Astrophotography and astronomy enthusiasts unite! It is time to take out your cameras, binoculars, and telescopes as a rare planetary alignment, fondly called the ‘Parade of Planets’, will occur soon. Skygazers eagerly await the stunning ‘Planetary Parade’, but figuring out the best way to witness it can be tricky. June is dotted with other astronomical events like the Summer Solstice, Strawberry Moon and Arietids meteor showers to fascinate curious minds.
If you are wondering when to witness these dazzling celestial events, tag along as we take you through the dates, explaining what these are exactly. And, consider a trip in June to a destination known for Astro tourism, away from city lights, for the best viewing experiences of all these events.
Add these dazzling celestial events in June to your astronomical calendars
Planetary alignment — The ‘Parade of Planets’ on June 3
Colloquially referred to as the ‘Parade of Planets’ or ‘Planetary Parade’, the rare alignment of the six planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will occur on June 3 in the eastern sky around dawn.
A planetary alignment is an astronomical event wherein two or more planets appear to be in a single line, as visible from the Earth’s vantage point. This path shared by the planets is known as ecliptic. Interestingly, these are not technically in one line but in their respective orbits, which when close to the Sun, appear in a neat row.
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While the bright yellow Saturn will be visible late night onwards, with Neptune positioned nearby, the reddish Mars will rise slightly later, followed by Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury.
You may have heard about a “parade of planets” on June 3. Be aware that most of them will be either too close to the rising Sun or too faint to see. But look for reddish Mars between Saturn and the slim crescent Moon. More tips about upcoming sky events: https://t.co/dBPuOUuaiR pic.twitter.com/3kF04JPXDO
— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) May 29, 2024
Astrophotography enthusiasts might be elated to know that Saturn, Mars and Jupiter may be clearly or faintly visible. However, spotting Neptune and Uranus with the naked eye is challenging due to their faintness (high magnitude). Good quality binoculars and telescopes are recommended. As Mercury will be closest to the Sun, it will be difficult to view it too.
For further insights into the rare planetary alignment, click here, or watch the informative video by The Secrets of the Universe below.
Did you know?
- Human eyes can see objects (including planets) up to a magnitude of 6.
- There are four types of planetary alignments:
- Mini planetary alignment – 3 planets
- Small planetary alignment – 4 planets
- Large planetary alignment – 5 or 6 planets
- Great (full) planetary alignment – all planets in the Solar System
Next date for ‘Parade of Planets’: August 28, 2024
While most parts of the world (Northern Hemisphere) can witness the phenomenon on June 3, it also depends on your location and area. For a better viewing experience and exact time, use the Sky Tonight app.
Arietids meteor shower on June 7
Active from April 14 to June 24, 2024, the Arietids meteor shower is expected to peak on June 7. While Daytime Arietids are difficult to observe due to their extreme brightness, the meteors might be visible at dawn, precisely around 3:00 am, according to various reports. One of the strongest meteor showers of the year, Arietids can be spotted in the Aries constellation.
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Summer Solstice on June 21
The solstice occurs twice every year — when the Sun’s path is the farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere and when it is the farthest south in the Southern Hemisphere. The Earth experiences the longest day in the former case when the Sun is above the Tropic of Cancer. It is fascinating to watch the Sun’s position and experience more daylight on this day in the Northern Hemisphere.
Strawberry Moon on June 21
It is interesting to note that the June 2024 Strawberry Moon coincides with the Solstice Full Moon. It will be visible after sunset in the southeast direction, reaching its peak illumination at 9:08 pm ET. You can check the local time using this full moon calculator.
According to the Almanac, the June 2024 Strawberry Moon will be special and won’t appear this beautiful for the next 18 years.
Interestingly, the Strawberry Moon is called so not because of its hue but owing to the ‘ripening of strawberries’ during this time, as coined by native American Algonquian tribes. Other unique names for the full moon in June include Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon and Hoer Moon.
[Representative feature image credit: Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock (Elements furnished by NASA)]
Related: This South American Country Is Often Called The ‘Astronomy Capital Of The World’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Summer Solstice and when does it occur in June?
Summer Solstice occurs when the sun’s path is farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun is above the Tropic of Cancer and the earth experiences the longest day on June 21.
Are there any meteor showers in June?
Yes, active from April 14 to June 24, 2024, the Arietids meteor shower is expected to peak on June 7.
Which planets are visible in the night sky in June?
While the rare alignment of the six planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will occur on June 3 in the eastern sky around dawn, only three of them can be seen with the naked eye.
What is a planetary conjunction, and are there any in June?
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, when two astronomical objects such as asteroids, moons, planets, or stars appear close to each other as viewed from the Earth’s vantage point, a conjunction occurs. Planetary conjunction is the alignment of planets close to each other.
Can I see any eclipses in June?
There are no eclipses in June.
What is the significance of the full moon in June?
The June 2024 full moon will be special and won’t appear this beautiful for the next 18 years as it is the Solstice Full Moon.
How can I best observe astronomical events in June?
While some astronomical events can be viewed with the naked eye, some require binoculars and telescopes for better viewing.
What are some tips for photographing astronomical events in June?
It is always good to plan early using the apps to know the exact time well ahead. Additionally, good quality cameras with exceptional shutter speed may help capture stunning photographs.
Are there any notable star clusters or constellations visible in June?
Yes, some of the constellations visible in June include Boötes, Libra, Lupus and Ursa Minor.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelA journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read More
