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The moon may be getting brighter this week, but there are still plenty of reasons to look up. From the unpredictable June Bootids meteor shower to a challenging Mercury-Jupiter pairing at dusk and a beautiful meeting between Mars and the Pleiades star cluster before dawn, the final week of June offers a little something for both night owls and early risers.
Elsewhere in this issue, we're diving into the science behind eclipse seasons, showcasing a breathtaking image of the Lagoon Nebula glowing 5,200 light-years from Earth, and looking at why June's warm evenings make it the perfect month for beginner stargazers.
Here's what to watch for in the nights ahead.
Daisy Dobrijevic
Skywatching Editor
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Most years, the June Bootids are a modest meteor shower producing only a handful of shooting stars per hour. But every so often, they surprise skywatchers with dramatic outbursts, making them one of the most, if not the most, unpredictable meteor shower of the year. Watch for their characteristically slow-moving meteors drifting across the sky as the shower approaches its peak later in the week.
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The solar system's smallest and largest planets draw close together low above the western horizon after sunset. You'll need a clear view to the west and a pair of binoculars to spot them through the bright twilight. Venus will be shining higher above, making it an easier target while you hunt for the fainter pair below.
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The waxing gibbous moon pays a visit to Antares, the bright red star often called the "Heart of the Scorpion". While observers in parts of the Southern Hemisphere will witness an occultation, most skywatchers will enjoy a striking pairing between the silvery moon and the ruby-red star.
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Early risers are rewarded with one of the week's most beautiful sights as Mars passes close to the Pleiades star cluster. The contrast between the planet's rusty glow and the cluster's blue-white stars creates a stunning predawn scene.
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The moon continues waxing throughout the week as it heads towards June's full moon. Though its increasing brightness will make faint deep-sky objects more challenging to observe, it also creates beautiful pairings with bright stars such as Antares.
Want to explore more? Check out our ultimate guide to observing the moon for tips and tools to get the most out of each phase.
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The June Bootids usually produce just a handful of meteors, but this notoriously unpredictable shower has a history of surprise outbursts.
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Short nights and bright stars make the midsummer night sky surprisingly beginner-friendly.
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Eclipses don't happen at random — they arrive in pairs, on schedule, and 2026 brings two spectacular seasons to prove it.
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The Lagoon Nebula is best spotted in the months surrounding August in the Northern Hemisphere.
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| Astronomy Kit and Accessories |
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The best smart telescopes make viewing the universe a breeze. Treat yourself to our top picks from Unistellar, Celestron, Vaonis and more.
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Here are the best star projectors to enjoy a night sky experience from the comfort of your couch. They are often reduced, so keep your eyes open.
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