June has arrived, bringing with it a spectacular display of celestial wonders. For astronomy enthusiasts, this month offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Milky Way and its core in all its glory.
The heart of our galaxy is not visible every month, but in June, it can be seen practically every night from a location far away from light pollution. The galactic central bulge, full of stars and stardust, will appear as a soft glow on the horizon, resembling a cloud. To locate this phenomenon, look south from a dark place and let the vastness of the universe unfold before your eyes.
This month’s celestial events are not limited to the Milky Way. The dawn will bring together Venus and Saturn, while Mars and Regulus will make a brief encounter on June 16 and 17. Mercury will appear in the last days of the month, shyly but unmistakably close to the western horizon. Jupiter will be visible only in the first few days of June, alongside the setting sun.
The June solstice, occurring on the night of June 20th, marks the highest point of the sun in the sky for the northern hemisphere and the longest day of the year. As the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, the northern hemisphere experiences increased daylight hours, while the southern hemisphere begins its winter season.
Throughout the month, various celestial events will take place, including a Moon-Saturn conjunction on June 19th and a Moon-Venus crossing on June 22nd. Ancient cultures have long celebrated solstices as moments of significance, aligning their monuments with these events to mark the passage of time.
For those who love the night sky, astronomy, or simply observing the stars, June is undoubtedly an exceptional month. With its unique celestial displays and cultural significance, it’s a time to come together and appreciate the magic of the universe.
Source: https://unionrayo.com/en/galaxy-june-sky-galactic-core