Night time Sky June
Summer time is nearly right here so welcome again for one more month of objects to look out for within the night time sky, with some good climate (fingers crossed)! June has a couple of issues for us to see, very first thing being the summer time solstice.
Summer time Solstice
Thursday twentieth of June this yr marks the summer time solstice. The summer time solstice marks the longest day of the yr and the shortest night time of the yr, it’s because the Earth’s axis on this present day shall be most immediately inclined in 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 is named 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 course.
Many cultures have celebrated the summer time solstice for hundreds of years. Historic civilizations just like the Egyptians and the Druids at Stonehenge constructed monuments aligned with the solstice dawn. Within the extra trendy world, folks proceed to mark the solstice with festivals, music, dancing, and rituals celebrating nature and the height of summer time.
The Strawberry Moon
The time period “Strawberry Moon” is a standard title for the total moon that happens in June. This title originates from Native American tribes, significantly 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 time and the pure modifications that happen throughout this time of the yr.
Picture Credit score: NASA
Constellations
All through the month of June, it is possible for you to to look at 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 vibrant 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 trying up on the night time sky and seeing a magical swan flying among the many stars. This swan is named Cygnus, which implies “swan” in Latin. Cygnus the constellation seems to be 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 night time sky. The opposite finish of the constellation is a star known as Albireo, which marks the swan’s beak. Albireo, it seems to be like one star however by way 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 remodeled 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 is named Lyra, which implies “lyre,” an historic musical instrument just like a small harp. The brightest star in Lyra is named Vega, which is just 25 mild years away, so the sunshine we see at this time left Vega 25 years in the past. It’s one of many brightest stars within the night time sky and shines with a bluish-white mild. 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 linked 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 may attraction anybody who heard it.
Aquilla the Eagle
Aquila, the Eagle, is a constellation that appears like a robust hen hovering by way of the night time sky. Aquila’s brightest star is named 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 facet that kind the wings of the eagle. These stars, together with a couple of others, create a sample that appears like an eagle with its wings unfold vast as if it’s flying.
In Greek mythology, Aquila is usually seen because the eagle of Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus would ship his eagle on vital missions.
Although June has longer days in the course of the month, possibly those that are extra of an evening owl can benefit from the late, late nights for stargazing!
