June is the shortest day of the year in the sky and there will be a lunar eclipse of Saturn

June promises to be an exciting time for astronomy enthusiasts. Finally, HE A series of celestial events take place in the night sky that will amaze observers of all ages. We offer not only beauty but also educational opportunities for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the cosmos!

The most important astronomical event of the month is the arrival of the coldest season of the year in the southern hemisphere, marked by the winter solstice. This year, from June 20 to 17:51 (Brasília time) until September 22, The part of the world south of the Equator will begin a period of cooler temperatures and longer nights. Weather forecasts in Brazil show that there will be a warmer and drier winter than in recent years.

The solstice always occurs twice a year in June and December, usually between the 20th and 22nd of each month, and occurs when the Sun reaches the point farthest from the celestial equator, creating the greatest difference in the amount of sunlight. which each of the planet’s hemispheres receives.

Then, On the same day, the summer solstice occurs on the 20th in the northern hemisphere.It is characterized by longer days and higher temperatures.

Both solstices and equinoxes occur due to the combination of the Earth’s motion relative to the Sun and the tilt of its rotation axis relative to the orbital plane. This causes the frequency of sunlight in each hemisphere to vary depending on its location throughout the year, allowing seasons to occur on Earth.

In addition to the winter solstice and the month of May, The Moon and Saturn will stage a separate show in the sky: the occultation of the Moon. This event occurs when the Moon passes in front of a celestial body from the perspective of an observer on Earth. In June, the Moon will pass by and temporarily obscure Saturn on the night of the 27th.

Using celestial observation applications such as Celeste Chart, Sky Map, and Stellarium are great allies when searching for objects and reference points in the sky.

Calendar of main astronomical events for the month June 2024

02/06: Conjunction between Moon and Mars

04/06: Moon and Mercury conjunction

06/06: New month

06/14: In the First Quarter of the Month

06/20: Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere

06/21: full moon

06/27: Saturn moon occlusion

06/28: In the First Quarter of the Month

Did you like the content? Stay tuned to the Science section on TecMundo to follow the Astronomical Calendar monthly. Clear skies and good observing, see you!