This week marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, but don’t be fooled – Earth is actually at its farthest point from the sun. The real hero here is our planet’s 23.5-degree tilt, which brings the Northern Hemisphere direct sunlight for longer days.
As we soak up the solar rays, the sky offers some incredible celestial treats. Here are five highlights to look out for:
First Quarter Moon (July 5)
Catch this phase in early evening until midnight, when the moon is half-illuminated and half-shadowed. The resulting 3D detail makes the lunar landscape pop. Binoculars or small telescopes make this the perfect time to observe.
Mars-Regulus Close Approach (July 6-7)
Witness a striking color contrast between Mars’ reddish hue and Regulus’ blue-white brilliance as they approach each other in the western sky after sunset. No equipment is needed for this easily visible spectacle.
Mercury’s Brief Spotlight Moment (July 7)
Spot Mercury at its greatest western elongation, reaching a maximum apparent distance from the sun, before sunrise on the eastern horizon. Clear skies and binoculars will help you catch a glimpse of this elusive celestial body.
Moon & Mars Conjunction (July 8)
Photograph the bright moon and subtle red planet as they align in early evening, creating a striking composition. Use night mode and tap to focus on the moon for perfect smartphone shots.
Additional highlights include Saturn’s visible rings after midnight in Aquarius, Venus’ brilliant morning star in the eastern pre-dawn sky, the rising Milky Way core in dark-sky locations, and celestial objects like Hercules Cluster (M13) and Ring Nebula (M57).
Source: https://weather.com/science/space/news/2025-07-03-july-4-10-earth-aphelion-first-quarter-moon-mars-regulus-mercury