This week, stargazers in the northern hemisphere are in for a treat as there are several celestial events to look forward to. The summer solstice later in the month will bring the shortest night of the year, but for now, there is still plenty of darkness to enjoy. The new moon on Thursday will provide the perfect opportunity for some intense stargazing, along with pre-sunrise and post-sunset views of a delicate crescent moon.
On Monday, June 3, early risers can catch a glimpse of a 12% lit waning crescent moon near Mars in the eastern sky. The following day, the moon will be even slimmer at 6% lit, setting in the east before sunrise alongside Mars and Saturn. Wednesday marks the last chance to see the very slender 2% lit waning crescent moon near the Pleiades cluster of stars, creating a captivating image in the sky.
Thursday will bring the “New Strawberry Moon,” a new moon where the moon is lost in the sun’s glare. On Friday, a super-slim 3% lit waxing crescent moon will be visible low on the horizon after sunset, followed by a 7% lit crescent moon in the Gemini constellation on Saturday. The week will wrap up with a 14% lit waxing crescent moon on Sunday, with Earthshine visible on its darkened limb.
The Lyra constellation, dominated by the bright star Vega, is a great naked-eye target in the night sky. Vega serves as a benchmark for judging the brightness of other stars, forming one corner of the Summer Triangle along with Deneb and Altair. This seasonal asterism can be seen rising in late spring and setting in fall, anchoring the summer night sky. Stargazers are encouraged to look for the Summer Triangle each night and watch it move higher in the sky as the nights progress.
For the most accurate information on celestial events, including planet-rise/set, sunrise/set, and moonrise/set times, consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a beginner, there is something in the night sky for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a telescope or a pair of binoculars, head outside, and start exploring the wonders of the universe.
