This Week’s Night Sky Insights

Every Monday, I highlight the celestial events for the upcoming week in the northern hemisphere (mid-northern latitudes). However, make sure to check my main feed for more detailed articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more.

The Night Sky This Week: June 19-25, 2023

The focus this week is on the solstice, which represents the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and the start of winter below the equator. The solstice signifies a stationary sun—the day when the sun reaches its northernmost position in the sky, as observed by ancient cultures for millennia.

It also means that the nights are at their shortest. Fortunately, the presence of the crescent moon creates a delightful opportunity for outdoor activities during the long twilight hours after sunset.

Monday, June 19: Crescent Moon And ‘The Twins’

Castor and Pollux, the brightest stars in the Gemini constellation, will shine alongside a 3.4% crescent moon. This beautiful sight will be visible low on the western horizon after sunset, but be quick to catch it.

Tuesday, June 20: Crescent Moon Aligns With Venus And Mars

Tonight, there will be a 7.7%-lit crescent moon visible in the west, positioned slightly higher than the previous night, with Venus and Mars beyond it. By observing the darkened side of the moon, you can witness “Earthshine,” sunlight reflected from the nearly full Earth onto the lunar surface. April and May offer the best views of Earthshine.

Wednesday, June 21: Venus, Mars And A Crescent Moon On The Solstice

The summer solstice, which is the longest day and shortest night of the year, will occur exactly at 10:58 a.m. EDT. This also means there will be no astronomical darkness for northerly latitudes, and a short night for the entire northern hemisphere. However, shortly after dark, if you look west, you’ll witness a stunning 13%-lit crescent moon beside the bright planet Venus. By examining the moon’s darkened side, you can see Earthshine. Just above this celestial pair, you’ll find the red planet Mars, forming a beautiful celestial triangle.

Thursday, June 22: Regulus And The Moon Align With Planets

The crescent moon, now 21% lit, will shine in proximity to Regulus—the brightest star in the Leo constellation and the 21st brightest star in the night sky. Located 77 light-years away from our solar system, follow the pair towards the northeastern horizon, and you’ll also encounter Mars first, followed by Venus.

Stargazing Tip Of The Month: Explaining The Solstice

Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5°, causing different parts of the planet to receive sunlight for varying durations during our annual orbit around the sun. During the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere tilts towards the sun, resulting in the sun reaching its highest point in the sky. Consequently, the northern hemisphere experiences the longest day and warmest temperatures due to the sun’s intense rays.

The times and dates provided are applicable to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. You can also check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset, and moonrise/moonset times specific to your location.

<

 

Reference

Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.

Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.