Astro Guide: June
Welcome to CameraClix’s June astro roundup, where we spotlight four standout sky events for Australian observers—lunar-planetary pairings, a meteor shower, a deep-sky target, and a rare planetary viewing opportunity—without delving into detailed gear guides; consider this your quick calendar to inspire nocturnal shoots this month.
Events
June 19: Moon and Saturn
Look for the crescent Moon drifting near Saturn before dawn. A telephoto lens held steady on a tripod will let you capture both bodies in the same frame, while a few seconds of exposure will brighten Saturn without washing out the Moon’s thin arc.
June 27: June Bootid Meteor Shower
With the Bootid radiant high in the sky, switch to a wide-angle lens and let your camera run on a tripod, capturing multiple long exposures (20–30 seconds each) to stack later—this technique increases your chances of recording those fast-moving meteors streaking across the frame.
June 27: Mercury at Maximum Evening Altitude
Mercury reaches peak height after sunset, making it easier to spot. Use a telephoto or a telescope-mounted camera, steady your setup, and take several short exposures to freeze the tiny planet as twilight fades.
June 28: Lagoon Nebula (M8) Culmination
When the Lagoon Nebula climbs highest, point a wide-field lens or small refractor on a tripod toward Sagittarius. Gather a series of long exposures and blend them in post-processing (stacking) to reveal the nebula’s soft reds and wispy structures without needing advanced filters.
Conclusion
These June highlights give Australian astrophotographers a balanced mix of lunar conjunctions, meteor trails, planetary views, and deep-sky targets to plan around—just point your wide-angle and telephoto lenses skyward at the right dates. Happy shooting beneath the Southern skies, and may your frames be filled with celestial wonder!
