June full moon – Strawberry Moon – is the lowest (highest) of the year

Why is June’s full moon the lowest full moon of 2026 for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere? And why does the same moon ride high in Southern Hemisphere skies? Join EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd as she explores the geometry behind this month’s full moon. Watch in the player above or on YouTube.

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When to watch in 2026: The full moon comes on June 29 for the Americas, Europe, and Africa, and on June 30 for Australia, New Zealand, and much of Asia. Same full moon for all of Earth … but different timezones.
The crest of this month’s full moon will fall at 23:57 UTC on June 29, 2026. That’s 6:57 p.m. Central Daylight Time in the Americas on June 29. It’s 11:57 a.m. New Zealand Standard Time on June 30.
Where to look: Full moons are always opposite the sun. They must be, in order to look full. So every full moon rises in the east just after the sun has set in the west. And full moons reach their highest points in the sky in the middle of the night, when the sun is below your feet.
This June 2026 full moon is a micromoon – or particularly distant full moon – in a far part of its orbit from Earth. It’s the last full micromoon of 2026.
The June 2026 full moon is noteworthy for its path across our sky. It’s one of the lowest moon paths in decades for the Northern Hemisphere, one of the highest in decades for the Southern Hemisphere.
The June full moon can help you locate yourself within the Milky Way galaxy. That’s because it points (more or less) toward the galaxy’s heart.

In 2026, the June full moon is passing through Sagittarius

The center of our Milky Way galaxy lies near the famous Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius the Archer.

The 2026 full Strawberry Moon will lie (more or less) in this direction. So when you are looking toward the June full moon, you’re looking toward the heart of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Cool, right?

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, this particularly low June full moon might illustrate to you that – as always – the Teapot rides low in our southern sky.

But for the Southern Hemisphere the Teapot – and June’s full moon – ride high! The Southern Hemisphere has a much better view of the direction toward the Milky Way’s center than we do, north of the equator.

By the way, there’s nothing unusual about the full moon pointing toward the galaxy’s heart. The June full moon can lie in front of one of three constellations of the zodiac: Sagittarius, Scorpius the Scorpion or Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.

On June 29, June’s full moon – the Strawberry moon – will float among the faint stars of the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius. The moon’s brightness easily overpowers the stars of the Teapot. When you look in this direction, you’re looking, more or less, toward the center of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Chart via EarthSky.

The 2026 June full moon falls on the overnight of June 29 and lies in the constellation Sagittarius. Chart via EarthSky.

The June full moon rides low

As seen from the Northern Hemisphere, the June full moon always rides low. And, as seen from the Southern Hemisphere, the June full moon always rides high. It’s because every full moon must be opposite the sun. It’s only when the moon is opposite the sun that we can see its fully lighted “day” hemisphere.

It’s opposite the sun. So its nighttime path mimics the sun’s daytime arc from six months ago, and six months hence.

This June 29 full moon will occur just eight days after the June solstice, which fell on June 21. So the moon’s trek across the sky, throughout the night around the June 29 full moon, will resemble the path of the December sun: low from the Northern Hemisphere, high from the Southern Hemisphere.

For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the high arc across the sky of the June full moon closely matches that of the December sun. The arc of the June sun is always much lower than the arc of the June full moon, and matches that of the December full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

The June full moon is the Strawberry Moon

All full moons have names, which come mostly from native American, colonial American or European traditions. Many full moon names correspond to seasons of the year. And, interestingly, the Southern Hemisphere tends to use the Northern Hemisphere’s full moon names, too. That’s probably especially true since the advent of an internet!

We most commonly hear Strawberry Moon for the June full moon. The name is supposed to highlight the time of year when many species of berries ripen, particularly sweet strawberries. In reality, strawberries in the Northern Hemisphere ripen anywhere from April through June, depending on local climate and the variety of berry. That’s a clue to the name’s origin, because berries in northern North America do ripen around June.

Meanwhile, Europe has used the names Honey Moon and Mead Moon for the June full moon. That makes sense because the June full moon always rides so low. And when we look at sky objects nearer to the horizon, we’re looking at them through an extra thickness of Earth’s atmosphere. The extra air creates the golden color of the June full moon. It’s truly honey-colored (and mead is made from honey, too).

Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon isn’t usually pink. In fact, it’s likely to appear more golden in color. The name comes from the strawberry harvest season. And this image was made by ChatGPT.

This June’s full moon is a micromoon

Some moons are supermoons. That is, they’re both full and in a close part of their orbit around Earth. So they’re particularly large, as seen by cameras or measured by special instruments. And they’re extra bright, as seen to the eye and also in the light they cast on the ground.

But the June 2026 full moon is the faint counterpart of a supermoon. It’s a micromoon, or a particularly small full moon, in a far part of its orbit from Earth. It’s the last of three full micromoons in a row in 2026. Apogee – the moon’s most distant point for the month – happens the day before this month’s full moon.

A micromoon can appear up to 14% smaller and 30% fainter than a supermoon. You definitely won’t notice with your eye that it’s any smaller. But will it appear less bright to your eye than a supermoon? Probably not. Supermoons do look noticeably brighter. But part of a supermoon’s brightness is due to the extra light it casts on earthly landscapes. Around the time of a supermoon, you can see moon shadows. A fainter landscape is just harder to notice.

And, like all full moons – micro or super – this June 2026 full moon will shine so brightly that its light will obscure many twinkling stars.

A supermoon appears 14% wider and 30% brighter than a micromoon. Chart via EarthSky.

At full moon, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned with Earth in the middle. The moon’s day side – its fully lighted hemisphere – directly faces us. Chart via EarthSky.

Bottom line: The June full moon – the Strawberry Moon – will occur on the overnight of June 29, 2026, and will lie in front of the Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius.

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Why is June’s full moon the lowest full moon of 2026 for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere? And why does the same moon ride high in Southern Hemisphere skies? Join EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd as she explores the geometry behind this month’s full moon. Watch in the player above or on YouTube.

We live in uncertain times. Look up! It’s peaceful. And please help EarthSky keep going.

When to watch in 2026: The full moon comes on June 29 for the Americas, Europe, and Africa, and on June 30 for Australia, New Zealand, and much of Asia. Same full moon for all of Earth … but different timezones.
The crest of this month’s full moon will fall at 23:57 UTC on June 29, 2026. That’s 6:57 p.m. Central Daylight Time in the Americas on June 29. It’s 11:57 a.m. New Zealand Standard Time on June 30.
Where to look: Full moons are always opposite the sun. They must be, in order to look full. So every full moon rises in the east just after the sun has set in the west. And full moons reach their highest points in the sky in the middle of the night, when the sun is below your feet.
This June 2026 full moon is a micromoon – or particularly distant full moon – in a far part of its orbit from Earth. It’s the last full micromoon of 2026.
The June 2026 full moon is noteworthy for its path across our sky. It’s one of the lowest moon paths in decades for the Northern Hemisphere, one of the highest in decades for the Southern Hemisphere.
The June full moon can help you locate yourself within the Milky Way galaxy. That’s because it points (more or less) toward the galaxy’s heart.

In 2026, the June full moon is passing through Sagittarius

The center of our Milky Way galaxy lies near the famous Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius the Archer.

The 2026 full Strawberry Moon will lie (more or less) in this direction. So when you are looking toward the June full moon, you’re looking toward the heart of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Cool, right?

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, this particularly low June full moon might illustrate to you that – as always – the Teapot rides low in our southern sky.

But for the Southern Hemisphere the Teapot – and June’s full moon – ride high! The Southern Hemisphere has a much better view of the direction toward the Milky Way’s center than we do, north of the equator.

By the way, there’s nothing unusual about the full moon pointing toward the galaxy’s heart. The June full moon can lie in front of one of three constellations of the zodiac: Sagittarius, Scorpius the Scorpion or Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.

On June 29, June’s full moon – the Strawberry moon – will float among the faint stars of the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius. The moon’s brightness easily overpowers the stars of the Teapot. When you look in this direction, you’re looking, more or less, toward the center of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Chart via EarthSky.

The 2026 June full moon falls on the overnight of June 29 and lies in the constellation Sagittarius. Chart via EarthSky.

The June full moon rides low

As seen from the Northern Hemisphere, the June full moon always rides low. And, as seen from the Southern Hemisphere, the June full moon always rides high. It’s because every full moon must be opposite the sun. It’s only when the moon is opposite the sun that we can see its fully lighted “day” hemisphere.

It’s opposite the sun. So its nighttime path mimics the sun’s daytime arc from six months ago, and six months hence.

This June 29 full moon will occur just eight days after the June solstice, which fell on June 21. So the moon’s trek across the sky, throughout the night around the June 29 full moon, will resemble the path of the December sun: low from the Northern Hemisphere, high from the Southern Hemisphere.

For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the high arc across the sky of the June full moon closely matches that of the December sun. The arc of the June sun is always much lower than the arc of the June full moon, and matches that of the December full moon. Chart via EarthSky.

The June full moon is the Strawberry Moon

All full moons have names, which come mostly from native American, colonial American or European traditions. Many full moon names correspond to seasons of the year. And, interestingly, the Southern Hemisphere tends to use the Northern Hemisphere’s full moon names, too. That’s probably especially true since the advent of an internet!

We most commonly hear Strawberry Moon for the June full moon. The name is supposed to highlight the time of year when many species of berries ripen, particularly sweet strawberries. In reality, strawberries in the Northern Hemisphere ripen anywhere from April through June, depending on local climate and the variety of berry. That’s a clue to the name’s origin, because berries in northern North America do ripen around June.

Meanwhile, Europe has used the names Honey Moon and Mead Moon for the June full moon. That makes sense because the June full moon always rides so low. And when we look at sky objects nearer to the horizon, we’re looking at them through an extra thickness of Earth’s atmosphere. The extra air creates the golden color of the June full moon. It’s truly honey-colored (and mead is made from honey, too).

Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon isn’t usually pink. In fact, it’s likely to appear more golden in color. The name comes from the strawberry harvest season. And this image was made by ChatGPT.

This June’s full moon is a micromoon

Some moons are supermoons. That is, they’re both full and in a close part of their orbit around Earth. So they’re particularly large, as seen by cameras or measured by special instruments. And they’re extra bright, as seen to the eye and also in the light they cast on the ground.

But the June 2026 full moon is the faint counterpart of a supermoon. It’s a micromoon, or a particularly small full moon, in a far part of its orbit from Earth. It’s the last of three full micromoons in a row in 2026. Apogee – the moon’s most distant point for the month – happens the day before this month’s full moon.

A micromoon can appear up to 14% smaller and 30% fainter than a supermoon. You definitely won’t notice with your eye that it’s any smaller. But will it appear less bright to your eye than a supermoon? Probably not. Supermoons do look noticeably brighter. But part of a supermoon’s brightness is due to the extra light it casts on earthly landscapes. Around the time of a supermoon, you can see moon shadows. A fainter landscape is just harder to notice.

And, like all full moons – micro or super – this June 2026 full moon will shine so brightly that its light will obscure many twinkling stars.

A supermoon appears 14% wider and 30% brighter than a micromoon. Chart via EarthSky.

At full moon, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned with Earth in the middle. The moon’s day side – its fully lighted hemisphere – directly faces us. Chart via EarthSky.

Bottom line: The June full moon – the Strawberry Moon – will occur on the overnight of June 29, 2026, and will lie in front of the Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius.

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Why do stars twinkle, but planets don’t?

The more atmosphere you are peering through, the more stars (or sometimes planets) appear to twinkle. Read below why stars twinkle, but planets do not. Chart by AstroBob. Used with permission.

Stars twinkle, while planets (usually) shine steadily

Stars twinkle because they’re so far away from Earth that, even through large telescopes, they appear only as pinpoints. And it’s easy for Earth’s atmosphere to disturb the pinpoint light of a star. As a star’s light pierces our atmosphere, it’s refracted – causing it to change direction slightly – by the various temperature and density layers in Earth’s atmosphere. You might think of it as the light traveling a zig-zag path to our eyes, instead of the straight path the light would travel if Earth didn’t have an atmosphere.

Astronomers use the term “scintillation” to describe the twinkling of stars.

The twinkling of the stars is called scintillation. Stars are so far away, that they are actually just points of light pic.twitter.com/xcnIKKhYZE

— Space Explorer Mike (@MichaelGalanin) September 8, 2017

Planets are different: they appear as tiny disks

Planets shine more steadily because they’re closer to Earth and so appear not as pinpoints, but as tiny disks in our sky. You can see planets as disks if you look through a telescope, while stars remain pinpoints. Earth’s atmosphere refracts the light from these little disks as it travels toward our eyes. But – while the light from one edge of a planet’s disk might “zig” one way – light from the opposite edge of the disk might be “zagging” in an opposite way. The zigs and zags of light from a planetary disk cancel each other out, and that’s why planets appear to shine steadily.

You might see planets twinkling if you spot them low in the sky. That’s because, in the direction of any horizon, you’re looking through more atmosphere than when you look overhead.

If you could see stars and planets from outer space, both would shine steadily. There would be no atmosphere to disturb the steady streaming of their light.

Can you figure out which objects are stars and which are planets just by looking for the twinklers vs the non-twinklers? Experienced observers often can, but, at first, if you can recognize a planet in some other way, you might notice the steadiness of its light by contrasting it to a nearby star.

Bottom line: Stars appear as pinpoints of light, making them vulnerable to atmospheric disturbance, which is why they twinkle. Planets appear as tiny disks, producing a steadier beam of light that is less visibly affected by the atmosphere.

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Read more: Flashing star? Here are 3 candidates

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The more atmosphere you are peering through, the more stars (or sometimes planets) appear to twinkle. Read below why stars twinkle, but planets do not. Chart by AstroBob. Used with permission.

Stars twinkle, while planets (usually) shine steadily

Stars twinkle because they’re so far away from Earth that, even through large telescopes, they appear only as pinpoints. And it’s easy for Earth’s atmosphere to disturb the pinpoint light of a star. As a star’s light pierces our atmosphere, it’s refracted – causing it to change direction slightly – by the various temperature and density layers in Earth’s atmosphere. You might think of it as the light traveling a zig-zag path to our eyes, instead of the straight path the light would travel if Earth didn’t have an atmosphere.

Astronomers use the term “scintillation” to describe the twinkling of stars.

The twinkling of the stars is called scintillation. Stars are so far away, that they are actually just points of light pic.twitter.com/xcnIKKhYZE

— Space Explorer Mike (@MichaelGalanin) September 8, 2017

Planets are different: they appear as tiny disks

Planets shine more steadily because they’re closer to Earth and so appear not as pinpoints, but as tiny disks in our sky. You can see planets as disks if you look through a telescope, while stars remain pinpoints. Earth’s atmosphere refracts the light from these little disks as it travels toward our eyes. But – while the light from one edge of a planet’s disk might “zig” one way – light from the opposite edge of the disk might be “zagging” in an opposite way. The zigs and zags of light from a planetary disk cancel each other out, and that’s why planets appear to shine steadily.

You might see planets twinkling if you spot them low in the sky. That’s because, in the direction of any horizon, you’re looking through more atmosphere than when you look overhead.

If you could see stars and planets from outer space, both would shine steadily. There would be no atmosphere to disturb the steady streaming of their light.

Can you figure out which objects are stars and which are planets just by looking for the twinklers vs the non-twinklers? Experienced observers often can, but, at first, if you can recognize a planet in some other way, you might notice the steadiness of its light by contrasting it to a nearby star.

Bottom line: Stars appear as pinpoints of light, making them vulnerable to atmospheric disturbance, which is why they twinkle. Planets appear as tiny disks, producing a steadier beam of light that is less visibly affected by the atmosphere.

Enjoying EarthSky so far? Sign up for our free, daily newsletter today!

Read more: Flashing star? Here are 3 candidates

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Voyager 1 to reach 1 light-day from Earth on November 18

Artist’s concept shows Voyager 1 against a starry background. The spacecraft, launched in 1977, is currently the most distant human-made object from Earth. It left our solar system when it exited the heliopause (the sphere of the sun’s influence) in 2012. NASA said last week that at 12:16:07 a.m. CST on November 18, 2026, Voyager 1 will reach a distance of 1 light-day from Earth. Image via Caltech/ NASA-JPL.

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Voyager 1 to reach 1 light-day from Earth in November

Voyager 1 is the most distant human-made object from Earth. It launched into space on September 5, 1977, and visited Jupiter and Saturn before heading out of the solar system. It officially crossed out of our solar system, passing the heliopause – the sphere of the sun’s influence – back in 2012. And now, NASA said on June 17, 2026, that Voyager 1 will reach 1 light-day from Earth – or the distance it takes light to travel in 24 hours – at 12:16:07 a.m. CST on November 18, 2026. That’s just before midnight Eastern Time on November 17.

This historic milestone of 1 light-day is equal to about 16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion kilometers), or 173.14 astronomical units (AU). As of right now, mid-June 2026, the Voyager 1 spacecraft is about 15.82 billion miles (25.45 billion km) away from Earth. So the spacecraft is traveling at a scorching pace: 79.96 thousand miles per hour, or 128.7 thousand km per hour.

We’ve long known this milestone would come around the middle of November, 2026. But now, NASA has performed the complex calculations and announced an official time and date. Put it in the calendar!

Voyager 1 is now outside our solar system. On November 18, 2026, it will reach 1 light-day distant from Earth. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech.

What about Voyager 2?

And where is Voyager 2? You might know that Voyager 2 actually launched a few weeks before its sister craft. But while Voyager 1 only visited Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 2 took a Grand Tour, visiting all the gas giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. So it’s not as far from Earth as Voyager 1.

But it’s not too far behind, relatively speaking. Voyager 2 is about 2 billion miles closer to Earth than Voyager 1. It’s also moving a bit slower, at 65.33 thousand miles per hour (105.1 thousand km/h), so it can never catch up. Besides, Voyager 1 and 2 are not headed in the same direction anyway. Voyager 1 is headed “up” out of the solar plane, while Voyager 2 is headed “down.” Voyager 1 is moving toward the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus. And Voyager 2 is headed in the direction of the constellation Andromeda.

Are the Voyager spacecraft still functioning?

Both Voyager spacecraft are still in communication with Earth, even though that process takes approximately a day for one-way messages. But most of the instruments on the Voyagers are no longer working. Over the years, NASA has turned off one system after another in order to save power. Just a couple months ago, in April 2026, NASA turned off the Low-Energy Charged Particle (LECP) instrument to save energy. This instrument was detecting electrons, ions and cosmic rays in the interstellar medium. But NASA could still turn it on at some point in the future for new measurements.

Both Voyager spacecraft carry golden records that are etched with images and sounds to represent life on Earth. The golden records were a largely symbolic gesture meant to represent Earth in the wider universe and with the off-chance that an alien civilization would one day find them and learn something of their origins. As Carl Sagan said:

The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced space-faring civilizations in interstellar space, but the launching of this ‘bottle’ into the cosmic ‘ocean’ says something very hopeful about life on this planet.

Bottom line: NASA said on June 17, 2026, that Voyager 1 will reach 1 light-day from Earth soon. It estimates the spacecraft will reach that mark on November 18, 2026.

Via NASA

Read more: Why are the Voyager spacecraft getting closer to Earth now?

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Artist’s concept shows Voyager 1 against a starry background. The spacecraft, launched in 1977, is currently the most distant human-made object from Earth. It left our solar system when it exited the heliopause (the sphere of the sun’s influence) in 2012. NASA said last week that at 12:16:07 a.m. CST on November 18, 2026, Voyager 1 will reach a distance of 1 light-day from Earth. Image via Caltech/ NASA-JPL.

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Voyager 1 to reach 1 light-day from Earth in November

Voyager 1 is the most distant human-made object from Earth. It launched into space on September 5, 1977, and visited Jupiter and Saturn before heading out of the solar system. It officially crossed out of our solar system, passing the heliopause – the sphere of the sun’s influence – back in 2012. And now, NASA said on June 17, 2026, that Voyager 1 will reach 1 light-day from Earth – or the distance it takes light to travel in 24 hours – at 12:16:07 a.m. CST on November 18, 2026. That’s just before midnight Eastern Time on November 17.

This historic milestone of 1 light-day is equal to about 16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion kilometers), or 173.14 astronomical units (AU). As of right now, mid-June 2026, the Voyager 1 spacecraft is about 15.82 billion miles (25.45 billion km) away from Earth. So the spacecraft is traveling at a scorching pace: 79.96 thousand miles per hour, or 128.7 thousand km per hour.

We’ve long known this milestone would come around the middle of November, 2026. But now, NASA has performed the complex calculations and announced an official time and date. Put it in the calendar!

Voyager 1 is now outside our solar system. On November 18, 2026, it will reach 1 light-day distant from Earth. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech.

What about Voyager 2?

And where is Voyager 2? You might know that Voyager 2 actually launched a few weeks before its sister craft. But while Voyager 1 only visited Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 2 took a Grand Tour, visiting all the gas giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. So it’s not as far from Earth as Voyager 1.

But it’s not too far behind, relatively speaking. Voyager 2 is about 2 billion miles closer to Earth than Voyager 1. It’s also moving a bit slower, at 65.33 thousand miles per hour (105.1 thousand km/h), so it can never catch up. Besides, Voyager 1 and 2 are not headed in the same direction anyway. Voyager 1 is headed “up” out of the solar plane, while Voyager 2 is headed “down.” Voyager 1 is moving toward the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus. And Voyager 2 is headed in the direction of the constellation Andromeda.

Are the Voyager spacecraft still functioning?

Both Voyager spacecraft are still in communication with Earth, even though that process takes approximately a day for one-way messages. But most of the instruments on the Voyagers are no longer working. Over the years, NASA has turned off one system after another in order to save power. Just a couple months ago, in April 2026, NASA turned off the Low-Energy Charged Particle (LECP) instrument to save energy. This instrument was detecting electrons, ions and cosmic rays in the interstellar medium. But NASA could still turn it on at some point in the future for new measurements.

Both Voyager spacecraft carry golden records that are etched with images and sounds to represent life on Earth. The golden records were a largely symbolic gesture meant to represent Earth in the wider universe and with the off-chance that an alien civilization would one day find them and learn something of their origins. As Carl Sagan said:

The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced space-faring civilizations in interstellar space, but the launching of this ‘bottle’ into the cosmic ‘ocean’ says something very hopeful about life on this planet.

Bottom line: NASA said on June 17, 2026, that Voyager 1 will reach 1 light-day from Earth soon. It estimates the spacecraft will reach that mark on November 18, 2026.

Via NASA

Read more: Why are the Voyager spacecraft getting closer to Earth now?

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Latest sunsets follow the summer solstice

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Christy Mandeville in Indian Shores, Florida, captured this dramatic sunset on a June evening in 2022. Christy wrote: “The little boy in the photo kept running around me as I was trying to capture the perfect sunset photo. After I went through the hundreds of photos I captured, I had no idea that he was in any of them! This one stood out.” Thank you, Christy! The latest sunsets follow the summer solstice. Read more below.

The latest sunsets after the summer solstice

For the Northern Hemisphere: Your latest sunsets – and latest evening twilights – are happening around now. They always come in late June and early July. Meanwhile, the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day falls on the June solstice.

For 40 degrees north (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Beijing; Turkey; Japan and Spain), the latest sunsets are centered around June 27. The year’s latest sunsets always come after the summer solstice. But the exact date of the latest sunset depends on your latitude. Farther north, the latest sunsets happen on dates centered around June 25.

Farther south, the latest sunsets are centered on dates in early July.

For the Southern Hemisphere: Your latest sunrises of the year happen in late June and early July.

For the Northern or Southern Hemispheres: Latest sunsets go hand-in-hand with your latest twilights. The latest twilights of the year for 40 degrees north also happen in late June and early July. See more about twilight below.

To find out the sunrise and sunset times for a given day, visit Sunrise Sunset Calendars.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Cecille Kennedy in Netarts Bay, Oregon, captured this image of the sunset during the June solstice of 2016. She wrote: “This was my first sunset photo. I didn’t know it then but photography would prove to be an important hobby to me through the years. My friend said it’s my love hobby. So the June solstice to me have always meant the opening of a new door and a new possibility. The June solstice always fills me with hope.” Thank you, Cecille!

Why the latest sunsets come after the summer solstice

The latest sunsets come after the summer solstice because the day is more than 24 hours long at this time of the year.

For several weeks, around the June solstice, the day (as measured by successive returns of the midday sun) is nearly 1/4 minute longer than 24 hours. Hence, the midday sun (solar noon) comes later by the clock in late June than it does on the June solstice. Therefore, the sunrise and sunset times also come later by the clock, as the table below helps to explain.

Chart data via Timeanddate.com.

Clock time and sun time

If the Earth’s axis stood upright as our world circled the sun, and if the Earth also stayed the same distance from the sun all year long, then clock time and sun time would always agree.

However, the Earth’s axis is tilted 23.44 degrees away from vertical, and our distance from the sun varies by about 3 million miles (5 million km) throughout the year. At and around the equinoxes, solar days are shorter than 24 hours, yet at the solstices, solar days are longer than 24 hours.

That’s why the latest sunsets always come around June 27 at mid-northern latitudes every year.

At mid-northern latitudes, the later clock time for solar noon one week after the summer solstice is more substantial than the change in daylight hours. Given that the daylight hours on June 27 are almost the same as they are on the June 20-21 solstice, the later clock time for the June 27 solar noon gives us slightly later sunrise and sunset times, as well.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Hamza Khan in Pakistan, shared this image on January 8, 2025, and wrote: “This image shows the position of the sun in our area at sunset on the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox and winter solstice.” Thank you, Hamza!

A word about twilight

There are three kinds of twilight:

Civil twilight starts at sundown and ends when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon.

Nautical twilight occurs when the sun is 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon.

Astronomical twilight happens when the sun is 12 to 18 degrees below the horizon.

North of 50 degrees north latitude, there’s no true night in the month of June. In June, that far north, the sun never gets far enough below the horizon for true night to occur. So from 50 degrees north latitude – to the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north latitude) – you’ll find midnight twilight at this time of the year.

And, above the Arctic Circle to the North Pole (90 degrees north latitude), this time of the year is the time of the midnight sun.

Read more: What exactly is twilight?

Skywatchers learn to recognize the subtle gradations of twilight. True night doesn’t begin until the sun sinks 18 degrees beneath the horizon. North of 50 degrees north latitude, there is no true night in June because the sun never gets far enough below the horizon. Visit Sunrise Sunset Calendars for the times of civil, nautical and astronomical twilight in your sky. Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Bottom line: Why don’t the latest sunsets come on the longest day (the solstice)? In a nutshell, it’s a discrepancy between the sun and the clock. Thus, for mid-northern latitudes, the latest sunsets always come in late June.

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View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Christy Mandeville in Indian Shores, Florida, captured this dramatic sunset on a June evening in 2022. Christy wrote: “The little boy in the photo kept running around me as I was trying to capture the perfect sunset photo. After I went through the hundreds of photos I captured, I had no idea that he was in any of them! This one stood out.” Thank you, Christy! The latest sunsets follow the summer solstice. Read more below.

The latest sunsets after the summer solstice

For the Northern Hemisphere: Your latest sunsets – and latest evening twilights – are happening around now. They always come in late June and early July. Meanwhile, the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day falls on the June solstice.

For 40 degrees north (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Beijing; Turkey; Japan and Spain), the latest sunsets are centered around June 27. The year’s latest sunsets always come after the summer solstice. But the exact date of the latest sunset depends on your latitude. Farther north, the latest sunsets happen on dates centered around June 25.

Farther south, the latest sunsets are centered on dates in early July.

For the Southern Hemisphere: Your latest sunrises of the year happen in late June and early July.

For the Northern or Southern Hemispheres: Latest sunsets go hand-in-hand with your latest twilights. The latest twilights of the year for 40 degrees north also happen in late June and early July. See more about twilight below.

To find out the sunrise and sunset times for a given day, visit Sunrise Sunset Calendars.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Cecille Kennedy in Netarts Bay, Oregon, captured this image of the sunset during the June solstice of 2016. She wrote: “This was my first sunset photo. I didn’t know it then but photography would prove to be an important hobby to me through the years. My friend said it’s my love hobby. So the June solstice to me have always meant the opening of a new door and a new possibility. The June solstice always fills me with hope.” Thank you, Cecille!

Why the latest sunsets come after the summer solstice

The latest sunsets come after the summer solstice because the day is more than 24 hours long at this time of the year.

For several weeks, around the June solstice, the day (as measured by successive returns of the midday sun) is nearly 1/4 minute longer than 24 hours. Hence, the midday sun (solar noon) comes later by the clock in late June than it does on the June solstice. Therefore, the sunrise and sunset times also come later by the clock, as the table below helps to explain.

Chart data via Timeanddate.com.

Clock time and sun time

If the Earth’s axis stood upright as our world circled the sun, and if the Earth also stayed the same distance from the sun all year long, then clock time and sun time would always agree.

However, the Earth’s axis is tilted 23.44 degrees away from vertical, and our distance from the sun varies by about 3 million miles (5 million km) throughout the year. At and around the equinoxes, solar days are shorter than 24 hours, yet at the solstices, solar days are longer than 24 hours.

That’s why the latest sunsets always come around June 27 at mid-northern latitudes every year.

At mid-northern latitudes, the later clock time for solar noon one week after the summer solstice is more substantial than the change in daylight hours. Given that the daylight hours on June 27 are almost the same as they are on the June 20-21 solstice, the later clock time for the June 27 solar noon gives us slightly later sunrise and sunset times, as well.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Hamza Khan in Pakistan, shared this image on January 8, 2025, and wrote: “This image shows the position of the sun in our area at sunset on the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox and winter solstice.” Thank you, Hamza!

A word about twilight

There are three kinds of twilight:

Civil twilight starts at sundown and ends when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon.

Nautical twilight occurs when the sun is 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon.

Astronomical twilight happens when the sun is 12 to 18 degrees below the horizon.

North of 50 degrees north latitude, there’s no true night in the month of June. In June, that far north, the sun never gets far enough below the horizon for true night to occur. So from 50 degrees north latitude – to the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north latitude) – you’ll find midnight twilight at this time of the year.

And, above the Arctic Circle to the North Pole (90 degrees north latitude), this time of the year is the time of the midnight sun.

Read more: What exactly is twilight?

Skywatchers learn to recognize the subtle gradations of twilight. True night doesn’t begin until the sun sinks 18 degrees beneath the horizon. North of 50 degrees north latitude, there is no true night in June because the sun never gets far enough below the horizon. Visit Sunrise Sunset Calendars for the times of civil, nautical and astronomical twilight in your sky. Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Bottom line: Why don’t the latest sunsets come on the longest day (the solstice)? In a nutshell, it’s a discrepancy between the sun and the clock. Thus, for mid-northern latitudes, the latest sunsets always come in late June.

Enjoying EarthSky so far? Sign up for our free daily newsletter

The post Latest sunsets follow the summer solstice first appeared on EarthSky.

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The Caspian Sea – Earth’s largest inland sea – is shrinking

The Caspian Sea is shrinking. But the reasons for water loss in Earth’s largest inland sea have been poorly understood. A new study has assessed the pressures the sea is facing. Image via NASA Earth Observatory.

The Caspian Sea – Earth’s largest inland sea – is shrinking

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland sea when measured by surface area. It spans 143,200 square miles (371,000 square km), or about the size of Japan. And it sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, with five countries sharing its borders: Russia and Azerbaijan on the European side and Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on the Asian side.

But the Caspian Sea is shrinking. The sea has been receding since the 1990s in fact, especially in its northern regions, but the reasons for this have poorly understood. Now, a new study by an international team of researchers has taken a closer look at the stresses this important body of water is under. They found that the Caspian Sea’s decline is largely being driven by reduced river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga river. And both climate change and human activity appear to blame.

The American Geophysical Union said on June 18, 2026, that:

saving it will require international action.

The researchers published their peer-reviewed study in the journal Earth’s Future on June 5, 2026.

The Caspian Sea is on the boundary of where Europe meets Asia. Image via DEMIS Mapserver.

A better understanding of an unfolding disaster

Even though the Caspian Sea has been shrinking since the 1990s, the reasons behind the water drying up have not been well understood. So an international team of researchers, led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, looked at satellite observations, river flow records and climate data for a better understanding.

They found that precipitation across the region has remained largely unchanged since the early 1990s. However, evaporation from the sea’s surface has increased. But this only accounts for about 37% to 40% of the observed water loss. Instead, the biggest change has been a decline in river inflow. In particular, Russia’s Volga River – which supplies most of the Caspian Sea’s freshwater – has experienced a substantial decrease in inflow.

And, according to the study, the total inflow from the sea’s five major rivers fell significantly between 1991 and 2020. The researchers said the findings point to not just climate influences but to human activities. In fact, they found that water consumption and river regulation seem to be playing a larger role than scientists previously recognized.

This map shows the locations of the 5 countries that have coastlines on the Caspian Sea. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.

The Volga River drainage basin. Image via Wikipedia.

How much water is the Caspian Sea losing? Why is that important?

Since the mid-1990s, the Caspian Sea has lost about 5.5% of its surface area. That equals roughly 630 cubic kilometers (over 150 cubic miles) of water. And scientists project the sea could fall an additional 26 to 46 feet (8 to 14 meters) by 2100. The northern part of the Caspian Sea is already naturally shallow. And this is the region that has been especially vulnerable to falling water levels.

The researchers detected rising concentrations of chlorophyll-a in the northern Caspian. Scientists use this form of chlorophyll to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria, and the measurements suggest the waters are feeling an increase in ecological stress.

The Caspian Sea supports more than 850 endemic species, or species that are only found there. The species include the critically endangered Caspian seal and several species of sturgeon. Those sturgeon are the source of 90% of the world’s black caviar. Declining water levels also threaten wetlands, fish spawning grounds and coastal ecosystems.

But the impacts extend beyond wildlife. The Caspian Sea is vital for fisheries, trade and industry across the region. Lower water levels can disrupt ports and shipping routes. The study also said:

In addition, the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, where approximately 1 million tons of oil are estimated to leak into the sea annually. These combined pressures raise concerns about how hydrological shifts and human activities may influence water quality and ecosystem functioning.

The study’s authors warned that without coordinated management among the five nations bordering the sea, the region could face growing environmental and economic challenges.

The left side shows a view of the northern region of the Caspian Sea in 2006. The right side is how the same area looked in 2022. Image via NASA Earth Observatory.

How does this compare to the Aral Sea?

In the study, the authors compare the shrinking of the Caspian Sea to the Aral Sea. The Aral Sea is another large inland body of water in Central Asia. The Aral Sea once covered about 26,000 square miles (68,000 square km), making it the world’s 4th-largest lake. But beginning in the 1960s, Soviet irrigation projects diverted much of the water from the rivers that fed it. As a result, the Aral Sea lost about 90% of its volume over the following decades and split into several smaller lakes.

The Caspian Sea’s situation is not as severe. It remains far larger than the Aral Sea ever was, and scientists do not expect it to disappear. But both water bodies share a common challenge: reduced river inflow. In the Caspian Sea, declining flows from the Volga River and other tributaries, combined with rising evaporation linked to a warming climate, are contributing to falling water levels. Researchers said the comparison serves as a warning that human management of water resources can have long-lasting consequences for inland seas and the communities that depend on them.

They concluded that preventing further decline will require greater cooperation among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Improved water management, better data sharing and policies that protect river inflows could help preserve the sea’s ecosystems and economies for future generations.

Bottom line: A new study finds that the Caspian Sea’s decline is being driven by both climate change and human activity. Reduced river inflow, especially from the Volga River, appears to be a major factor behind the shrinking of Earth’s largest inland sea.

Read more: Will Lake Mead – largest US reservoir – reach record lows?

Science news, night sky events and beautiful photos, all in one place. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter.

The post The Caspian Sea – Earth’s largest inland sea – is shrinking first appeared on EarthSky.

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The Caspian Sea is shrinking. But the reasons for water loss in Earth’s largest inland sea have been poorly understood. A new study has assessed the pressures the sea is facing. Image via NASA Earth Observatory.

The Caspian Sea – Earth’s largest inland sea – is shrinking

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland sea when measured by surface area. It spans 143,200 square miles (371,000 square km), or about the size of Japan. And it sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, with five countries sharing its borders: Russia and Azerbaijan on the European side and Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on the Asian side.

But the Caspian Sea is shrinking. The sea has been receding since the 1990s in fact, especially in its northern regions, but the reasons for this have poorly understood. Now, a new study by an international team of researchers has taken a closer look at the stresses this important body of water is under. They found that the Caspian Sea’s decline is largely being driven by reduced river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga river. And both climate change and human activity appear to blame.

The American Geophysical Union said on June 18, 2026, that:

saving it will require international action.

The researchers published their peer-reviewed study in the journal Earth’s Future on June 5, 2026.

The Caspian Sea is on the boundary of where Europe meets Asia. Image via DEMIS Mapserver.

A better understanding of an unfolding disaster

Even though the Caspian Sea has been shrinking since the 1990s, the reasons behind the water drying up have not been well understood. So an international team of researchers, led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, looked at satellite observations, river flow records and climate data for a better understanding.

They found that precipitation across the region has remained largely unchanged since the early 1990s. However, evaporation from the sea’s surface has increased. But this only accounts for about 37% to 40% of the observed water loss. Instead, the biggest change has been a decline in river inflow. In particular, Russia’s Volga River – which supplies most of the Caspian Sea’s freshwater – has experienced a substantial decrease in inflow.

And, according to the study, the total inflow from the sea’s five major rivers fell significantly between 1991 and 2020. The researchers said the findings point to not just climate influences but to human activities. In fact, they found that water consumption and river regulation seem to be playing a larger role than scientists previously recognized.

This map shows the locations of the 5 countries that have coastlines on the Caspian Sea. Image via ESA/ Copernicus.

The Volga River drainage basin. Image via Wikipedia.

How much water is the Caspian Sea losing? Why is that important?

Since the mid-1990s, the Caspian Sea has lost about 5.5% of its surface area. That equals roughly 630 cubic kilometers (over 150 cubic miles) of water. And scientists project the sea could fall an additional 26 to 46 feet (8 to 14 meters) by 2100. The northern part of the Caspian Sea is already naturally shallow. And this is the region that has been especially vulnerable to falling water levels.

The researchers detected rising concentrations of chlorophyll-a in the northern Caspian. Scientists use this form of chlorophyll to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria, and the measurements suggest the waters are feeling an increase in ecological stress.

The Caspian Sea supports more than 850 endemic species, or species that are only found there. The species include the critically endangered Caspian seal and several species of sturgeon. Those sturgeon are the source of 90% of the world’s black caviar. Declining water levels also threaten wetlands, fish spawning grounds and coastal ecosystems.

But the impacts extend beyond wildlife. The Caspian Sea is vital for fisheries, trade and industry across the region. Lower water levels can disrupt ports and shipping routes. The study also said:

In addition, the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, where approximately 1 million tons of oil are estimated to leak into the sea annually. These combined pressures raise concerns about how hydrological shifts and human activities may influence water quality and ecosystem functioning.

The study’s authors warned that without coordinated management among the five nations bordering the sea, the region could face growing environmental and economic challenges.

The left side shows a view of the northern region of the Caspian Sea in 2006. The right side is how the same area looked in 2022. Image via NASA Earth Observatory.

How does this compare to the Aral Sea?

In the study, the authors compare the shrinking of the Caspian Sea to the Aral Sea. The Aral Sea is another large inland body of water in Central Asia. The Aral Sea once covered about 26,000 square miles (68,000 square km), making it the world’s 4th-largest lake. But beginning in the 1960s, Soviet irrigation projects diverted much of the water from the rivers that fed it. As a result, the Aral Sea lost about 90% of its volume over the following decades and split into several smaller lakes.

The Caspian Sea’s situation is not as severe. It remains far larger than the Aral Sea ever was, and scientists do not expect it to disappear. But both water bodies share a common challenge: reduced river inflow. In the Caspian Sea, declining flows from the Volga River and other tributaries, combined with rising evaporation linked to a warming climate, are contributing to falling water levels. Researchers said the comparison serves as a warning that human management of water resources can have long-lasting consequences for inland seas and the communities that depend on them.

They concluded that preventing further decline will require greater cooperation among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Improved water management, better data sharing and policies that protect river inflows could help preserve the sea’s ecosystems and economies for future generations.

Bottom line: A new study finds that the Caspian Sea’s decline is being driven by both climate change and human activity. Reduced river inflow, especially from the Volga River, appears to be a major factor behind the shrinking of Earth’s largest inland sea.

Read more: Will Lake Mead – largest US reservoir – reach record lows?

Science news, night sky events and beautiful photos, all in one place. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter.

The post The Caspian Sea – Earth’s largest inland sea – is shrinking first appeared on EarthSky.

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Back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 164

Two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela in the space of a minute last night, June 24, 2026. This is an intensity map of the second, which had a magnitude of 7.5. That’s the strongest quake to hit Venezuela since 1990. Read about the Venezuela earthquakes below. Image via USGS.

Back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes last night kill at least 164

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in the space of a minute last night, leaving at least 164 dead and over 700 injured as of 10:30 UTC, June 25.

The quakes struck at 6:04 p.m. local time (22:04 UTC). Centered on the state of Carabobo – some 12 miles (20 km) from the country’s capital, Caracas – they had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The second was the strongest to strike Venezuela since a magnitude 7.7 quake in 1900.

Many buildings in Caracas have been reduced to rubble. And, as reported by the BBC, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has stated that the most affected state is La Guaira, just north of Caracas, where “dozens” of buildings have collapsed.

The number of lives lost will almost certainly rise as more information comes in. Shortly after the earthquake struck, the US Geological Survey (USGS) predicted a 33% chance of 1,000 to 10,000 fatalities, and a 42% chance of 10,000 to 100,000 fatalities.

BREAKING: USGS upgrades Venezuela earthquake to 7.5. Major damage to buildings.

— AZ Intel (@azintel.bsky.social) 2026-06-24T23:16:42.984Z

Quakes came during holiday celebrations

June 24 is a national holiday in Venezuela, commemorating the victory of Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar against Spain in the 1821 Battle of Carabobo. So the devastating quakes came with many people at home, celebrating with their families.

This morning, rescue attempts continue amid fears of possible aftershocks.

Leaders across the world have offered condolences and pledged support, with governments including that of the U.S., Germany and China volunteering to aid relief efforts.

Bottom line: Two back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes caused devastation last night. The current death toll is at least 164, with over 700 injured.

Read more: Yellowstone earthquakes rattle underground ecosystems

Read more: Can animals sense earthquakes? Science investigates

The post Back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 164 first appeared on EarthSky.

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Two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela in the space of a minute last night, June 24, 2026. This is an intensity map of the second, which had a magnitude of 7.5. That’s the strongest quake to hit Venezuela since 1990. Read about the Venezuela earthquakes below. Image via USGS.

Back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes last night kill at least 164

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in the space of a minute last night, leaving at least 164 dead and over 700 injured as of 10:30 UTC, June 25.

The quakes struck at 6:04 p.m. local time (22:04 UTC). Centered on the state of Carabobo – some 12 miles (20 km) from the country’s capital, Caracas – they had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The second was the strongest to strike Venezuela since a magnitude 7.7 quake in 1900.

Many buildings in Caracas have been reduced to rubble. And, as reported by the BBC, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has stated that the most affected state is La Guaira, just north of Caracas, where “dozens” of buildings have collapsed.

The number of lives lost will almost certainly rise as more information comes in. Shortly after the earthquake struck, the US Geological Survey (USGS) predicted a 33% chance of 1,000 to 10,000 fatalities, and a 42% chance of 10,000 to 100,000 fatalities.

BREAKING: USGS upgrades Venezuela earthquake to 7.5. Major damage to buildings.

— AZ Intel (@azintel.bsky.social) 2026-06-24T23:16:42.984Z

Quakes came during holiday celebrations

June 24 is a national holiday in Venezuela, commemorating the victory of Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar against Spain in the 1821 Battle of Carabobo. So the devastating quakes came with many people at home, celebrating with their families.

This morning, rescue attempts continue amid fears of possible aftershocks.

Leaders across the world have offered condolences and pledged support, with governments including that of the U.S., Germany and China volunteering to aid relief efforts.

Bottom line: Two back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes caused devastation last night. The current death toll is at least 164, with over 700 injured.

Read more: Yellowstone earthquakes rattle underground ecosystems

Read more: Can animals sense earthquakes? Science investigates

The post Back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 164 first appeared on EarthSky.

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Mammatus clouds are ominous and beautiful

Learn more about mammatus clouds and see stunning photos in this video. Watch in the player above or on YouTube.

Love wildlife and the natural world? Get the latest animal stories – as well as space and night sky updates – delivered to your inbox.

Mammatus clouds: Ominous and beautiful

Mammatus clouds are pouch-like protrusions hanging from the undersides of clouds. You’ll usually find them under thunderstorm anvil clouds, but you might see them under other clouds as well. They’re composed primarily of ice. And groups of them can extend hundreds of miles in any direction. But they’re fleeting, remaining visible in your local sky for perhaps 10 or 15 minutes at a time.

Most clouds are formed by rising air. But mammatus clouds are formed by sinking air. They appear ominous.

People associate these cloud pouches with severe weather. And it’s true; they typically appear before or after a storm. But, in a way that’s so common in nature, their dangerous aspect goes hand-in-hand with a magnificent beauty. Enjoy the pictures below.

Read more: Cloud shapes are a useful tool for predicting weather

Beautiful bubbling clouds

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Deb King in Moundridge, Kansas, took this spectacular photo of mammatus clouds on June 10, 2026. Thank you, Deb!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Vermont Jr. Coronel captured this photo from the Philippines on May 28, 2026, and wrote: “Mammatus clouds after the sudden thunderstorm on a very hot late afternoon. Thunderstorms are prevalent now in the Philippines during afternoon. A sign that the rainy season is about to begin.” Thank you, Vermont!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Aaron Watson captured this image on July 17, 2025, from Colorado and wrote: “Interesting mammatus clouds this morning. It looked like long, deep grooves across the sky.” Thank you, Aaron!

More from our Community photos

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Michael O’Connor captured this image on July 12, 2025, from Michigan and wrote: “Mammatus clouds. First time ever seeing them.” Thank you, Michael!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Lina Tomlin in Texarkana, Texas, photographed these mammatus clouds on April 29, 2024. Lina wrote: “Stepped outside and my jaw dropped. I loved watching this massive storm cell roll by. I saw more ‘bubble’ clouds appear, and as the sun went down they lit up. I’ve never been this close to clouds like that. Thrilling!” Thank you, Lina!

Bottom line: Mammatus clouds look like bubbling, low-hanging clouds. They’re often associated with thunderstorms. Learn more about them and see photos here.

Read more: Lenticular clouds look like UFOs

Read more: What are hole-punch clouds, aka fallstreak holes?

The post Mammatus clouds are ominous and beautiful first appeared on EarthSky.

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Learn more about mammatus clouds and see stunning photos in this video. Watch in the player above or on YouTube.

Love wildlife and the natural world? Get the latest animal stories – as well as space and night sky updates – delivered to your inbox.

Mammatus clouds: Ominous and beautiful

Mammatus clouds are pouch-like protrusions hanging from the undersides of clouds. You’ll usually find them under thunderstorm anvil clouds, but you might see them under other clouds as well. They’re composed primarily of ice. And groups of them can extend hundreds of miles in any direction. But they’re fleeting, remaining visible in your local sky for perhaps 10 or 15 minutes at a time.

Most clouds are formed by rising air. But mammatus clouds are formed by sinking air. They appear ominous.

People associate these cloud pouches with severe weather. And it’s true; they typically appear before or after a storm. But, in a way that’s so common in nature, their dangerous aspect goes hand-in-hand with a magnificent beauty. Enjoy the pictures below.

Read more: Cloud shapes are a useful tool for predicting weather

Beautiful bubbling clouds

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Deb King in Moundridge, Kansas, took this spectacular photo of mammatus clouds on June 10, 2026. Thank you, Deb!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Vermont Jr. Coronel captured this photo from the Philippines on May 28, 2026, and wrote: “Mammatus clouds after the sudden thunderstorm on a very hot late afternoon. Thunderstorms are prevalent now in the Philippines during afternoon. A sign that the rainy season is about to begin.” Thank you, Vermont!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Aaron Watson captured this image on July 17, 2025, from Colorado and wrote: “Interesting mammatus clouds this morning. It looked like long, deep grooves across the sky.” Thank you, Aaron!

More from our Community photos

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Michael O’Connor captured this image on July 12, 2025, from Michigan and wrote: “Mammatus clouds. First time ever seeing them.” Thank you, Michael!

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Lina Tomlin in Texarkana, Texas, photographed these mammatus clouds on April 29, 2024. Lina wrote: “Stepped outside and my jaw dropped. I loved watching this massive storm cell roll by. I saw more ‘bubble’ clouds appear, and as the sun went down they lit up. I’ve never been this close to clouds like that. Thrilling!” Thank you, Lina!

Bottom line: Mammatus clouds look like bubbling, low-hanging clouds. They’re often associated with thunderstorms. Learn more about them and see photos here.

Read more: Lenticular clouds look like UFOs

Read more: What are hole-punch clouds, aka fallstreak holes?

The post Mammatus clouds are ominous and beautiful first appeared on EarthSky.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/hsWI1vf