The night sky in June 2025 promises a spectacular array of celestial events that will captivate amateur astronomers and sky watchers alike.
Daytime Meteor Activity Peaks — June 7 The lesser-known Arietid Meteor Shower peaks around June 7, but unlike most showers, its activity is primarily during daylight hours.
For those wanting a digital experience, NASA’s Meteor Shower Portal offers real-time tracking of the meteors’ activity, providing an innovative way to connect with this elusive phenomenon.
This full moon, visible on June 11, does not display the red hues one might expect from its name but shines brightly in the night sky nonetheless.
The Bootid Meteor Shower Peaks — June 27 The Bootid Meteor Shower, known for its variable intensity, is expected to peak on June 27.
Awe-inspiring celestial events are expected to be visible in the night sky in June 2025, captivating both sky watchers and amateur astronomers. In addition to the renowned “Strawberry Moon,” this month also brings a number of planetary alignments, meteor showers, and star clusters that are at the height of their visibility, according to a thorough summary provided by National Geographic. Every evening in June offers something remarkable, whether you’re looking through binoculars, a telescope, or your own eyes.
On June 1, Venus made its most spectacular morning appearance.
Venus reaches its maximum western elongation from the sun’s glare on June 1st, marking the beginning of the month. For viewers in the northern hemisphere, this means the planet will rise just before dawn in the east, and for those in the southern hemisphere, it will rise in the northeast. This event is a unique chance for both casual and serious observers to witness Venus shining brightly without the interference of the sun’s light.
The Peak of the Hercules Star Cluster — June 2.
A close-knit group of more than 100,000 stars, the Herculean Star Cluster, will peak in the night sky on June 2. In the early 18th century, Edmond Halley made the first cataloguing of this spherical cluster, which is scientifically known as Messier 13. Binoculars or small telescopes can reveal a stunning glittering orb that is difficult to see with the naked eye, but this is the perfect time to see one of the most impressive globular clusters that can be seen from Earth.
June 7 is when daytime meteor activity peaks.
However, unlike most showers, the Arietid Meteor Shower is mostly active during the day, peaking around June 7. The bright sky makes it difficult to see these meteors, but early risers might see a few shooting stars right before dawn. NASA’s Meteor Shower Portal offers real-time tracking of the meteors’ activity, making it a creative way for those seeking a digital experience to engage with this elusive phenomenon.
June 11: The June Berry Moon Lights Up the Night.
Named for the season when wild strawberries ripen throughout North America, the Berry Moon is the high point of June’s lunar cycle. This full moon, which is visible on June 11, shines brightly in the night sky despite not having the red colors one might anticipate from its name. Harvest season has long been associated with this moon in indigenous traditions. It was also known as the “Honey Moon” or “Mead Moon” in ancient European folklore, which may have had something to do with the custom of June weddings and honey harvesting.
June 16: Close Encounter between Mars and Regulus.
In the middle of the month, Mars approaches the bright star Regulus in the constellation Leo, resulting in a spectacular conjunction. On June 16, about 90 minutes after sunset, this event peaks. By shining brightly next to the reddish planet Mars, the four-star multiple star system Regulus will be a captivating sight to behold through telescopes. Known for its characteristic wing-like pattern, the Butterfly Star Cluster will be at its best later that evening, making it ideal for binocular viewing.
On June 22, the Lagoon Nebula reaches its zenith.
June 22 marks the peak of the Lagoon Nebula, a massive stellar nursery located 5,200 light-years away that is teeming with newly formed stars and glowing gas. This nebula, which is also known as Messier 8, is best viewed through binoculars or a telescope, though it can occasionally be seen with the unaided eye under very dark sky conditions. It provides an amazing look into the processes of star formation and is located close to the Milky Way galaxy’s core.
Stargazers Can Expect Dark Skies on June 25th with the New Moon.
On June 25, a new moon phase ensures that there will be little interference from moonlight, making it ideal for viewing faint celestial objects like nebulae and distant galaxies. Astrophotography enthusiasts have a great chance to photograph the Milky Way’s core, which rises sharply on summer nights in the northern hemisphere, thanks to the darker skies.
June 27 is the peak of the Bootid Meteor Shower.
On June 27, the erratic Bootid Meteor Shower is predicted to reach its zenith. There may be a few meteors in this shower or hundreds in rare years. Viewers have a better chance of catching the ephemeral streaks across the sky when the moon is in a waxing crescent phase because its dim light won’t overshadow faint shooting stars.
On June 30, the Moon and Mars Close.
On June 30, the waxing crescent moon will pass very close to Mars, just over one degree apart, to end the month. Because of their close proximity, sky watchers can use binoculars to view both celestial bodies at the same time. Observers may also notice the “earthshine” effect during this event, which is a faint glow on the dark part of the moon caused by sunlight reflected from Earth. This effect is especially noticeable right after sunset or before sunrise.
