Unveiling NYC’s Summer Stargazing: Catch the Triangular Constellation and Thrilling Meteor Showers!

The summer triangle is back this June, marking the start of warm evenings filled with stargazing. It consists of three striking blue stars: Vega from Lyra, Altair from Aquila, and Deneb from Cygnus. You’ll find this triangle high in the sky, perfect for summer nights.

Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History explains that the summer solstice on June 20 offers the longest day of the year. The sun sets at its northernmost point, giving us maximum sunlight. This is an exciting time for star lovers!

This month also brings the Bootids meteor shower, running from June 22 to July 2. During its peak on June 27, you can spot about one to two shooting stars per hour. Interestingly, this meteor shower can surprise us with bursts of activity, as seen in 1998 when around 100 meteors lit up the night sky.

What makes the Bootids special is their slow speed—just over 31,000 miles per hour—making them easier to catch. The Rockaway beaches are great spots for a cozy night of meteor watching. Bart Fried from the American Astronomical Society recommends lying back and using your peripheral vision to increase your chances of seeing meteors.

You might also notice the bright red star Antares in the constellation Scorpio near the moon on June 9. Antares is often confused with Mars, which will shine next to the moon on June 28 and 29, appearing almost as one.

As warmer weather arrives, so do more astronomy events! The Amateur Astronomers Association hosts several gatherings each week across the city. They’re also holding a Spring Starfest on June 20 at Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, offering telescopes and expert guidance to help the public explore the cosmos.

For those preferring an indoor experience, the American Museum of Natural History is launching a new planetarium show on June 9, narrated by actor Pedro Pascal. Titled “Encounters in the Milky Way,” this show showcases the wonders of our solar system and the paths of celestial bodies.

Faherty highlights the significance of having Pascal, a Chilean actor, narrate the show—Chile is home to some of the world’s best telescopes. It’s sure to be an engaging experience!

Stargazing is not just a fun pastime; it can enhance our understanding of the universe. Studies show that connecting with nature, including the night sky, can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. So this summer, take a moment to look up and enjoy the celestial wonders above!

For more details on local stargazing events, check out the Amateur Astronomers Association here. And find out more about the planetarium show at the American Museum of Natural History here.

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