Stunning Planetary Alignments in June 2025
As June 2025 unfolds, skywatchers are in for a treat with several planets gracing the night sky. According to NASA's latest skywatching tips, Venus and Saturn, which have been close in recent months, will begin to separate, with Venus shining brightly before dawn and Saturn visible in the pre-dawn hours. Meanwhile, Mars continues to hang out in the western evening sky, offering a striking reddish hue for observers to enjoy after sunset.
Daily highlights include a notable event on June 19, when the third-quarter moon will appear right next to Saturn, creating a captivating visual pairing. Additionally, posts found on X indicate other conjunctions to watch for, such as the Moon near Venus on June 22 and near Mars on June 29-30. These alignments provide excellent opportunities for both casual stargazers and avid astronomers to witness celestial events without the need for advanced equipment.
Summer Solstice and Galactic Wonders
Mark your calendars for June 21, as the summer solstice arrives at 2:42 UTC, which translates to 9:42 p.m. CDT on June 20. This event marks the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. NASA's guide highlights that the solstice brings longer daylight hours, but it also ushers in darker nights ideal for observing fainter celestial objects.
One of the most awe-inspiring sights this month will be the visibility of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. With dark skies prevailing in many areas during June, especially around the new moon phase, the core of the Milky Way will be visible all night long. NASA advises heading to locations with minimal light pollution to fully appreciate the galaxy's intricate details and sprawling beauty.
For those eager to catch these galactic views, timing is key. The best viewing occurs in the late evening to early morning hours when the sky is darkest. This is a perfect chance to connect with the vastness of the universe from your own backyard or a nearby dark-sky site.