A gathering of the moon and three planets will provide one of June’s best skywatching opportunities for Saskatchewan residents.
While June is typically a quieter month for astronomy because of shorter nights, skywatchers will still have a chance to spot a striking planetary display in the evening sky.
Abigail Sadowski, resident astronomer at the Kalium Observatory and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, said a young crescent moon will join Venus, Jupiter and Mercury in the western sky on June 16 and 17.
The grouping will be visible shortly after sunset, around 10 p.m.
“The young crescent moon will join the evening planet grouping, including Venus, Jupiter and Mercury,” Sadowski said. “That will be a nice naked-eye viewing opportunity shortly after sunset.”
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Venus and Jupiter pair up earlier
The mid-month display follows an earlier pairing of Venus and Jupiter, which will appear close together in the western sky from June 6 to 11. Their closest approach will occur around June 8 and 9.
Sadowski said observers will need a clear view of the western horizon because the planets will set relatively soon after sunset.
Accessible viewing opportunity
Sadowski said the June 16-17 gathering stands out because it can be viewed without special equipment.
“That’s going to be quite pretty and also a naked-eye event, which is always just lovely,” she said.
Despite June’s short nights, Sadowski said the planetary gathering is one of the month’s most accessible skywatching events.