Tonight’s Summer time Solstice Options A Uncommon Three-Planet Alignment

The Summer time Solstice is lastly right here! Its arrival brings the primary true style of summer season. That’s as a result of the Summer time Solstice is the official begin of summer season, and though that alone is sufficient to have fun with the children, we’re additionally going to be handled to a “cosmic trio” of the Moon, Mars, and Venus within the night time sky on the identical night time of the longest day of the yr. Right here’s every thing it is advisable know — together with what the cosmic trio is, and the way to catch it.

What’s the Summer time Solstice?

The Summer time Solstice is technically the precise time when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky, which occurs as soon as per yr. It’s additionally the day that’s thought of the longest day of the yr since we’ll expertise probably the most hours of daylight we can have all yr.

When is the Summer time Solstice?

This yr, the Summer time Solstice technically begins at this time, Wednesday, June 21, at 10:58 a.m. EDT., in response to The Farmer’s Almanac.

What’s a ‘cosmic trio?’

In line with EarthSky.org, on the eve of the Summer time Solstice, effectively after the solar has set, we’ll additionally be capable to see a “cosmic trio,” as Venus, Mars, and the Moon will all align within the night time sky.

“As you wait by means of one of many longest days of the yr within the north for the sky to darken, you’ll first spot the crescent moon, adopted by the intense mild of Venus,” the positioning explains. “As soon as the sky is a bit darker, you’ll lastly spot the final member of this cosmic trio, reddish Mars.”

To search out the planets up within the sky is fairly simple — with the bare eye, you may spot the crescent moon. From there, you must be capable to spot Venus, which is able to merely seem like an extremely shiny star, and Mars, which can have a reddish hue. When you’re nonetheless unsure what you’re in search of, these astronomy apps may also help you discover the celestial our bodies.

If you wish to make sure you don’t miss the “cosmic trio,” you may verify TimeandDate.com to get the height viewing time to your location. You too can verify theLiveSky.com to seek out the place within the sky you must intention your focus to identify the trio to be further secure.

Blissful stargazing!