Astrofaenza 2026: Astronomical Events and the June Sky
The Faenza Amateur Astronomers Group presents the calendar of public activities and the celestial observatory for the month of June 2026. A month full of events, with the summer solstice and spectacular planetary conjunctions to be observed with the naked eye or through the association’s equipment.
Monthly Events
- Thursday, June 11, 2026 (9:00 PM) – Observation of the June Sky
* Location: Astrofaenza headquarters, at Via Zauli Naldi 2 in Faenza (entrance from the Carchidio-Strocchi school gym).
* Program: Monthly guided naked-eye sky observation evening, with binoculars and telescopes provided by the association.
* Admission: Free of charge (reservations are appreciated but not required). The event is subject to weather conditions. - Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (9:30 PM) – Binocular Classroom (Outdoor Lessons)
* Location: Parco delle Ginestre, Via Salita di Oriolo in Faenza.
* Program: Practical outdoor astronomy lessons with binoculars, in collaboration with ARAR (Associazione Ravennate Astrofili Rheyta). Experts will guide participants in independent sky observation. During the evening, the conjunction between the Moon and Venus near the Asteroid Belt cluster will also be visible. Nativity scene.
* Equipment provided: 8×40 binoculars on loan, red light flashlight, celestial planisphere (astrolabe), and handout. Recommended audience: adults and children over 12.
* Contribution and reservation: Fee of €10.00 (reduced to €8.00 for under 16s; free for ARAR and Astrofaenza members). Places are limited, and reservations are required via WhatsApp or SMS to 340 7742241. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed.
* Logistics note: Nighttime temperatures in the countryside can drop dramatically, and standing still makes the cold more noticeable; we recommend dressing appropriately and bringing warm clothing.
Support the Association: You can donate 5 per Mille to the Faenza Amateur Astronomers Group by entering the tax code 90015890396 in the appropriate section for third sector organizations (RUNTS) on your tax return.
The June 2026 Sky: Solstice, Planets, and Constellations
Summer Solstice
The official transition to summer will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 10:24 AM. In Faenza, the day will last a full 15 hours and 31 minutes, with the Sun reaching its maximum annual altitude of 69 degrees. Interestingly, during this period, the Earth is at its aphelion (the maximum distance from the Sun), demonstrating that the seasons depend on the tilt of the Earth’s axis and not on the proximity of the star.
The Planets in the Sky
- Mercury: Visible in the evening at the beginning of the month. Maximum altitude on June 10th and maximum elongation on June 16th, it will then approach the Sun, becoming invisible.
- Venus: Beautifully visible in the evening to the west/northwest. It will remain in close conjunction with Jupiter until June 9th near Gemini (Castor and Pollux), then move on June 19th towards the Praesepe cluster in Cancer.
- Jupiter: Visible in the evening but at the end of its period. While it sets at midnight at the beginning of the month, at the end of June it will set around 10:00 PM just after dark.
- Mars: Visible in the morning before dawn. At the end of the month (peak on June 28th), it will transit near the Pleiades at about 4.5° away.
- Saturn: Visible in the late hours of the night in the east, rising at 3:00 AM at the beginning of the month and at 1:20 AM at the end of June.
Moon Phases and Conjunctions
- Moon Phases: Last Quarter on June 8th, New Moon on June 15th, First Quarter on June 21st, Full Moon on June 30th.
- June 10th (Morning): Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.
- June 13th (Morning): Conjunction of the Moon, Mars, and the Pleiades (visible between 3:25 AM and 1:20 AM) 3:50 before sunrise).
- June 16 (Evening): Spectacular alignment of the Moon with Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Castor, and Pollux.
- June 17 (Evening): Conjunction of the Moon, Venus, and the Praesepe Cluster (visible together in binoculars).
Visible Constellations
While in the west, As Leo and Virgo gradually approach, the summer stars Arcturus and Spica begin to dominate the scene, along with the Big Dipper, towering high in the sky. Toward the east, the famous Summer Triangle becomes clearly visible, formed by the stars Vega (in Lyra), Altair (in Aquila), and Deneb (in Cygnus).
Association Information Summary
- Website: www.astrofaenza.it
- Booking Contact: 340 7742241 (WhatsApp / SMS)
- Activity Cost: Free admission (except the €10 for the evening of June 17th at the park)
