Stargazing in Zion in June

Stargazing in Zion in June includes our closest, rocky, planetary neighbors dominating the evening sky. Look for Venus slowly making her way out of Gemini and into Cancer, moving closer and closer to Mars. In early July, these planets will make their closest approach, just below the head of Leo.

Views of Venus and Mars, Left Image: June 1st, Right Image: June 30th - Source: Stellarium

The constellations of Orion, Taurus and Cancer have gone for the season and disappeared in the sun’s glare. Orion is located across the sky from our newly rising constellation, Scorpio. In Greek mythology, he was a great hunter who boasted his ability to kill any animal on Earth. Gaia, the goddess of Earth, caught wind of his claims and sent Scorpius to kill Orion. Orion was defeated, and both were honored as constellations in the sky. On opposite sides of the celestial sphere, Scorpio endlessly chases a fleeing Orion in spring and summer, while Orion is safe to hunt from the stinger during fall and winter.

In keeping with the coming of Summer, Scorpio is rising in the east in the evenings, and will be up in full at the end of June. Look for the distinct curve of the scorpion's tail low in the southern sky. Following the Scorpius, later in the summer will be Sagittarius

Our two gas giant planets dominate the morning sky. Look for Saturn in the southeast sky, followed by Jupiter rising just before the sun in the east. By the end of June, Saturn begins to rise around midnight, starting its transition to a late evening object. Both giant planets will be up in the evening sky coming fall, visible to observers just after sunset.

June 21st marks the summer solstice, when Earth’s northern hemisphere is at its maximum tilt towards the sun. This marks the beginning of astronomical summer, the solar standstill. From this point, the sun will set further south each consecutive day.

Stargazing in Zion in June is one of the best times of year to enjoy the stars in Utah. If you want to learn more about the dark skies of Utah and the constellations in Zion, book a stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion for a unique experience.

Learn more about the best places to view the stars near Zion, what to do in Zion at night and what to expect from a stargazing tour in Utah!