June’s Night Sky
As June unfolds, stargazers are presented with a remarkable view of the night sky, particularly highlighted by the visibility of numerous nebulae above the eastern horizon. Among these celestial wonders is M57, commonly known as the Ring Nebula, which is a celebrated target for amateur astronomers.
Finding the Ring Nebula (M57)
M57 can be observed through a telescope or a pair of high-quality binoculars. A helpful way to locate it is by using the bright star Vega, a blue-white star that boasts a visual magnitude of 0, making it the fifth brightest star in our night sky. On June 1st at 9:00 p.m., Vega will be positioned approximately 22 degrees above the eastern horizon and about 33 degrees north of due east. The Ring Nebula can be found about 6 degrees below and 3 degrees to the south of Vega.
The discovery of M57 dates back to January 1779 when Antoine Darquier de Pellepoix first identified it. Shortly after, Charles Messier made an independent observation and subsequently included it in his famous catalog of non-cometary celestial objects. William Herschel, who is known for coining the term "planetary nebula," first observed M57 using his 7-foot reflecting telescope in 1785. He referred to it as a “curiosity of the heavens,” noting its ring-like appearance.
M27: The Dumbbell Nebula
Located about 17 degrees below M57 is a brighter nebula known as M27 or the Dumbbell Nebula. Discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, M27 is characterized as an oval nebula devoid of any stars. When Herschel examined it in 1784, he helped popularize the term “planetary nebula.” It has a visual magnitude of +7.1, making it significantly easier to view through binoculars compared to M57. Both nebulae are situated around 1400 light years from Earth.
Additional Nebulae to Observe
Stargazers will find other nebulae visible early in the night on June 1, including:
- The Crescent Nebula
- The North American Nebula
- The Iris Nebula
- The Cave Nebula
Planetary Sightings and Meteor Shower
On the evening of June 1, Jupiter will be visible about 10 degrees above the western horizon shortly after sunset, with Mars positioned about 50 degrees above it, providing good opportunities for planetary observation.
The Bootid meteor shower, known for its variability, peaks on June 27. This shower can be hit-or-miss, occasionally displaying more than 100 shooting stars per hour, though at other times it may display minimal activity. The meteors appear to radiate from just above the handle of the Big Dipper, making visibility nearly overhead at 9:00 p.m.
June Moon Phases
Skywatchers should also keep track of the lunar phases this month:
- 1st Quarter: June 2
- Full Moon: June 11
- Last Quarter: June 18
- New Moon: June 25
A Call for Dark Skies
In a community update, there is a growing concern regarding light pollution on Hatteras Island. Residents are turning to the Park Service and local rental property management companies to initiate a "Lights Out Hatteras Island" campaign. The aim is to encourage homeowners and renters alike to turn off outdoor lights at night to reduce light pollution and enhance the natural beauty of the night sky.
Concerns were raised regarding a new property owner in Avon who keeps their lights on at all hours due to a belief in local coyote threats. However, long-term residents note the presence of other wildlife such as deer and rabbits but little evidence of coyotes roaming in packs. It’s clear that excessive outdoor lighting not only detracts from stargazing opportunities but may also disrupt local wildlife, especially nesting sea turtles along the semi-oceanfront properties.
Let’s embrace the beauty of our night skies by turning off the lights and looking up!
- Dave in Avon
Bias Analysis
Key Questions About This Article
