📝 Steven Burr

The Moon

The last quarter moon arrives on the 7th of July and is followed by the new moon on the 14th. On the 17th, the waxing crescent moon passes within a half degree of Regulus in the constellation of Leo just after sunset. The first quarter moon arrives on the 21st of the month followed by the full Buck moon on the 29th. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the name stems from the fact that the buck’s antlers are in full growth during this time. Other names for this full moon include: Berry Moon (Anishinaabe), Feather Moulting Moon (Cree), and Month of the Ripe Corn Moon (Cherokee).

The Planets

Low in the western sky after sunset, Venus is still brightening and growing in apparent size. On the 9th, Venus skims Regulus in the constellation of Leo followed by the waxing crescent moon on the 17th. Mars is increasing its elongation from the sun and can be seen higher in the morning sky prior to sunrise. On the 11th, get up early to view Mars, the crescent moon, Aldebaran and the Pleiades in close proximity to each other. Jupiter is now very low in the west and will become hidden from view by mid-month as it passes the sun. Saturn is now rising in the east near midnight, and will remain in the constellation of Pisces.

Constellation Bootes

Bootes, Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices, and Quadrans Muralis - Urania's Mirror - 1825

Bootes (the Herdsman) resembles a kite in the night sky with the star Arcturus anchoring the bottom tip. Just follow the handle of the Big Dipper outwards to spot this constellation. According to Greek mythology, this is Arcas son of Callisto & Zeus, placed in the heavens to protect the great bear, Callisto. To this day, Arctophylax (Bear-guard) also known as Bootes, can be seen following the bear through the sky. Bootes is also known as the Ox-driver which is attributed to Icarios who delivered wine by cart and was known for introducing wine to shepherds. Unfortunately for him, the shepherds thought they were poisoned and killed him. Dionysos or Zeus pitied him and placed him among the constellations. For the Babylonians, this constellation represented the yoke for the cart/plow (Ursa Major). This constellation is attributed to the god Enlil, the god of farmers for the connection to the development of the plow and agriculture.

H Alpha Solar - 📸 Greg Lisk

References for June/July blogs:

Boeckmann, Catherine, Full Moon Names 2026 [online]. Almanac, updated 31 December 2025 [cited 3 January 2026]. Available from: https://www.almanac.com/full-moon-names

Edgar, James S. ed., RASC Observer’s Handbook 2026, ed. by James S. Edgar (Toronto: Marquis Book Printing, 2025)

Hard, Robin, Eratosthenes & Hyginus: Constellation Myths (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015)

Mortillaro, Nicole, Night Sky Guide 2026 (Richmond Hill: Firefly Books, 2025)

Prince Edward County – Sunrise, Sunset & Moon [online], Timeanddate, 2026, [cited 4 January 2026]. Available from: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/@6113354

White, Gavin, Babylonian Star-Lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-Lore & Constellations of Ancient Babylonia (London: Solaria Publications, 2014)