From glowing nebulae to rich star clusters and even a planetary conjunction, June’s night sky is packed with deep-sky treasures and subtle cosmic alignments. With warm evenings and a steady lineup of midnight peaks, it’s a great time to slow down, look up, and explore the skies—especially if you have a telescope handy.
Below, we’ll walk you through each major event this month—including when to look, how to find it, and practical tips to help you make the most of your observing sessions.
June 2025 Night Sky Highlights – At a Glance
- June 2 – The Great Globular Cluster in Hercules (M13) reaches its highest point; an iconic deep-sky favorite for telescope users.
- June 3 – Messier 12 (M12) peaks in Ophiuchus; a loosely packed globular cluster visible across much of the world.
- June 5 – Messier 10 (M10) reaches its best visibility; a dense globular cluster ideal for mid-sized telescopes.
- June 11 – Full Strawberry Moon rises in Ophiuchus; a seasonal full Moon with rich cultural history and a bright presence in the sky.
- June 11 – Messier 92 (M92) culminates in Hercules; a compact and often overlooked globular cluster.
- June 18 – IC 4665, an open cluster in Ophiuchus, hits its highest point; wide and binocular-friendly.
- June 22 – The Lagoon Nebula (M8) peaks in Sagittarius; a glowing stellar nursery best viewed from southern skies.
- June 28 – NGC 6633, a bright open cluster in Ophiuchus, is well-placed for binoculars and low-power scopes.
- June 29 – Conjunction of Saturn and Neptune in Pisces; visible through binoculars in the early morning sky.
June 2
Catch the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules at Its Peak
One of June’s most impressive deep-sky sights, the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules (M13), reaches its highest point in the night sky around midnight on June 2. This massive, ancient star cluster is a favorite among amateur astronomers, offering spectacular views through binoculars and telescopes alike.
Why M13 Stands Out
Also cataloged as NGC 6205, M13 lies roughly 22,000 light-years from Earth and contains over 100,000 stars packed into a sphere just 145 light-years across. With an apparent magnitude of 5.8, it hovers just beyond the range of unaided vision for most observers. However, it becomes a truly impressive sight when viewed through even modest optical equipment, especially under dark skies.
How to Find M13
- Constellation: Hercules
- Right Ascension: 16h 41m 40s
- Declination: +36° 27′
- Best time to observe: Around midnight local time, when it reaches its highest point in the sky
Located in the northern sky, M13 is best observed from latitudes north of 33°S. To locate it, look for the Keystone asterism—a trapezoid-shaped pattern of four stars forming the central “body” of Hercules. M13 sits about one-third of the way between Eta Herculis and Zeta Herculis, making it relatively easy to spot once the Keystone is identified.
Observing Tips
- Start with a wide field: Use a low-power eyepiece (25mm or more) to locate M13. Once it’s centered, increase magnification to begin resolving the cluster’s outer stars and exploring its dense core.
- Try averted vision (especially under dark skies): Looking just slightly to the side of the cluster—rather than directly at it—can help bring out more stars, particularly in the fainter halo surrounding the core.
- Choose a dark location: While M13 can be glimpsed from suburban skies, it’s best viewed from a Bortle Class 4 or darker site, where contrast and clarity are significantly improved.
- Let your telescope acclimate: If you’re using a larger or enclosed-tube telescope (such as a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian), give it 30–60 minutes outside to reach thermal equilibrium. This helps reduce internal air currents and sharpens your view.
June 3
Explore the Hidden Gem of Ophiuchus – Messier 12 at Its Peak
After M13’s dazzling appearance, Messier 12 (M12) steps into view on June 3, reaching its highest point around midnight local time. Located in the constellation Ophiuchus, M12 is a slightly more subtle globular cluster—but for telescope owners looking to expand their deep-sky log, it’s a rewarding and elegant target.
Why Observe Messier 12?
Also cataloged as NGC 6218, M12 lies roughly 15,700 light-years away and contains about 200,000 stars. With an apparent magnitude of 6.1, it’s a bit fainter than M13, but still easily accessible to most amateur telescopes. In a 4-inch or larger scope under dark skies, moderate magnification begins to resolve its outer stars, while the core appears as a softly glowing, concentrated mist.
How to Find M12
- Constellation: Ophiuchus
- Right Ascension: 16h 47m 10s
- Declination: –1° 56′
- Best time to observe: Around midnight on June 3, when it reaches its highest
Thanks to its near-equatorial position, M12 is visible from nearly the entire inhabited world. It appears high overhead for observers in the mid-northern and equatorial regions, and is still accessible from much of the southern hemisphere. To find it, look for Yed Prior (Delta Ophiuchi)—a bright star in Ophiuchus. M12 lies about 3° northwest of Yed Prior, making it easy to track down by star-hopping.
Observing Tips
- Use appropriate magnification: Although M12 can appear as a faint fuzzy patch in binoculars under dark skies, it’s best viewed through a telescope. Start at 50–80x to locate it, then increase to 100–150x to begin resolving the outer edges.
- Appreciate its structure: M12 has a looser, more diffuse appearance than tightly packed globulars like M10. Its soft core and extended halo make for an interesting visual contrast.
- Seek dark skies: To reveal the cluster’s full detail, observe from a Bortle Class 4 or darker site. Light pollution will wash out the fainter stars, especially around the edges.
- Give your eyes time to adapt: Allow 15–20 minutes in darkness for your eyes to fully adjust, and avoid looking at phone or tablet screens during that time. Use a red flashlight or screen filter to preserve your night vision.
June 5
Discover Messier 10 – A Dense and Dazzling Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus
Wrapping up the early June globular cluster showcase is Messier 10 (M10), which reaches its highest point around midnight local time on June 5. Located in the constellation Ophiuchus, this compact and visually rich globular cluster makes a rewarding target for telescope users—especially those who enjoy comparing subtle differences in cluster structure.
What Makes M10 Worth Observing?
Also cataloged as NGC 6254, M10 lies about 14,300 light-years away and shines at an apparent magnitude of 6.6. It’s slightly fainter than nearby M12 and M13, but remains accessible to amateur astronomers using telescopes with apertures of 4 inches (100mm) or larger. Under suburban skies, it may appear as a grainy, softly glowing ball, but under dark conditions or with larger scopes, its dense, bright core becomes far more striking—surrounded by a halo of fainter stars that fade gently into the background.
Experienced observers under dark skies sometimes note a slight asymmetry or subtle elongation in its shape, adding to its visual character when compared to more symmetrical globulars.
How to Locate Messier 10
- Constellation: Ophiuchus
- Right Ascension: 16h 57m 00s
- Declination: –4° 05′
- Best time to observe: Around midnight on June 5, when it reaches its highest point in the sky
Thanks to its position just south of the celestial equator, M10 is visible from most of the world, including both hemispheres. It appears highest for observers at mid to low latitudes. From far northern locations, it remains closer to the horizon and may require optimal timing to view clearly. If you've already found Messier 12, you’re close—M10 lies just 3° east-southeast of M12, making it an easy target for star-hopping.
Observing Tips for the Best M10 Experience
- Choose appropriate equipment: A 4-inch telescope will reveal the cluster’s core, while 8-inch or larger scopesbring out finer resolution and more stars, especially under dark skies.
- Use higher magnification: Increase to 120x or more to resolve stars along the outer edges and explore the tight, bright center.
- Watch for shape and structure: Under ideal conditions, you might detect a slight elliptical or asymmetric appearance, giving M10 a different profile than more uniform clusters like M12.
- Be patient at the eyepiece: Spend several minutes observing, using averted vision (looking slightly to the side). This technique and a bit of patience will help reveal faint stars that aren't immediately obvious.
June 11
Observe the Full Strawberry Moon Rising in Ophiuchus
On the night of June 11, the Moon reaches its full phase at 3:44 P.M. Eastern Time, but don’t worry if you can’t observe it at that exact time—it will appear full the night before, the night of, and the night after, giving you multiple chances to enjoy this seasonal lunar highlight. Known as the Strawberry Moon, this full Moon is a favorite among skywatchers and an excellent target for observers at all experience levels.
Why Is It Called the Strawberry Moon?
The name “Strawberry Moon” comes from Indigenous North American cultures, including the Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, who used it to mark the short season when wild strawberries ripen.
The name is symbolic rather than literal—the Moon itself doesn’t turn pink. However, during moonrise, it may appear golden or reddish due to atmospheric scattering, especially when it's low on the horizon. Other traditional names like “Berries Ripen Moon” also reflect the broader seasonal themes of early summer and harvest.
Where the Moon Will Be
At the moment it reaches full phase, the Moon will be positioned in the constellation Ophiuchus, with the following coordinates:
- Constellation: Ophiuchus
- Right Ascension: 17h 16m 00s
- Declination: –28° 03′
- Distance from Earth: ~399,000 km
- Angular Size: ~29′ 52″
In the northern hemisphere, the Moon will appear low in the southern sky, especially for observers at higher latitudes, where it may hover close to the horizon. In the southern hemisphere, it will be high overhead, offering prime viewing conditions.
Best Practices for Observing the Full Moon
- Catch moonrise for the best visuals: The most dramatic views often occur just as the Moon rises above the horizon. In most locations, this happens shortly after sunset, but exact timing varies—check your local moonrise time for the most accurate schedule.
- Use a Moon filter: The full Moon can be uncomfortably bright through a telescope. A neutral density or dedicated Moon filter helps reduce glare and brings out more contrast in surface features.
- Focus on the limb: While full phase tends to wash out shadow detail across the lunar face, the limb (the edge of the Moon) can still show subtle detail—such as peaks, ridges, and bright ejecta rays from impact craters.
- Explore with binoculars: A steady pair of binoculars, especially mounted on a tripod or braced against a solid surface, can reveal features like the lunar maria, the Tycho Crater ray system, and large impact basins. Even handheld, they enhance the Moon’s texture and contrast.
June 11
Explore Messier 92 – A Northern Gem in the Hercules Constellation
While the Full Strawberry Moon lights up the night sky on June 11, another deep-sky highlight reaches its peak: the globular cluster Messier 92 (M92). Around midnight local time, this dense and often overlooked cluster climbs to its highest point, offering a rewarding target—especially for observers in the northern hemisphere.
Why Observe M92?
Also known as NGC 6341, M92 is a compact globular cluster located about 27,000 light-years from Earth, shining at magnitude 6.5. Though often overshadowed by the nearby and more famous Messier 13, M92 stands out under dark skies with its dense, bright core and symmetrical structure. It’s visible through telescopes with 4-inch (100mm) apertures or larger, and may appear as a faint fuzzy patch in binoculars from a dark-sky site.
Where to Find Messier 92
M92 lies in the constellation Hercules, not far from M13—making it a great same-session comparison target, even though the two don’t fit in a single field of view.
Use these celestial coordinates to locate it:
- Constellation: Hercules
- Right Ascension: 17h 17m 00s
- Declination: +43° 08′
- Magnitude: 6.5
- Angular Size: 14′ 24″
Its high northern declination makes it an ideal target for observers north of the equator. South of 26°S latitude, however, it becomes increasingly difficult to observe due to its low altitude in the sky.
To find M92, locate the Keystone asterism in Hercules, then scan about 8° northeast of the star Eta Herculis—approximately the width of four finger-widths held at arm’s length. Start with a wide field of view to pick up its soft glow, then zoom in once centered.
Tips for Observing M92
- Start wide, then magnify: Use a low-power eyepiece to locate the cluster, then increase to 100x or more to resolve individual stars and reveal the dense, grainy core.
- Compare it with M13: Though M92 is slightly fainter, it’s more compact and has a tighter central concentration—a great contrast to the more sprawling structure of M13.
- Minimize moonlight: Since this event coincides with the full Moon, bright moonlight may reduce contrast. Consider using a light pollution or UHC filter, and if possible, plan a return visit when the Moon is out of the sky for a clearer view.
- Try astrophotography: M92 is a good beginner target for short-exposure astrophotography. Its round shape and bright core hold up well in wide-field images using basic tracking mounts.
June 18
Scan the Summer Sky for Open Cluster IC 4665 in Ophiuchus
As summer deepens, so does the richness of the night sky—and on June 18, the open cluster IC 4665 reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight local time. Located in the constellation Ophiuchus, this loose and youthful group of stars makes a peaceful, low-power target for binocular users and small telescope owners alike.
What Is IC 4665?
Unlike the dense globular clusters featured earlier in the month, IC 4665 is an open cluster—a younger, loosely bound group of stars formed from the same molecular cloud. With a visual magnitude of 4.2, it’s technically brighter than many deep-sky objects. However, its stars are spread across a wide area, resulting in low surface brightness. That makes it hard to spot with the naked eye unless you’re observing under very dark skies.
This is a great object for stargazers who enjoy wide-field scanning or experimenting with low-magnification views that reveal an object in context with its surroundings.
Where to Find IC 4665
- Constellation: Ophiuchus
- Right Ascension: 17h 46m 20s
- Declination: +5° 38′
- Magnitude: 4.2
- Angular Size: 24′ 36″
IC 4665 is visible from most of the world—between 75°N and 64°S latitude. On the night of June 18, it will be well placed later in the evening, especially once it climbs well above the horizon. For the best results, use a star chart or planetarium app to check your local observing window.
To locate it, start at the bright star Beta Ophiuchi (Cebalrai). IC 4665 lies about 1° north-northeast of this star—close enough to appear in the same binocular field. Sweep the area slowly to detect a faint, scattered patch of stars.
How to Observe IC 4665
- Use low magnification: This wide open cluster is best seen with a low-power eyepiece (25–40x) to frame the full star field. Higher magnification narrows your view and can make the cluster feel too sparse.
- Binocular-friendly: Under dark skies, binoculars (7x50 or 10x50) can reveal a soft cloud of scattered stars. In light-polluted areas, it may appear as a faint patch or be difficult to spot.
- Observe from a dark site: Despite its brightness on paper, IC 4665 requires low light pollution for optimal viewing. A Bortle Class 4 or darker site will reveal more stars and structure.
- Try sketching: IC 4665 is an excellent beginner sketching target. Its open, relaxed structure doesn’t require artistic precision—just note the positions of brighter stars and enjoy learning to observe carefully. Even a simple dot pattern is a great start.
June 22
Dive into the Lagoon Nebula – A Glowing Stellar Nursery in Sagittarius
As Sagittarius rises in the southern sky in late June, it carries one of the season’s most awe-inspiring deep-sky objects into prime view: the Lagoon Nebula (M8). Reaching its highest point around midnight local time on June 22, this expansive and luminous emission nebula is an ideal target for stargazers with binoculars or telescopes—and a rewarding stop for summer observing sessions.
Why the Lagoon Nebula Deserves Your Attention
Also known as Messier 8 (NGC 6523), the Lagoon Nebula is a vast stellar nursery located about 4,100 light-years from Earth. With a magnitude of 5.8, it is one of the brightest emission nebulae in the sky. Under exceptionally dark skies, it may appear as a faint glow to the unaided eye, but it’s best appreciated through optical aid.
Its name comes from a dark dust lane that appears to divide the glowing gas into two “lagoons.” Rich in ionized hydrogen, young star clusters, and intricate cloud structures, M8 is a striking example of active star formation and a great contrast to the star clusters featured earlier this month.
Where to Find the Lagoon Nebula
- Constellation: Sagittarius
- Right Ascension: 18h 03m 40s
- Declination: –24° 22′
- Magnitude: 5.8
- Angular Size: 45′ 00″
Because of its southern declination, the Lagoon Nebula is best observed from the southern hemisphere or low northern latitudes. However, it’s still accessible from much of the mid-northern hemisphere (up to ~45°N), especially if you have a clear southern horizon. From locations like the southern U.S., southern Europe, or northern Africa, M8 rises high enough in the sky to give rewarding views.
To find it, start with the “Teapot” asterism in Sagittarius. M8 lies just above the spout, about 5° northwest of Kaus Borealis (Lambda Sagittarii). On dark nights, you may also see the surrounding glow of the Milky Way, which adds depth to the scene.
Tips for Observing the Lagoon Nebula
- Use a wide-field eyepiece: The nebula spans nearly the same area of sky as the full Moon (about 45 arcminutes), so a low-power, wide-angle eyepiece (20–32mm) provides the best framing. Just remember, the similarity is in size—not brightness.
- Enhance with filters: A UHC (Ultra High Contrast) or OIII filter used with a telescope can significantly improve visibility by increasing contrast, especially under light-polluted skies.
- Try binoculars first: A pair of 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars will show M8’s bright core and surrounding haze—a rewarding view even from moderately dark skies.
- Photograph to see color: Through the eyepiece, M8 will appear mostly in shades of gray. But with even basic astrophotography gear, you can capture its rose-colored hydrogen glow, dark dust lanes, and embedded star clusters.
June 28
Discover NGC 6633 – A Sparkling Open Cluster in Ophiuchus
As June winds down, the bright and expansive open cluster NGC 6633 reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight local time on June 28. Nestled in the northern part of Ophiuchus, this wide-field star cluster is often overlooked in favor of denser or more famous deep-sky targets, but it’s a rewarding object for binocular users and small telescope owners—especially those scanning the summer Milky Way.
Why Observe NGC 6633?
Located just over 1,000 light-years from Earth, NGC 6633 is a relatively young open cluster—by cosmic standards—estimated to be about 660 million years old. It shines at an apparent magnitude of 4.6, and while it may be just barely visible to the unaided eye under pristine skies, it’s far more engaging through optics.
The cluster’s loosely bound stars are moderately spread out, making it a great subject for wide-field observing. It's particularly enjoyable for beginners looking to explore non-Messier open clusters that still offer rich visual detail.
Where to Find NGC 6633
NGC 6633 lies in the northern part of Ophiuchus, close to the border with Serpens Cauda, and is visible from nearly anywhere in the world—from 76°N to 63°S.
- Constellation: Ophiuchus
- Right Ascension: 18h 27m 10s
- Declination: +6° 30′
- Magnitude: 4.6
- Angular Size: 12′ 00″
To locate it, look along the line connecting Altair (in Aquila) and Rasalhague (Alpha Ophiuchi). The cluster sits just east of the constellation border and is near the similarly bright open cluster IC 4756. These two clusters are sometimes referred to—informally—as the “Double Cluster of the Summer” thanks to their proximity and appearance within the same wide field of view, especially through binoculars.
Tips for Observing NGC 6633
- Use low magnification: With an angular spread of about 12 arcminutes, NGC 6633 looks best through a wide-field eyepiece (25–40mm). Higher magnification tends to break up the grouping and reduce the cluster’s visual impact.
- Ideal for binoculars: A quality 7x50 or 10x50 binocular reveals dozens of stars loosely scattered across a soft patch of Milky Way. It’s an ideal cluster for casual observing sessions or quick summer sky tours.
- Head to darker skies: Though relatively bright, light pollution can wash out the fainter members of the cluster. A Bortle Class 4 site or better will bring out more structure and background contrast.
- Sketch and compare: Pair NGC 6633 with a view of IC 4756 and compare their size, density, and star patterns—or try your hand at a simple star sketch to train your eye for subtle details.
June 29
Saturn and Neptune Converge in Pisces – A Rare Planetary Pairing
Capping off a month filled with deep-sky treasures and lunar highlights, June 29 brings a subtle but noteworthy celestial event: a close conjunction of Saturn and Neptune in the constellation Pisces. While this isn’t a dramatic visual display, it’s an astronomically rare alignment—a rewarding target for early risers and binocular users interested in planetary observing.
What’s Happening?
At the moment of conjunction, Saturn and Neptune will share the same right ascension, the celestial equivalent of longitude. Saturn will pass just 59 arcminutes (just under 1°) south of Neptune.
Although they won’t appear in the same telescope field, this is close enough for both to be visible together through standard binoculars. Visually, they will appear distinctly separate, but within the same patch of sky—offering a unique chance to compare these two outer planets side by side.
Saturn
- Right Ascension: 00h 08m 40s
- Declination: –1° 28′
- Magnitude: 0.8
- Angular Size: 17.6″
Neptune
- Right Ascension: 00h 08m 40s
- Declination: –0° 29′
- Magnitude: 7.9
- Angular Size: 2.2″
How to Observe the Conjunction
- Best viewing time: The conjunction is best seen 60 to 90 minutes before sunrise, when Pisces is higher in the eastern sky. Use a stargazing app or chart to help pinpoint the location based on your area.
- Use binoculars for the full pairing: With a separation just under 1°, standard 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars will show both planets in the same field. Saturn will appear bright and golden, while Neptune will be much fainter—likely just a small point of light.
- Note on Neptune visibility: At magnitude 7.9, Neptune is on the threshold of visibility through binoculars. You’ll need dark skies, a stable mount, and ideally a star chart to locate it. For beginners, it may be tricky to spot—so don’t be discouraged if it remains elusive.
- Telescopic views: You won’t see both planets at once, but observing them individually is worthwhile. Saturn’s rings are easily visible in small scopes. Neptune, though faint, reveals a small bluish disc at high magnification (150x or more).