Compiled by Kirk Ross
This month’s almanac goes to press at the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season and smack-dab in the middle of Hurricane Awareness Week. Since we’ve already had two tropical storms off the coast, it’s hard not to be aware. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a “normal†hurricane season, meaning nine to 15 storms, four to eight hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes. Included in their prediction is this reminder: “It only takes one storm hitting your area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity predicted in the seasonal outlook.†Indeed.
June 1 – Sunrise: 6:01 a.m.; Sunset: 8:28 p.m.
June 30 – Sunrise: 6:03 a.m.; Sunset: 8:37 p.m.
Full Moon – June Last Quarter – June 11
New Moon – June 19 First Quarter – June 26
The Full Moon in June is the Flower Moon, Strawberry Moon, Honey Moon, Planting Moon and, naturally, the Hot Moon.
Planets & Stars
Via Amy Sayle of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center:
On June 5 Venus passes directly in front of (“transitsâ€) the Sun for the last time this century. Never look directly at the Sun! Visit transitofvenus.org to learn about safe ways to view this event.
In the evening sky, Mars moves from Leo to Virgo over the month and Saturn continues to shine in Virgo near the bright star Spica. Elusive Mercury may be spotted low in the west soon after sunset during the last half of June. Jupiter appears in the eastern dawn sky and is joined mid-month by Venus following its historic transit.
The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is holding a free Venus viewing event on June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Significant dates
June is National Accordion Awareness Month, Rose Month, Gay Pride Month, Dairy Month, Aquarium Month, Adopt a Car Month and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.
• June 2 is National Bubba Day (Hey to Bubba)
• World Environment Day is June 5
• Best Friends Day is June 8
• Flag Day is June 14
• Father’s Day is June 17
• Juneteenth is June 19, as is World Sauntering Day
• The first day of summer is June 20
• St. Jean Baptiste Day is June 24