Summer is a wonderful time to do some stargazing in our state. After all, Nevadans have a better shot than most Americans at seeing the glorious night sky totally unobstructed by artificial light. This month is an especially good time to dig out your telescope because the planet Jupiter is expected to be visible for all of June, along with its many moons. In fact, seeing Jupiter in Nevada has never been easier with all of the “dark sky” regions that our state has to offer. Head to one of them and you’re bound to be blown away by what you see.
Attention, astronomy enthusiasts! The planet Jupiter is expected to be bigger and easier to see than ever throughout the month of June, so head on over to one of Nevada’s many dark sky sites to see it for yourself.
Nigel Howe/Flickr
According to NASA, Jupiter will be visible all month long, rising at dusk and remaining visible for the entirety of the night. This is an exciting opportunity to get out there and appreciate Nevada’s fantastic night skies, and you won’t want to miss it.
Kyle Greenberg/Flickr
Bringing out the telescope won’t be necessary to see Jupiter since it’ll be visible to the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope will allow you to get an incredible look at the solar system’s largest planet. You’ll even be able to see the planet’s four largest moons.
NASA/Flickr
Additionally, Mars and Mercury are expected to appear extra close together in mid-June. For two days, on June 17 and June 18, you’ll get a spectacular view of the two planets immediately after sunset.
Evan Blaser/Flickr
As with all celestial events, this sight is best witnessed by getting far away from any sort of artificial light. That’s especially easy for us Nevadans, considering our state is home to both an International Dark Sky Park at Great Basin National Park and a Dark Sky Sanctuary at
David Sanborn/Flickr
Nigel Howe/Flickr
Kyle Greenberg/Flickr
NASA/Flickr
Evan Blaser/Flickr
BLM Nevada/Flickr
Daxis/Flickr
