Global Courant
This month, Earthlings will have the chance to witness many planetary and celestial events, including the Strawberry Moon and the Summer Solstice.
NASA says there should be plenty of chances to see the moon and stars show off in June, and it starts, clear skies permitting, with the strawberry moon.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the moon will appear on June 3 appear larger and with a “golden” appearance. It will reach peak illumination by 11:43 p.m. EDT.
The strawberry moon is what some people call the full moon of June. The name is derived from Moon Teachings according to Kanawayhitow (Toronto chapter) of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.
The Strawberry Moon is the sixth moon of creation, and according to Kanawayhitow’s website, it was during this lunar cycle that communities usually held annual celebrations.welcoming everyone home regardless of their differences over the past year, letting go of judgments and/or self-righteousness.”
Every year in June, Earth passes through two interplanetary meteoroid streams, the NASA website says. They are the meteors Arietid and Zeta Perseid. This year, says The Weather Channel an Arietid shower will take place on June 7.
However, unlike many meteor events, this one will occur during the day, meaning the the chance to see the show in all its glory will be limited.
“Unfortunately for stargazers, both constellations are very close to the sun when these showers reach their peak activity,” says NASA. “Still, the few that are visible are really worth it.”
Towards the end of the month it is the longest day of the year, a transition period to the second half of the year.
The summer solstice occurs on June 21 and marks the time when the sun appears at its zenith due to the tilt of the Earth towards the sun. It marks the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is the tipping point for long days as then slowly over the next few months the days get shorter and the nights longer.
