INDIANA – Get ready to turn your gaze skyward, Indiana, as June promises a dazzling array of astronomical events, from a bright full moon to planetary alignments and the majestic arch of our own Milky Way galaxy.
The month kicks off with the Strawberry Moon gracing the night sky on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. This full moon will rise around 10:09 p.m. for the Indianapolis area, reaching its highest point at 1:38 a.m. on Thursday before setting at 6:01 a.m. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, early forecasts predict mostly clear skies for Central Indiana, offering an excellent viewing opportunity.
Like the Pink Moon, the Strawberry Moon derives its name from seasonal plant growth, specifically the ripening berries ready for harvest in the northeastern United States around this time. Other traditional names from Native American tribes include the Birth Moon, Hot Moon, Blooming Moon, and Green Corn Moon.
Beyond the full moon, June offers a “sweet feast” for skywatchers, as NASA describes, including the spectacular core of the Milky Way, visible all night long through August. This bright central bulge of our home galaxy appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the southern sky. For the best views, seek out dark sky locations far from city lights. Beverly Shores, near Gary, Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Michigan are all designated International Dark Sky locations and prime spots for stargazing.
Here’s a rundown of other celestial highlights to mark on your calendar:
- June 16 & 17 – Mars & Regulus: The Red Planet, Mars, will make a close pass to the bright bluish-white star Regulus, the “heart” of the Leo constellation. They will appear about the width of a full moon apart, offering an excellent view through binoculars or a small telescope.
- June 19 – Moon & Saturn: Before dawn, around 1:30 a.m., the third-quarter moon will appear right next to Saturn, rising together in the east.
- June 20 – June Solstice: The Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year occurs on June 20 (June 21 UTC), marking the Earth’s greatest tilt toward the Sun. This means the Sun will travel its longest and highest arc across the sky for those north of the equator.
- June 22 – Moon & Venus: A slender crescent moon will rise alongside Venus this morning. Look for them in the east between 3 a.m. and sunrise.
- June 21-30 – Mercury Becomes Visible: For those with an unobstructed western horizon, Mercury will make a brief appearance each evening at the end of June. Look for it low in the sky about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset.
- Throughout June, Mars, the Red Planet, will remain visible for a couple of hours after dark, although it will appear dimmer than in early May as Earth’s orbit carries it further away.
Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to connect with the cosmos this month.
