This month’s night sky is packed with exciting events, including close-range meteors, swirling nebulas, and prime stargazing conditions. Here are nine must-see nights to mark your calendar for.
Venus will reach its greatest western elongation on June 1, providing a clear view of the planet in the pre-dawn sky. The best time to spot it is just before dawn, when Venus rises in the eastern sky in the Northern Hemisphere or the northeastern sky if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Great Hercules Cluster, also known as Messier 13, will be at its highest point in the night sky on June 2. This stunning globular cluster can be seen with binoculars and is a great spot for beginners to improve their astronomy skills.
The Arietid meteor shower will peak on June 7, but most meteors are visible during the day. However, you can still spot some shooting stars in the pre-dawn hours just before the estimated peak. Visit the NASA Meteor Shower Portal to see colored dots indicating active meteors.
On June 11, a full moon known as the “Strawberry Moon” will be visible in the sky. This month’s full moon is named after wild strawberries that ripen during this time, and it may have inspired ancient traditions tied to honey harvesting and honeymoons.
Mars and the bright star Regulus will meet on June 16, offering a close encounter of about 90 minutes after sunset. Binoculars are necessary to see this event clearly.
The Lagoon Nebula, or Messier 8, will be at its highest point in the night sky around midnight on June 22. This swirling cloud of interstellar gas is visible from mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere with binoculars or a telescope.
Prime stargazing conditions will occur on June 25, thanks to a new moon lunar cycle. The Milky Way’s galactic core will rise high in the night sky throughout the summer, making it an excellent time for astrophotography.
The Bootids meteor shower is expected to peak on June 27, offering hundreds of shooting stars visible under ideal viewing conditions. The moon will be barely illuminated as a waxing crescent, allowing you to spot fainter meteors.
Finally, on June 30, the waxing crescent moon and Mars will pass close together, creating an opportunity for astrophotographers and stargazers alike to capture this rare celestial event.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/night-sky-strawberry-moon-june-2025