Night Sky Wonders: A Family’s Guide to Stargazing in June

Stargazing is a magical activity and is perfect for creating lasting memories. June is an excellent time for families to explore the night skies together, as the weather is typically warm and the skies are mostly clear. Here’s our guide to help you enjoy stargazing with your kids this June:

Pick the Perfect Spot

Choose a location far from city lights, such as a campground or park, somewhere you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the night sky. Check if the place has any stargazing events or telescopes for families to use.

Essential Stargazing Gear

While you don’t necessarily need a telescope for stargazing, having a few of these tools can help enhance the experience.

• Binoculars: Perfect for beginners, binoculars allow you to get a closer look at constellations and planets that the naked eye cannot see.
• Star Map or App: Download a star map or stargazing app like SkyView or Star Walk to aid in identifying stars, planets, and constellations.

Key June Night Sky Events

June has breathtaking celestial events for families to enjoy:

• The Summer Triangle: A prominent feature in the sky during June, this triangle is made of three bright stars—Vega, Deneb, and Altair. It’s visible all summer in the evening hours and is easy to spot high in the sky.
• The Full Strawberry Moon: The full moon will appear on June 23rd. Its nickname comes from the time of year when strawberries are harvested, and it’s a great time to talk to your kids about moon phases.

Introduce Your Kids to Constellations

Start by teaching your children to spot familiar constellations like the Big Dipper, which is part of the Ursa Major constellation. Once you’ve found it, you can guide them to other constellations, such as Lyra, Scorpius, or Orion.

Fun Stargazing Activities for Kids

Make stargazing more interactive for your kids. Here are a couple of options for fun activities:

• Stargazing Bingo: Plan a stargazing bingo card with items like specific constellations, planets, or the moon.
• Night Sky Journal: Assist your kids in keeping a night sky journal where they can draw what they see, make notes about the different phases of the moon, or track meteor showers.

Learn About Planets

June is the perfect time to spot planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Use your binoculars or telescope to get a closer view of their moons or rings.

• Jupiter: This gas giant is visible in the evening and is one of the brightest objects in the sky. No need for a telescope. Jupiter is one of the brightest planets in the sky.
• Saturn: Known for its impressive rings, Saturn is best observed using a telescope but is still visible without one.

Meteor Showers in June

While June isn’t prime for meteor showers, you might still see a few “shooting stars.” The June Boötids meteor shower occurs in late June, peaking around the 27th. It’s not as intense as others, but it is still worth the experience.

Safety Tips for Stargazing with Kids

• Protect Their Eyes: If using binoculars or telescopes, explain how to use them properly to avoid eye strain.
• Dress Appropriately: Even in June, the temperatures can drop at night, so make sure everyone is dressed warmly enough for the evening viewings.
• Stay Safe: Ensure the area is safe for kids to move around in, and also bring flashlights with red filters to preserve night vision.

Celebrate National Stargazing Month

In addition to National Ice Cream Month, June is National Stargazing Month. This is a wonderful time to engage with your family in educational activities and create the tradition of watching the stars together.

End with a Starry Snack

After your stargazing adventure, finish your evening by making star-shaped treats, such as cookies or fruit slices, or enjoy a hot chocolate together while discussing all the wonders you witnessed.

Stargazing in June is a fantastic way for families to bond and learn about the beautiful night sky. With simple tools, a bit of preparation, and a sense of adventure, you and your kids can explore the night sky and create lasting memories.