June 21 marks the first day of summer and the summer solstice. The longest day of the year means more of that sweet sunshine, but stick around for nightfall and June promises to put on quite a show.
On June 3, Venus will be at its furthest eastern position from the sun, so you’ll be able to spot the brightest planet more easily. Look towards the sunset at twilight to see Venus at its best, or stay up until about 3am EST to catch it at its official furthest elongation.
Also on June 3 is a full strawberry moon. No, it won’t be red, but it will be spectacular. The name comes from the Indigenous Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota communities, after June’s abundant strawberry harvests.
Next up is a moon meet-up on June 9. Just before dawn, watch as the gibbous moon and Saturn pass within ten degrees of each other.
On June 20, the crescent moon, Venus and Mars can all be seen together just after sunset, low in the western sky. Be sure to look for the trio before 10pm EST when the moon leaves the party.
June 21 is the summer solstice, so celebrate however you want to mark the changing of the seasons, but you can also keep an eye out for a planetary pyramid. The waxing crescent moon, Venus and Mars will come together again to form a triangle: Mars on the left, Venus at the top and the moon serving as the point on the right. Wait until dark to see them all, but before 11pm EST when it ducks below the horizon.