Night time Sky June
Summer time is nearly right here so welcome again for an additional month of objects to look out for within the evening sky, with some good climate (fingers crossed)! June has a number of issues for us to see, very first thing being the summer season solstice.
Summer time Solstice
Thursday twentieth of June this 12 months marks the summer season solstice. The summer season solstice marks the longest day of the 12 months and the shortest evening of the 12 months, it is because the Earth’s axis on this present day can be most instantly inclined in the direction of the solar, giving the northern hemisphere loads of sunshine. The solstice happens when the Solar reaches its highest level within the sky at midday. This level known as the Tropic of Most cancers (23.5 levels North latitude). On this present day, the Solar seems to face nonetheless at its most northern level earlier than reversing path.
Many cultures have celebrated the summer season solstice for hundreds of years. Historical civilizations just like the Egyptians and the Druids at Stonehenge constructed monuments aligned with the solstice dawn. Within the extra fashionable world, folks proceed to mark the solstice with festivals, music, dancing, and rituals celebrating nature and the height of summer season.
The Strawberry Moon
The time period “Strawberry Moon” is a conventional identify for the complete moon that happens in June. This identify originates from Native American tribes, notably the Algonquin tribes, who used it to mark the season for gathering ripe strawberries. Though strawberries may not be the principle crop in each area, the time period means a way of early summer season and the pure modifications that happen throughout this time of the 12 months.
Picture Credit score: NASA
Constellations
All through the month of June, it is possible for you to to watch the ‘Summer time Triangle’. The Summer time Triangle is an asterism, which implies it’s a smaller group of stars that don’t make an official constellation. The Summer time Triangle consists of three shiny stars, Deneb, Vega and Altair. Every star right here belongs to their very own particular person constellation.
Picture Credit score: Stellarium
Cygnus the Swan
Think about wanting up on the evening sky and seeing a magical swan flying among the many stars. This swan known as Cygnus, which implies “swan” in Latin. Cygnus the constellation appears like a swan spreading its wings. Deneb is the brightest star present in Cygnus and this star marks the tail of swan. It’s the 19th brightest star within the evening sky. The opposite finish of the constellation is a star referred to as Albireo, which marks the swan’s beak. Albireo, it appears like one star however by means of a telescope, you’ll discover it’s a binary star system, made up of two stars!
Cygnus is a constellation that has impressed many tales and myths. In a single story, the swan is Zeus, the king of the gods, who reworked right into a swan to go to the Earth. In one other, it represents Orpheus, a legendary musician, who was positioned within the sky as a swan after he died.
Lyra the Harp
This harp known as Lyra, which implies “lyre,” an historical musical instrument much like a small harp. The brightest star in Lyra known as Vega, which is just 25 gentle years away, so the sunshine we see at the moment left Vega 25 years in the past. It’s one of many brightest stars within the evening sky and shines with a bluish-white gentle. Vega is simple to identify and marks the highest of the harp. Close to Vega, you’ll see a small, diamond-shaped sample of stars. This diamond form represents the strings of the harp.
Lyra is related to many tales and myths. In a single story, the harp belonged to the identical Orpheus, a legendary musician who performed music so lovely that it might appeal anybody who heard it.
Aquilla the Eagle
Aquila, the Eagle, is a constellation that appears like a strong chicken hovering by means of the evening sky. Aquila’s brightest star known as Altair. Altair marks the top of the eagle. In case you discover Altair, you’re heading in the right direction! As soon as you discover Altair, search for two different stars on both aspect that type the wings of the eagle. These stars, together with a number of others, create a sample that appears like an eagle with its wings unfold extensive as if it’s flying.
In Greek mythology, Aquila is commonly seen because the eagle of Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus would ship his eagle on necessary missions.
Although June has longer days through the month, perhaps those that are extra of an evening owl can benefit from the late, late nights for stargazing!
