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Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Strawberry Moon to Butterfly stars: 9 astronomical events you shouldn't miss out on in June 2025
The world of astronomy is one of the most enigmatic yet intriguing ones around. From stars forming unimaginable patterns to the meteors lighting the sky, there are a multitude of events that we humans await to experience in all their glory because space and its citizens are a thing of wonder to us. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Every month, some stunning visuals grace the skies and in June, these are the 9 astronomical events that you should definitely not miss out on. June 1: Catch a sight of Venus Image credits: X/@MAstronomers On June 1st, Venus will reach its farthest distance west of the sun from the point of view of the Earth and this point is known as the greatest western elongation. This is the perfect time to get a glimpse at the planet away from sunlight before dawn when it rises in the eastern sky in the Northern Hemisphere and northeastern sky in the Southern Hemisphere. June 2: The Great Hercules Cluster Image credits: X/@BigKahunaRon Globular clusters are densely packed clusters of hundreds of thousands of stars held together by gravity. On June 2nd, The Great Hercules Cluster or Messier 13 will reach its highest point in the night sky thus being perfect for viewing with the help of binoculars. Discovered in 1714 by English astronomer Edmond Halley, the one after whom Halley's comet has been named, this cluster has more than 100,000 stars in a spheroidal shape. June 7: Arietid meteor shower Image credits: X/@Tex369X Unlike other meteor showers that mostly happen at night, the Arietid meteor shower happens during daytime. This means most meteors are nearly impossible to see but if you get up in the pre-dawn hours on June 7, you might be able to see coloured dots in the sky. June 11: Strawberry moon Image credits: X/@dafaqzoey Seems impossible right? But yes, June's full moon, known as the "strawberry moon" will be visible on June 11. While the moon will not have the red colour, its name is derived from the Indigenous traditions in North America that link full moons to harvesting and hunting traditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Additionally, June is known for the ripening of wild strawberries too. June 16: Butterfly cluster Image credits: X/@maiz_julio The star Regulus which is known for its colourful twinkling will have a close encounter with Mars on June 16 just 90 minutes before sunset. Later around midnight, a globular cluster in the shape of a butterfly will be visible with the help of binoculars. June 22: Nebula Image credits: X/@maiz_julio In June, you can also catch a sight of the Lagoon Nebula or Messier 8 which is a swirling cloud of interstellar gas where stars are born. It will reach its peak in the sky on June 22 and while people in the mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere can see with the naked eye, others can make use of binoculars or telescopes. June 25: Stargaze Image credits: X/@uhd2020 On June 25, there's a new moon lunar cycle which means the sky will be dark enough for stargazing with your loved one. This is the perfect time to aim for the bigger beauties like the Milky Way. June 27: Bootid meteor shower Image credits: X/@wqed In case morning meteor showers are not your thing and the beauty of the night sky enchants you like no other, wait for the Bootid meteor shower which is known for its display of hundreds of shooting stars. June 30: Moon meets Mars Image credits: X/@StarWalk On June 30th, the waxing crescent moon and Mars will pass within 1°16' of each other. The distance between them is just that of a pinky finger and thus you'll be able to see them together with a pair of binoculars. Also, watch out for the "earthshine" phenomenon where light reflected from Earth makes the unlit part of the moon glow faintly just after sunset or right before sunshine.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Catch a glimpse of the ‘strawberry moon' and other night sky events this June
Whether you're waking up early to spot Venus in the pre-dawn sky, staying up late to peep the Lagoon Nebula, or spending the whole night on the hunt for meteors, June's night sky has something for every stargazer. Here's what to keep an eye out for when you look up this month. (9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025.) On June 1, Venus will reach its farthest distance west of the sun from the perspective of Earth—a point known as greatest western elongation. This is a particularly good time to get a glimpse at Earth's neighboring planet, as it won't be drowned out by sunlight. In some time zones, the exact timing of this event occurs on May 31, while in others, it's on June 1. But the best time to view Venus is just before dawn, when it rises in the eastern sky in the Northern Hemisphere, or the northeastern sky if you're in the Southern Hemisphere. Missed seeing the "well-placed" globular clusters in May? The Great Hercules Cluster, or Messier 13, reaches its highest point in the night sky on June 2, putting it in a prime viewing position. Discovered in 1714 by English astronomer Edmond Halley, for whom the iconic Halley's Comet is named, the Great Hercules Cluster is a collection of more than 100,000 stars densely packed into a glittering, spheroidic shape. While it can be hard to discern with the naked eye, it's easily visible through binoculars. As its name implies, the prolific daytime Arietid meteor shower doesn't peak at night, but during the day. That, of course, makes most of the meteors nearly impossible to see. But there's still a chance of spotting shooting stars in the predawn hours on June 7, just before the estimated peak during the daylight hours. And if you want to "see" the daytime activity, visit the NASA Meteor Shower Portal and look for colored dots—those indicate meteors associated with the active meteor shower. This month's full moon, known as the "Strawberry Moon," won't take on the red hue of its namesake fruit, but it is lovely nonetheless. The nickname, popularized by the Farmers' Almanac, is derived from Indigenous traditions in North America that link full moons to annual harvesting and hunting events. In June, that's the ripening of wild strawberries. (Learn about the lunar cycle and the origins of each month's full moon name.) Old European nicknames for the June full moon include the Mead or Honey Moon. According to NASA, this might be tied to the honey harvesting that happens during this month—and it could be the inspiration for the modern honeymoon, as ancient traditions called for June weddings. Mars and the bright star Regulus—known for its colorful twinkling—will have a close encounter on June 16, with peak viewing occurring around 90 minutes after sunset. Regulus is a four-star system, as opposed to a single star, but only three of those four individual stars will be visible during this event through the eye of a telescope. Then, around midnight, the Butterfly Cluster will be "well-placed" in the night sky, reaching its highest point above the horizon. To see this butterfly-shaped open cluster of stars, grab a pair of binoculars. Star clusters aren't the only "well-placed" celestial objects this month. The Lagoon Nebula, or Messier 8, is a swirling cloud of interstellar gas where stars are born, located some 5,200 light years away. It reaches its highest point in the night sky around midnight on June 22. From mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the Lagoon Nebula can sometimes be seen with the naked eye under ideal viewing conditions. Otherwise, binoculars or a telescope is the best way to spot them. On this night, there's a new moon lunar cycle, which means the sky will be plenty dark for stargazing. While brighter celestial objects like planets and stars are typically visible through the moon's light pollution, dimmer ones like distant galaxies and nebulae will be easier to see during the new moon, particularly through a telescope. (These are the best stargazing sites in North America.) If you're a photographer, this is the perfect time to try your hand at astrophotography. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way's galactic core rises high in the night sky throughout the summer, making it a prime focal point. The Bootids are a notoriously variable meteor shower, producing astonishing displays of hundreds of shooting stars some years, and just a few other years. If you're willing to try your luck, the meteor shower is expected to peak on June 27. And luck is already on your side—the moon will be barely illuminated as a waxing crescent, so it won't impede your view of fainter shooting stars. To close out the month, the waxing crescent moon and Mars will put on a little show. Our celestial neighbors will pass within 1°16' of each other; if you hold your arm out fully toward the moon and stick your pinky finger up, your finger's width is about the distance between the pair, so you'll be able to see them simultaneously through binoculars. Keep an eye out for the "earthshine" phenomenon, where light reflected from Earth makes the unlit part of the crescent moon glow faintly. This most commonly happens just after sunset or right before sunrise.
National Geographic
4 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
9 celestial events this June's, from a strawberry moon to interstellar clouds
The Milky Way and its core region in constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius, as seen from Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada. Composite Photograph by Alan Dyer, VW Pics/Science Photo Library Whether you're waking up early to spot Venus in the pre-dawn sky, staying up late to peep the Lagoon Nebula, or spending the whole night on the hunt for meteors, June's night sky has something for every stargazer. Here's what to keep an eye out for when you look up this month. (9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025.) Venus at greatest western elongation—June 1 On June 1, Venus will reach its farthest distance west of the sun from the perspective of Earth—a point known as greatest western elongation. This is a particularly good time to get a glimpse at Earth's neighboring planet, as it won't be drowned out by sunlight. In some time zones, the exact timing of this event occurs on May 31, while in others, it's on June 1. But the best time to view Venus is just before dawn, when it rises in the eastern sky in the Northern Hemisphere, or the northeastern sky if you're in the Southern Hemisphere. A "well-placed" globular cluster—June 2 Missed seeing the "well-placed" globular clusters in May? The Great Hercules Cluster, or Messier 13, reaches its highest point in the night sky on June 2, putting it in a prime viewing position. Discovered in 1714 by English astronomer Edmond Halley, for whom the iconic Halley's Comet is named, the Great Hercules Cluster is a collection of more than 100,000 stars densely packed into a glittering, spheroidic shape. While it can be hard to discern with the naked eye, it's easily visible through binoculars. Daytime Arietids meteor shower peak—June 7 As its name implies, the prolific daytime Arietid meteor shower doesn't peak at night, but during the day. That, of course, makes most of the meteors nearly impossible to see. But there's still a chance of spotting shooting stars in the predawn hours on June 7, just before the estimated peak during the daylight hours. And if you want to "see" the daytime activity, visit the NASA Meteor Shower Portal and look for colored dots—those indicate meteors associated with the active meteor shower. The June full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, rises over St Paul's Cathedral and The Shard in central London on June 22, 2024. Photograph by Peter Macdiarmid, eyevine/Redux The full Strawberry Moon rises behind the Empire State Building in New York City on June 21, 2024. Photograph by Gary Hershorn, Getty Images This month's full moon, known as the "Strawberry Moon," won't take on the red hue of its namesake fruit, but it is lovely nonetheless. The nickname, popularized by the Farmers' Almanac, is derived from Indigenous traditions in North America that link full moons to annual harvesting and hunting events. In June, that's the ripening of wild strawberries. (Learn about the lunar cycle and the origins of each month's full moon name.) Old European nicknames for the June full moon include the Mead or Honey Moon. According to NASA, this might be tied to the honey harvesting that happens during this month—and it could be the inspiration for the modern honeymoon, as ancient traditions called for June weddings. Mars and Regulus meet, and a "well-placed" Butterfly Cluster—June 16 Mars and the bright star Regulus—known for its colorful twinkling—will have a close encounter on June 16, with peak viewing occurring around 90 minutes after sunset. Regulus is a four-star system, as opposed to a single star, but only three of those four individual stars will be visible during this event through the eye of a telescope. Then, around midnight, the Butterfly Cluster will be "well-placed" in the night sky, reaching its highest point above the horizon. To see this butterfly-shaped open cluster of stars, grab a pair of binoculars. The summer Milky Way filling the night sky at Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. The pink glow of the Lagoon Nebula can be seen above the horizon, in the Milky Way galaxy's core. Composite Photograph by Alan Dyer, VW Pics/UIG/Getty Images Star clusters aren't the only "well-placed" celestial objects this month. The Lagoon Nebula, or Messier 8, is a swirling cloud of interstellar gas where stars are born, located some 5,200 light years away. It reaches its highest point in the night sky around midnight on June 22. From mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the Lagoon Nebula can sometimes be seen with the naked eye under ideal viewing conditions. Otherwise, binoculars or a telescope is the best way to spot them. Prime stargazing conditions—June 25 On this night, there's a new moon lunar cycle, which means the sky will be plenty dark for stargazing. While brighter celestial objects like planets and stars are typically visible through the moon's light pollution, dimmer ones like distant galaxies and nebulae will be easier to see during the new moon, particularly through a telescope. (These are the best stargazing sites in North America.) If you're a photographer, this is the perfect time to try your hand at astrophotography. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way's galactic core rises high in the night sky throughout the summer, making it a prime focal point. A Bootid meteor seen photographed in June 2018. Photograph by Steve Dudrow, Getty Images The Bootids are a notoriously variable meteor shower, producing astonishing displays of hundreds of shooting stars some years, and just a few other years. If you're willing to try your luck, the meteor shower is expected to peak on June 27. And luck is already on your side—the moon will be barely illuminated as a waxing crescent, so it won't impede your view of fainter shooting stars. Close approach of the moon and Mars—June 30 To close out the month, the waxing crescent moon and Mars will put on a little show. Our celestial neighbors will pass within 1°16' of each other; if you hold your arm out fully toward the moon and stick your pinky finger up, your finger's width is about the distance between the pair, so you'll be able to see them simultaneously through binoculars. Keep an eye out for the "earthshine" phenomenon, where light reflected from Earth makes the unlit part of the crescent moon glow faintly. This most commonly happens just after sunset or right before sunrise.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Eta Aquarids meteor shower expected to peak in Singapore on May 6 and 7
For the best chance of spotting a meteor or two, head to open, darker locations such as beaches, parks or reservoirs. -- PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The Eta Aquarids meteor shower, born from the dusty trail of a comet, is set to make its annual appearance in Singapore's skies next week, with peak activity expected during the early hours of May 6 and 7. Skygazers might catch a fleeting glimpse of this cosmic event if the weather holds and light pollution does not stand in the way. On May 2, the Observatory at Science Centre Singapore said a meteor shower takes place when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by sources such as comets, asteroids or other planets. These tiny fragments, often no larger than grains of sand, burn up as they collide with Earth's atmosphere, creating the fast-moving streaks of light called meteors or 'shooting stars'. The Eta Aquarids is an annual meteor shower linked to Comet 1P/Halley, also known as Halley's Comet. According to US space agency Nasa, Halley's Comet is known as the most famous comet due to its historic significance. Until the 18th century, comets were thought to make only a single journey through Earth's solar system. That changed in 1705, when English astronomer Edmond Halley used Sir Isaac Newton's laws of gravity and motion to study comet paths. He noticed similarities in the orbits of bright comets seen in 1531, 1607 and 1682, and proposed that they were, in fact, the same comet returning over time. He predicted it would come back again in 1758 and it did. It became the first known 'periodic' comet and was later named in his honour. Meteors in the Eta Aquarids meteor shower are fast, zipping into the Earth's atmosphere at around 65 kilometres per second. Some leave glowing 'trains' that can linger for minutes. When the phenomenon peaks, observers may see up to 50 meteors per hour radiating from the direction of the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquarii. The shower is active from April 20 to May 21, but visibility will be highest after 3am on May 6 and 7, when the radiant point is higher in the sky and the bright gibbous Moon has set. For the best chance of spotting a meteor or two, the Observatory suggests heading to open, darker locations such as beaches, parks or reservoirs. Those looking to spot meteors in those areas should first allow their eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. No telescope or binoculars are needed – just patience, clear skies and a little luck. This cosmic event follows the recent Lyrid meteor shower in April, which many in Singapore missed due to cloudy skies. If the heavens cooperate this time, the Eta Aquarids could offer a brief but beautiful reminder of the wonders beyond the city lights. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Science
- Straits Times
Eta Aquarids meteor shower expected to peak in Singapore on May 6 and 7
For the best chance of spotting a meteor or two, head to open, darker locations such as beaches, parks or reservoirs. PHOTO: ST FILE Eta Aquarids meteor shower expected to peak in Singapore on May 6 and 7 SINGAPORE – The Eta Aquarids meteor shower, born from the dusty trail of a comet, is set to make its annual appearance in Singapore's skies next week, with peak activity expected during the early hours of May 6 and 7. Skygazers might catch a fleeting glimpse of this cosmic event if the weather holds and light pollution does not stand in the way. On May 2, the Observatory at Science Centre Singapore said a meteor shower takes place when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by sources such as comets, asteroids or other planets. These tiny fragments, often no larger than grains of sand, burn up as they collide with Earth's atmosphere, creating the fast-moving streaks of light called meteors or 'shooting stars'. The Eta Aquarids is an annual meteor shower linked to Comet 1P/Halley, also known as H alley's Comet. According to US space agency Nasa, Halley's Comet is the most famous comet due to its historic significance. Until the 18th century, comets were thought to make only a single journey through Earth's solar system. That changed in 1705 , when English astronomer Edmond Halley used Sir Isaac Newton's laws of gravity and motion to study comet paths. He noticed similarities in the orbits of bright comets seen in 1531 , 1607 and 1682, and proposed that they were, in fact, the same comet returning over time. He predicted it would come back again in 1758 and it did. It became the first known 'periodic' comet and was later named in his honour. Meteors in the Eta Aquarids meteor shower are fast, zipping into the Earth's atmosphere at around 65 kilometres per second. Some leave glowing 'trains' that can linger for minutes. When the phenomenon peaks, observers may see up to 50 meteo rs per hour radiating from the direction of the constellation Aquarius, near the star Eta Aquarii. The shower is active from April 20 to May 21 , but visibility will be highest after 3am on May 6 and 7, when the radiant point is higher in the sky and the bright gibbous Moon has set. For the best chance of spotting a meteor or two, the Observatory suggests heading to open, darker locations such as beaches, parks or reservoirs. Those looking to spot meteors in those areas should first allow their eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. No telescope or binoculars are needed – just patience, clear skies and a little luck. This cosmic event follows the recent Lyrid meteor shower in April, which many in Singapore missed due to cloudy skies. If the heavens cooperate this time, the Eta Aquarids could offer a brief but beautiful reminder of the wonders beyond the city lights. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
