What is that bright light? These planets will appear in California skies this summer

The summer season is adding more brightness to California’s night skies .

Following the summer solstice Wednesday, select planets and bright stars will be visible, according to NASA.

For the entire month of June, you can catch a glimpse of Mars, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and certain stars. And if you have binoculars or a telescope, you’ll get a better view.

When can I see them?

Once the sky falls dark, the planets will peak out.

According to NASA, Mars and Venus will show themselves after sunset. And nearby, you might see the blue-white star called Regulus, the heart of the constellation Leo.

Throughout the month, the two planets will draw closer together and be lower in the sky.

Saturn will appear around midnight with Jupiter right behind it hours later. NASA states that you can find it on the eastern side of the sky throughout June.

Southward, you’ll also be able to see two bright stars called Spica and Arcturus. In the evening, the stars of the “Summer Triangle,” which include Vega, Dened and Altair will also show and rise earlier each month throughout the season.

Where can I stargaze?

The darker the sky the better.

NASA recommends that people find areas away from light pollution caused by city lights and lights from parking lots, the street and businesses. These lights make a glow in the night sky and can make it difficult to see faint stars.

Sometimes haze, fog and smoke can cover stars. The agency advises that you find spots at a higher altitude where you can safely view the sky.

Make sure you’re looking in the best direction, too. NASA states there might be a dome of light pollution one way, but in the opposite direction, the sky may be darker.

This story was originally published June 22, 2023 at 9:42 AM with the headline "What is that bright light? These planets will appear in California skies this summer."