The June Sky

Paul Curtin

Note: Jupiter becomes easier to view this month. Recently, a new spot was discovered not far from the persistent system known as the Great Red Spot. It is smaller than the Great spot and follows it by roughly an hour. The long-term viability of this feature is unknown and amateurs can, by careful, systematic, and well documented observation, contribute to our knowledge of this phenomenon.

Late northern spring brings us a flock of globular clusters, heralds of the Milky Way’s return. Those frustrated by the difficulties of locating and describing the galaxies of early spring will be relieved to hear that some of the globulars are both bright and framed by easily identified guide stars.

Our first stop is the tiny Corona Borealis. This distinct half-circle sits due east of Bootes. It holds no deep sky objects for us but warrants a sweep with binoculars for aesthetic purposes. East of Corona we find the main body of Hercules. Look for M13 and M92, both globulars that are impressive even in small telescopes.

South of Hercules is Ophiuchus. Although this constellation is not in the Milky way, it contains many deep sky objects, including the globular clusters M12 and M10. This is a wonderful region to scan with a wide field scope.

Poking its head out of the Milky Way is the western section of Scorpius, with red Antares announcing the coming of northern summer. M4, an attractive globular cluster, is nestled not far from Antares. A suggestion if you are using a large scope: view the cluster first, then Antares, as the bright star may momentarily reduce your night vision.

In the south the Milky Way holds sway and Centaurus and Crux together with tiny Musca take center stage. These constellations abound in deep sky objects, including a number of dark nebulae.

The Planets in February

Mercury is in the evening sky. Southern observers get the best view this year.

Mars is low in the evening sky. Look for it near the Beehive (M44) after dark.

Jupiter can be seen in the evening sky. For some in the north it may be rather low in the southern sky, but try to catch a glimpse of the new spot nonetheless.

Saturn is in Cancer and continues to chase the sun this month.

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Gupta, R. (ed.), Observers Handbook 2006. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2005.

Jones, K. G. (ed.) Webb Society Deep-Sky Observers Handbook, Volume 3,
Hillside, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 1980.

Kepple, G. R., Sanner, G. W., The Night Sky Observers Guide, Richmond, Virginia: Willman-Bell, 1999.

Tirion, W., Rappaport, B., Remaklus, W., Uranometria Deep Sky Atlas, Richmond, Virginia: Willman-Bell, 2000.

Webb, T. W., Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes, New York: Dover, 1962.