June 2025 Sky Watching Guide: Top Celestial Events You Can’t Miss This Month

June 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular month for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. From a rare lunar occultation of a brilliant red star to dazzling meteor showers and remarkable planetary alignments, the night sky offers a variety of breathtaking celestial events for both amateur and experienced skywatchers. No matter if you’re in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, a unique and exciting sight awaits you to discover.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through all the major celestial highlights of June 2025, explaining what each event is, when and where to see it, and tips to make the most of your skywatching experience. Prepare your telescope, clear your calendar, and get ready for a month full of cosmic wonders!

June 10, 2025: The Moon Occults Antares — A Rare Lunar Occultation

One of the most exciting astronomical events of June is the lunar occultation of Antares, which occurs on June 10, 2025. In this rare event, the nearly full Moon will glide right across Antares—the glowing red giant that marks the center of the Scorpius constellation.

What Is a Lunar Occultation?

A lunar occultation happens when the Moon moves between Earth and a star or planet, temporarily blocking that object from view. Skywatchers in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia will witness Antares momentarily vanish behind the Moon’s glowing face, offering a breathtaking show in the night sky.

Where and When to Watch

• Best locations: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia.
• Timing: Shortly after sunset on June 10, 2025.
• Visibility: For the rest of the world, Antares and the Moon will appear very close together in the sky, though the star won’t be hidden by the Moon.

Why This Is Special

Antares stands out as one of the biggest and brightest stars you can see without a telescope, easily recognized by its rich red hue. Seeing it vanish behind the Moon and then reappear is a rare and thrilling experience for skywatchers. If you are within the viewing region, grab your binoculars or telescope for an unforgettable sight.

June 11, 2025: The Full Strawberry Moon — A Traditional Celebration of Summer’s Arrival

The night following the occultation, June 11, will feature the Full Strawberry Moon. This is the full Moon’s traditional name for June, derived from Native American and European folklore.

What’s Behind the Name?

The name “Strawberry Moon” marks the time when wild strawberries ripen, signaling the peak of the harvesting season in the Northern Hemisphere. It also represents the last full Moon of spring, marking the shift into the warmth of summer.

How to View the Strawberry Moon

• Global visibility: This full Moon will be visible worldwide.
• When to watch: From moonrise at sunset throughout the entire night.
• Photography tips: Capture the Moon near the horizon during moonrise or moonset to create dramatic, colorful images with foreground silhouettes.

The Strawberry Moon is a perfect occasion to appreciate the Moon’s radiant beauty while connecting with ancient cultural traditions celebrating nature’s cycles.

June 17, 2025: Mars and Regulus Conjunction — A Red Planet Meets the Lion’s Brightest Star

On June 17, Mars and Regulus will appear extremely close together in the western sky after sunset, forming a striking conjunction.

What Is a Conjunction?

A conjunction occurs when two celestial bodies align closely in the sky from Earth’s viewpoint. This event allows for a rare glimpse of two bright objects appearing almost as a double star.

Details About This Event

• Where to watch: Look toward the western horizon after sunset from anywhere in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• What to expect: Mars, with its characteristic red glow, will be seen near Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation, shining white or bluish-white.
• Viewing tips: This event is visible with the naked eye, but binoculars or a small telescope will make the view even more captivating.

June 19, 2025: A Rare Celestial Trio — Moon, Saturn, and Neptune Come Together in the Sky

On June 19, an especially rare and beautiful celestial event will take place: a triple conjunction involving the crescent Moon, Saturn, and Neptune. This alignment will be visible worldwide in the eastern predawn sky.

What’s a Triple Conjunction?

Unlike typical conjunctions involving two objects, a triple conjunction happens when three celestial bodies appear close together in the sky. These events are much rarer and offer unique observing opportunities.

Viewing Details

• Best time: Early morning before sunrise on June 19.
• Where to look: Toward the eastern sky during predawn hours.
• Visibility: This event will be visible globally.
• Equipment Tip: You can spot the Moon and Saturn without any gear, but Neptune is much dimmer and needs binoculars or a telescope to see clearly.

About the Celestial Bodies

• Saturn: The stunning ringed planet is a favorite for many skywatchers.
• Neptune: The farthest planet from the Sun appears as a small bluish dot, observable only through a telescope.

Watching the Moon gracefully line up with these two planets offers an awe-inspiring scene and a chance to explore our solar system’s diversity.

June 27, 2025: The Boötid Meteor Shower — A Gentle Shower with Surprising Bursts

June rounds out with the Boötid meteor shower, peaking on June 27. Though generally a minor meteor shower, the Boötids are known for occasional sudden outbursts, making them a surprise treat for night sky watchers.

What to Know About the Boötid Meteor Shower

• Origin: The meteor shower is named after the Boötes constellation because that’s where the meteors look like they’re coming from in the sky.
• Visibility: Best observed from the Northern Hemisphere.
• Peak time: After midnight on June 27, under dark, clear skies.
• Meteor rates: Typically low, but sudden bursts can produce a dazzling number of meteors in a short span.

How to Watch

No telescope or binoculars are needed; meteors are best viewed with the naked eye. Find a dark location away from city lights, let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and enjoy the fleeting streaks of light as debris from space burns up in Earth’s atmosphere.

June 29, 2025: Saturn-Neptune Conjunction — A Spectacular Pre-Dawn Pairing

The month closes with another captivating planetary conjunction: Saturn and Neptune will appear closely paired in the predawn eastern sky on June 29.

Observing This Event

• When: Before sunrise on June 29.
• Where: Look toward the east-northeast horizon.
• Visibility: Worldwide, best under dark, clear skies.
• Equipment: While Saturn is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, Neptune is faint and best viewed through a telescope.

What Makes This Conjunction Special?

This rare close approach offers a unique side-by-side view of two very different planets — the majestic, ringed Saturn and the distant, icy blue Neptune — showcasing the variety of worlds in our solar system.

How to Make the Most of June’s Skywatching Events

To enjoy these wonderful celestial phenomena, consider the following tips:

• Check local times: Event times vary depending on your location. Use astronomy apps or websites to get precise timings.
• Find dark skies: Avoid light pollution by going to rural or designated dark sky parks.
• Bring gear: Binoculars or telescopes enhance the experience, especially for faint objects like Neptune.
• Be prepared: Dress for the weather, bring a comfortable chair or blanket, and arrive early to let your eyes adjust to the dark.
• Be patient: Some events take time to unfold, so relax and enjoy the night.

Key June 2025 Astronomical Events at a Glance