it lights up the night sky.

Mid-June – Mercury Shows Off

Mercury, the innermost planet in our solar system, will be visible to the naked eye during mid-June. As Mercury reaches its maximum eastern elongation, it will be far enough from the sun to be observed without the aid of a telescope. Look for Mercury low in the sky to the west-northwest during this time for a rare viewing opportunity.

June 16-18 – The Red Planet Meets the Blue Heart of Leo

During the nights of June 16, 17, and 18, Mars will appear in close proximity to the bright blue star Regulus in the Leo constellation. This celestial pairing of the Red Planet and the Blue Heart of Leo promises to be a spectacular sight for stargazers.

June 20 – The Summer Solstice

June 20 marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the longest daylight hours of the year. As the North Pole tilts most directly toward the sun, the summer solstice heralds the official start of summer. Enjoy the extended daylight and the warmth of the sun on this special day.

June 30 – International Asteroid Day

On June 30, we commemorate International Asteroid Day, a day that raises awareness about the potential threat of asteroid impacts on Earth. This date marks the anniversary of the Tunguska Event in 1908, when a massive asteroid exploded over Siberia, causing widespread destruction. Take this day to reflect on the importance of tracking and studying asteroids for planetary defense.

As you look up at the night sky this June, remember to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos above. Whether you’re observing planetary alignments, lunar phases, or celestial events, there’s always something fascinating to see in the vast expanse of space. The day of recognition for the potentially calamitous effects of asteroid impacts serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in space. One can only imagine the devastation that would have occurred if the Tunguska asteroid had hit a city instead of a barren part of Siberia. The impact would have been catastrophic, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. This highlights the importance of asteroid-tracking endeavors in order to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.

The Tunguska event, which occurred in 1908, was a powerful explosion caused by the impact of a meteoroid or comet fragment in the Earth’s atmosphere. The blast flattened over 770 square miles of forest in remote Siberia, but thankfully, no human casualties were reported due to the area’s sparse population. However, if a similar event were to happen in a densely populated urban area today, the consequences would be dire.

Asteroid impacts are a real and present danger, and it is crucial that we continue to monitor and track these celestial bodies to predict and prevent potential impacts on Earth. NASA and other space agencies around the world are actively engaged in asteroid-tracking endeavors, using ground-based telescopes and space-based observatories to identify and track near-Earth objects.

In addition to tracking asteroids, efforts are also being made to develop technologies that could potentially deflect or destroy an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. These include concepts such as kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and nuclear explosives. By investing in asteroid detection and deflection technologies, we can mitigate the risk of a catastrophic impact and protect our planet from potential disaster.

As we look to the stars in June for stargazing endeavors, let us also take a moment to appreciate the importance of asteroid tracking and the efforts being made to safeguard our planet. By raising awareness about the potential threat of asteroid impacts and supporting ongoing research and monitoring efforts, we can work towards a safer and more secure future for all. Let us hope that our stargazing adventures reveal no terrifying asteroids hurtling towards us, and that we can continue to marvel at the wonders of the universe without fear of impending doom.