What’s up this month: the june sky

Essentials

‍June brings longer days and shorter nights, but the evening sky still offers plenty to see. With the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, this is a great month for spotting bright planets, lingering twilight stars, and some of the season’s most iconic constellations. A sky map or astronomy app can help you navigate the highlights.

Planets on display

This month, keep an eye out for brilliant Venus shining low in the west just after sunset. Saturn rises later in the night, best seen in the early morning hours with a telescope or binoculars. Jupiter begins to make its return to the dawn sky, rewarding early risers with a bright, steady glow.

Constellations to explore

‍The Summer Triangle — made up of the stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair — dominates the eastern sky on June evenings. Scorpius, with its bright red star Antares, crawls across the southern horizon. Meanwhile, constellations like Boötes and Virgo linger high overhead, with the brilliant Arcturus leading the way.

Special events

‍Mark your calendar for the June solstice, the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around June 20–21. While it means the shortest nights of the year, it also brings beautifully extended twilight skies. Around mid-June, look for the crescent Moon pairing with Venus for a striking view just after sunset.

Best viewing tips

Because June nights are short, plan your sessions carefully. The late evening hours are best for catching planets and bright stars, while the early morning offers quieter skies and cooler air. Bring binoculars to enhance your view of star clusters like the Beehive in Cancer or the globular cluster M13 in Hercules.

Final thoughts

June’s sky may be lighter and shorter, but it is full of seasonal treasures. From the glow of Venus at sunset to the Summer Triangle rising in the east, there’s plenty to enjoy if you take the time to look up. So grab a chair, a star map, and maybe a warm drink — and welcome summer under the stars.