Astronomical events: month of june 2026
June 1
The Moon at aphelion
The Moon reaches its farthest point from Earth in its monthly orbit, appearing slightly smaller in the sky.
The Great Globular Cluster in Hercules well placed
Also known as M13, this bright globular cluster is positioned high in the night sky and ideal for observation.
Lunar occultation of Sigma Sagittarii
The Moon passes directly in front of Sigma Sagittarii, temporarily blocking the star from view.
June 3
Messier 12 well placed
The globular cluster M12 becomes well positioned for evening viewing in the constellation Ophiuchus.
June 6
Messier 10 well placed
M10, a bright globular cluster in Ophiuchus, is favorably placed for observation.
June 7
Messier 62 well placed
This dense globular cluster near the constellation Scorpius is visible during the evening hours.
June 8
Moon at Last Quarter
Half of the Moon’s surface appears illuminated as it enters its final quarter phase.
Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter
Venus and Jupiter appear extremely close together in the evening sky shortly after sunset
Close approach of Venus and Jupiter
The two planets reach their minimum visible separation, creating a striking planetary pairing.
June 9
Mercury at dichotomy
Mercury appears half illuminated through a telescope, similar to a quarter Moon.
June 10
Close approach of the Moon and Saturn
The Moon and Saturn appear close together in the sky before sunrise.
Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn
Saturn passes near the Moon along the same celestial longitude.
Daytime Arietid meteor shower peak
One of the strongest daytime meteor showers of the year reaches peak activity.
June 11
Mercury at highest altitude in evening sky
Mercury reaches its highest point above the western horizon after sunset.
Messier 92 well placed
The globular cluster M92 in Hercules is visible under dark sky conditions.
June 12
Conjunction of the Moon and Mars
Mars appears near the Moon in the evening sky.
Venus at highest altitude in evening sky
Venus reaches its highest evening elevation above the horizon for the month.
June 13
Close approach of the Moon and M45 (Pleiades)
The Moon passes near the Pleiades star cluster in the early morning sky.
June 14
The Moon at perihelion
The Moon reaches the point in its orbit closest to the Sun.
The Moon at perigee
The Moon reaches its closest point to Earth, appearing slightly larger and brighter.
New Moon
The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun and is not visible in the night sky.
June 15
Asteroid 14 Irene at opposition
Asteroid 14 Irene reaches opposition, making it brightest and visible throughout the night.
Mercury at greatest eastern elongation
Mercury reaches its greatest separation from the Sun, offering excellent evening visibility.
June 16
Conjunction of the Moon and Mercury
Mercury appears close to the thin crescent Moon after sunset.
NGC 6388 well placed
The globular cluster NGC 6388 becomes visible in the constellation Scorpius.
June 17
Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
Jupiter appears near the Moon in the evening sky.
Close approach of the Moon and Jupiter
The Moon and Jupiter reach their closest visible separation.
Conjunction of the Moon and Venus
Venus appears near the Moon shortly after sunset.
Close approach of the Moon and Venus
The Moon passes very close to Venus in the evening sky.
Lunar occultation of Venus
In some regions, the Moon passes directly in front of Venus.
The Butterfly Cluster well placed
The Butterfly Cluster (M6) becomes highly visible in Scorpius.
NGC 6397 well placed
One of the closest globular clusters to Earth becomes visible for observation.
Close approach of the Moon and M44
The Moon passes near the Beehive Cluster in Cancer.
June 18
IC 4665 cluster well placed
This open star cluster in Ophiuchus becomes well positioned for viewing.
June 19
Lunar occultation of Regulus
The Moon briefly covers Regulus, the brightest star in Leo.
Close approach of Venus and M44
Venus passes near the Beehive Cluster in the evening sky.
June 20
The Ptolemy Cluster well placed
The bright open cluster M7 in Scorpius becomes easy to observe.
June 21
June Solstice
The Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day of the year as summer officially begins.
Moon at First Quarter
Half of the Moon appears illuminated as it reaches first quarter phase.
June 23
The Lagoon Nebula well placed
The Lagoon Nebula (M8) becomes highly visible in Sagittarius.
June 24
NGC 6541 well placed
This globular cluster in Corona Australis becomes visible in the night sky.
June 27
Lunar occultation of Antares
The Moon passes in front of Antares, the bright red star in Scorpius.
June Bootid meteor shower peak
The June Bootids meteor shower reaches peak activity, though rates are often unpredictable.
June 28
The Moon at apogee
The Moon reaches its farthest point from Earth and appears slightly smaller than usual.
June 29
NGC 6633 cluster well placed
The open cluster NGC 6633 becomes visible in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Full Moon (Strawberry Moon)
June’s Full Moon reaches peak illumination and is traditionally known as the Strawberry Moon.
The Moon at aphelion
The Moon reaches its farthest point from the Sun in its orbit.
June 30
Lunar occultation of Sigma Sagittarii
The Moon once again passes in front of Sigma Sagittarii, temporarily obscuring the star.
—Compiled by Mykel Del Angel
