As the summer solstice approaches the window for stargazing shrinks. "Sunset is at 9:03 tonight and twilight lasts for a couple of hours," says Bob King. With signs of dawn beginning around 3am, there's not much time with dark skies.
However, during those short hours, there are a few things to see in the sky. Venus will be crossing paths with the Beehive cluster this evening. Venus is plenty visible, but to see the cluster beyond will require binoculars.
Jupiter and the crescent moon will rise together over Lake Superior around 4am tomorrow morning. Look for Jupiter just to the right of the moon. "Hopefully it'll be clear enough to view it," says King.
Also in the eastern sky is the rise of the Milky Way. Our galaxy becomes visible during the summer. Look for it over the coming months at times of true darkness.
You can hear Astro Bob's Backyard Astronomy every other Tuesday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.