3 astronomical events you need to know about this month + another chance to see the aurora borealis

There is a handful of exciting astronomical events happening this June, including a possible reappearance of the aurora borealis in the United States! Keep your eyes on the sky this month for the following astronomical events:

1. New moon — June 6

On Thursday, June 6, the Moon will be positioned on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, so it will not be visible in the night sky. Make sure to take a look at the sky during this time — you might see galaxies and star clusters that are otherwise hard to see.

2. June solstice — June 20

If you’re unfamiliar with the June solstice (also known as the summer solstice), it occurs when the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, which will reach its northernmost position in the sky.

Simply put, Thursday, June 20 will be the first official day of summer — although the hot days we’ve been enduring lately have probably made you believe otherwise!

3. Full moon — June 22

In complete opposition to the new moon on June 6, the Moon’s face will be fully illuminated on Saturday, June 22. Early Native American tribes referred to this as the Strawberry Moon, as it indicated the peak of strawberry harvesting season.

BONUS: Another chance to see the aurora borealis?

The northern lights were visible for a period of time early last month — if you missed it, you might have a chance to see it again. The sunspots that created the first widespread appearance of the aurora borealis are back, which could unleash the same flurry of geomagnetic storms that made the lights visible in May.

Keep an eye on the Space Weather Prediction Center’s website for updates.

If you’re able to see any of these astronomical events and get some pictures, we would love to see them! Share your pictures on social media and tag us or DM us at @hvilleblast.

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