The Summer Triangle — often regarded as the quintessential astronomical symbol of the impending warm and lengthy days — makes its grand return in June. This celestial formation is composed of three brilliant blue stars, each hailing from distinct constellations: Vega from Lyra, Altair from Aquila, and Deneb from Cygnus. Positioned at the zenith of the night sky, the Summer Triangle marks a perfect opportunity for stargazers to enjoy the beauty of the cosmos.
June also brings the summer solstice, which falls on June 20 this year. This date is notable for being the longest day of the year, signaling the start of warmer weather that is perfect for stargazing. Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History, explains, “Solstice means ‘sun stands still,’ so on that day, the sun will set as far north as it’s going to in your sky, and we are getting the maximum amount of direct light from the sun.” This influx of sunlight creates ideal conditions for nighttime astronomical viewing.
This June, astronomy enthusiasts have the chance to witness the unpredictable Bootids meteor shower, which is set to commence on June 22 and continue through July 2. During its peak on June 27, viewers can expect to see one or two shooting stars per hour, with the possibility of outbursts reminiscent of the 1998 event, where astronomers recorded approximately 100 meteors per hour. The Bootids are characterized as slow meteors, traveling at just over 31,000 miles per hour, making them easier to spot against the night sky.
The beaches of the Rockaways serve as ideal venues for stargazing and meteor watching. Bart Fried, a member of the American Astronomical Society, emphasizes the simplicity of enjoying meteor showers: “Any meteor shower is worth it if you catch some really good meteors. You don't need any equipment. You really want to use the naked eye, peripheral vision, and lay back so that you can comfortably look at a big expanse of the sky, and that drastically increases your chances of seeing meteors.”
In addition to the Summer Triangle and meteor showers, June offers a chance to spot the constellation Scorpio, which features its brightest star, Antares. On June 9, the deep red hue of Antares will appear close to the moon, making Scorpio's S-shaped formation easy to identify. Regulus, the bright pale-blue star in the constellation Leo, will also be visible near the moon at the start of the month, alongside the red planet, Mars. On June 28 and 29, Mars will be positioned so closely to the crescent moon that it may appear as if the two celestial bodies are touching.
The warmer weather not only enhances stargazing opportunities but also leads to an increase in astronomy events. The Amateur Astronomers Association organizes two to three events weekly across various locations throughout the city, including piers, sidewalks, parks, and plazas. One key event is the Spring Starfest, scheduled for June 20 at 8 p.m. at Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn. This event, which was rescheduled due to poor weather in the previous month, will feature numerous telescopes set up by experts ready to guide the public through the wonders of the night sky.
For those who prefer an indoor or daytime stargazing experience, the American Museum of Natural History will debut a new planetarium show on June 9, narrated by actor Pedro Pascal. Known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “Fantastic Four,” Pascal was chosen for his connection to the cosmos. The show, titled “Encounters in the Milky Way,” will explore significant moments in the past and future of our solar system, highlighting the paths of stars and comets. Faherty adds, “My favorite part of having Pedro be a part of the show is that he's Chilean and the best telescopes in the world are Chilean. He’s a perfect pick for us. He's also just got a very soothing voice.”
With the arrival of June, the opportunities for stargazing and astronomical exploration abound. Whether you're heading to the beach to catch a meteor shower or visiting a planetarium to learn more about the cosmos, this month promises to be a spectacular time for all astronomy enthusiasts.
