The Night Sky this Month
Night Sky for June
The cycle of Moon phases begins this month with a Full Moon which falls on the 4th. The Last Quarter is then on the 11th with the New Moon on the 19th and First Quarter on the 27th.
Mercury is technically visible this month just before sunset at 9.30pm however it will be close to the Sun and very close to the North-Western horizon. To observe it safely place yourself near a wall so that it obscures the Sun from your view. NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN.
Venus is not visible this month.
Mars is visible in the South-West after sunset. It is now quite high in the sky but appears very small as it is receding from the Earth. Look out for it’s distinctive red colour.
Jupiter is not visible this month as it lies on the far side of the Sun from the Earth.
Saturn is now visible against the background stars of Virgo for most of the night. The rings are now more open and it is an amazing sight through even a small telescope.
Uranus rises just before 2.30am in the East but the Sun rises before it gets very high in the sky.
Neptune is not visible this month.
June 21st marks the Summer Solstice. Up to now this year the point on the horizon at which the Sun rose has gradually crept northwards causing our days to increase in length. The Solstice marks its northernmost point and from now on it will begin to drift back towards the South and days will begin to be shorter. In astronomical terms nights in June are never truly dark but in a perpetual state of twilight.
You can see the objects mentioned above and find out more with the Basingstoke Astronomical Society who have their Annual General Meeting on June 28th at Cliddesden Primary School from 7.00p.m.
Notes by John Stapleton
Secretary Basingstoke Astronomical Society
there was a gorgeous shooting star over brighton hill with a huge tail last night at 02.54am