Star Gazer 2006 Jun 19-25

“Star Gazing On The First Nights Of Summer”

Scheduled air date: 2006 Jun 19-25

Summer Solstice for the northern hemisphere occurs on the morning of June 21st this year, when the Sun will rise at its northernmost point on the horizon.
(The path of the rising Sun is shown at key times throughout the year.)

At this time of year, the Little Dipper asterism (part of the constellation Ursa Minor) appears high above Polaris—the North Star—after dark. The much larger Big Dipper asterism (part of Ursa Major) appears to the west, and its 'handle' stars can be used to trace an arc toward the bright star Arcturus (in Boötes) and on to the nearly-as-bright Spica (in Virgo). The planets Mars and Saturn also appear low toward the west-northwest, below the summer constellation Leo.
(Shown around 10:30 PM on the night of June 22nd for mid-northern latitudes.)

Toward the east, the Summer Triangle asterism can be seen. This is comprised of the brightest stars in each of three constellations, Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila.
(Shown around 10:30 PM on the night of June 22nd for mid-northern latitudes.)

Toward the South, two very popular summer constellations can also be seen; Sagittarius and Scorpius.
(Shown around 10:30 PM on the night of June 22nd for mid-northern latitudes.)

If you wish to view illustrations for other episodes, please see our Star Gazer Illustrated directory.