Spectacular planetary alignments in June promises to keep sky watchers star-struck

The month of June this year offers astronomers a host of spectacular alignments of celestial bodies that are not only a visual delight for sky watchers, but also have important astrological significance. From not to common multi-planetary alignments in the skies to once-in-a-year moon phase to the Milky Way Galaxy being visible to the naked eye, the month promises to keep star gazers busy in the low light of dawn and dusk.

These include:

Venus-Jupiter conjunction, June 8–9: The two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, will appear exceptionally close together in the evening sky. At their closest approach, they will be separated by an arc of just 1.6 degrees, that is, about the width of a finger. Astronomers have categorized the visibility of the event as very good and it can be seen with the naked eye or with binoculars shortly after sunset.

In the Indian astrological context, this is known as the Guru–Shukra Yuti, and is considered highly auspicious because both are naturally beneficial which bring luck, prosperity, joy and harmony in relationships.

Moon, Mars and Saturn alignment, June 10: Said to be a brilliant alignment of a waning crescent moon, Mars and Saturn, it will be highly visible across India in the pre-dawn hours, forming a diagonal line across the eastern sky.

Various Indian as well as western experts have termed it to be primarily an astronomical sky watching phenomenon rather than a major, unified astrological event. These celestial bodies signify distinct, conflicting energies and would be orbiting at different zodiac degrees rather than locked in a strict conjunction, offering an intersecting energy of action, emotion and restraint.

Mercury, Moon and Mars alignment, June 11: The Moon will form a tight diagonal line with Mars and Saturn above the eastern horizon just before sunrise, offering a spectacular view.

Astrologers believe that the alignment of these three celestial bodies signifies an intense mix of intellect, emotions and action, though the exact effect of this alignment depends heavily on an individual’s birth chart.

Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation, June 15: Elongation is the point when Mercury, the innermost planet of the Solar System, reaches its maximum separation from the Sun. It will attain its maximum visibility from Earth and the best time to spot it is during evening twilight, low over the western horizon just after sunset, though for a brief period.

New crescent Moon’s alignment with Jupiter and Mercury, June 16: It will be visible in the western sky during evening. This alignment is also regarded as highly auspicious and knowledge-oriented as it blends emotional intelligence, wisdom and analytical communication.

Mars and Saturn conjunction, June 18: This alignment is observable in the pre-dawn sky with a telescope over the horizon in the east-northeast direction. This is said to be a highly volatile alignment as it brings together two opposing cosmic energies — Mars, the fiery planet of action and aggression, and Saturn, the slow-moving planet of discipline, karma and restriction.

Strawberry Moon, June 29: The Strawberry Moon is a traditional nickname for the full moon that occurs once a year in June, though it has nothing to do with the moon’s physical colour or shape. However, because the June full moon lies very low in the sky it appears to glow with a warm amber or slightly reddish hue because of the atmospheric effect. This is also the time when the Moon will be near its farthest point from the Earth.