"This month's Sky Tour starts with a solstice update and a rundown of lunar phases, then helps you find four planets in the evening sky along with the best stars and constellations of early summer. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, June offers the shortest nights of the year. This month’s solstice occurs on June 21st at 11:54 a.m. EDT. Astronomically speaking, that’s when summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Once again the lunar phases track the calendar closely. New Moon comes on June 3rd, first quarter on June 10th, and full Moon on the 17th. Traditionally, this is called the Full 'Strawberry' Moon, signaling when these tasty treats get ripe. But many Europeans know it as the full Rose Moon. Last quarter follows on June 25th, and a week later the cycle starts again. Each lunation, from new Moon to new Moon, takes 29½ days — so it's no wonder our words month and Moon sound alike! ..."
Sky & Telescope (Audio)
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