On Saturday June 16 at 9 pm the night sky brightens just a few days before solstice with the arrival of the Summer Triangle featuring the stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair. But, the planets are sure to steal the show as Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will shine brightly in the heavens. Lyra, Cygnus, Aquilla and most of the spring constellations will be visible, as will The Great Globular Cluster, M57 Ring Nebula, M81 spiral galaxy in Ursa Major (Big Dipper).
Our astronomy experts will be your guide to the night sky at Penn Dixie. You may bring along your own telescope or are welcome to use one of the telescopes provided for the evening. Admission to these evening events is $4; Penn Dixie members attend for free.
Please note that we will provide updates on social media should this program be canceled due to weather.
Sun & Moon:
Sunset will be at 8:54 pm
The 13% Waxing Crescent Moon will be visible for the entire program (Sets @ 11:37 PM)
Planets:
Venus sets at 11:25 pm
Jupiter rises at 5:21 pm
Saturn Rises at 9:33 pm (may be high enough to view by the end of the program)
Constellations/Asterisms:
The Summer Triangle – E (Vega, Deneb, & Altair)
The Big Dipper –NW
Cassiopeia – NE
Leo – W
Virgo – SW
Ophiucus – SE
Lyra –E
Cygnus/Northern Cross – E
Aquilla -E
Draco – Meridian
Hercules – Meridian
DSOs/Stars:
M57 Ring Nebula
M13 The Great Globular Cluster in Hercules
M81 & M82 Bode’s and Cigar Galaxy
Arcturus
Albireo
Alcor & Mizar
Regulas
Image Credits: NASA