North Essex Astronomical Society: What to look for in June - Predictions and Analysis

The North Essex Astronomical Society provides insights into what to expect in the sky during June. In addition to the sun reaching its highest path and the longest daylight hours, there is much to anticipate this month. With the upcoming full moon on the night of the 21st/22nd, coinciding with the solstice, observers can look forward to a unique lunar display. The moon's trajectory will be exceptionally low, rising to just nine degrees above the horizon at 1am. This alignment offers a rare viewing opportunity, especially for those interested in celestial events.

June and July also mark the possibility of noctilucent clouds (NLC) forming in the atmosphere. These silvery clouds appear as waves or swirls in the summer twilight when looking northward. NLC are distinct as they form at an altitude of 50 miles, making them the highest clouds in the atmosphere. The high altitude of NLC allows the sun's rays to illuminate them during the night, creating a mesmerizing sight against the dark sky. This phenomenon adds to the allure of the night sky during the summer months.