Explore Summer Skies: Stars & Planets Await!

Email from De Anza College - Community Education Unlock the Secrets of the Summer Sky - Your Guide is Here! A Note From Our Director Hello Astro Friends, Happy summer! With the recent June solstice, we are now fully into the season. Although summer nights are short, there is still plenty to marvel at in our evening skies. We quickly lose Jupiter to the Sun’s glare this month. That leaves Venus—the “evening star”—as the only prominent early evening planet. Look to the western sky to find it shining as the brightest point of light after the Sun and Moon. Venus is currently passing through Leo the Lion and will do so throughout July. On the evenings of the 8th and 9th, it will appear very close to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo and its “heart.” Take a moment to compare the visual difference between stars and planets—planets shine steadily, while stars tend to twinkle. This is also the time of year when the summer constellations are at their best. The Summer Triangle passes high overhead during the night, while Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer sit low along the southern horizon. To identify Scorpius, look for the star Antares, its brilliant ruby-red heart, and follow the graceful hook shape that forms its tail. In Sagittarius, the most recognizable feature is the “Teapot” asterism. Just above its spout and slightly to the west, lies the direction of the center of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. The Planetarium remains closed to the general public for the summer. De Anza College's summer Academy classes have just begun, with three programs held under the dome. After the Academy, we plan to conduct some much needed maintenance before reopening in September. Please watch for future emails and updates on our website for the new schedule. Until then, enjoy the beauty of the summer skies! Wishing you clear, dark skies, Toshi Komatsu Planetarium Director   Donate to the Planetarium The De Anza College Planetarium is fully and solely funded through donations and ticket sales. Donate today. In the Cosmos | July 2026 July 9 - Venus by Regulus Keep an eye on the western evening sky as Venus passes near Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion. Regulus, whose name means “little king,” marks the heart of the celestial lion. As Venus glides by, the dazzling planet briefly shares the spotlight with this regal star, creating a beautiful pairing that has inspired sky watchers for centuries. Look west after sunset and imagine Leo prowling across the heavens, with Venus shining beside the lion’s heart like a jewel in its mane. Sunday July 17 | Venus by the Moon On the evening of July 17, the Moon and Venus share the stage, creating one of the most eye-catching sights of the month. Look toward the western sky after sunset to find the delicate crescent Moon shining beside dazzling Venus, the brightest planet visible from Earth. This celestial duo has inspired sky watchers across cultures for thousands of years. Whether you're using binoculars or simply stepping outside for a few minutes, it's a wonderful reminder that some of the universe's most memorable sights require no telescope at all. Take a moment to enjoy this graceful meeting of moonlight and planet. Sunday July 29 | Buck Moon The Full Buck Moon lights up the night sky this month, named for the time of year when young bucks begin to grow their impressive new antlers. Covered in soft velvet and growing rapidly, these antlers are a sign of summer's abundance and the changing seasons. As the Moon rises, imagine forests filled with white-tailed bucks sporting fresh crowns, preparing for the months ahead. The Buck Moon has long been a reminder of renewal, growth, and the rhythms of the natural world. Step outside after sunset and enjoy the glow of this midsummer Moon shining over a season when antlers and summer memories are both growing. Field Trips at the Planetarium Tour Outer Space at the De Anza College Planetarium! Planning ahead for next school year? Bookings for 2026–27 field trips open in August! Field trips run Monday–Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. session on Fridays. All programs align with K–8 science standards. Visit our website to explore programming and schedule your visit! Learn More About Field Trips Here   De Anza College - Community Education | 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Cupertino, CA 95014 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice