The cover of the June 2026 issue featuring Supernova Remnant CTB-1
Digital Edition

Contextual Astrophotography, Freedom’s Beacon, and the Eagle’s Nest

In the June 2026 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re balancing two imaging rigs on one mount to put the deep sky in context. May we suggest Aquila as your first stop? We have a list of fantastic nebulae and clusters for your scopes to peruse. Plus, Aquila isn’t the only animal following the endless turning of the heavens. Birds, mammals, and insects have been utilizing the stars to chart their paths across the globe since time immemorial. Even in the deepest pits of desperation, humans have also turned toward the stars for hope. This Juneteenth, we follow the paths of enslaved Americans, who saw Polaris as the light of hope beckoning them north towards freedom.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

Freedom’s Beacon

Enslaved people looked to the sky when escaping north.

By Joe Barry

Animal Navigators

Humans aren’t the only creatures that use the sky to find their way.

By Javier Barbuzano

Trojan Stars

The Milky Way’s mighty bar marshals billions of stars into two vast celestial whirlpools.

By Ken Croswell

Venture into the Eagle’s Nest

Prominent in the summer sky, Aquila holds a stockpile of planetary nebulae, clusters, and even a stray galaxy.

By David J. Eicher

Contextual Astrophotography

Here’s a great way to add to your imaging output while also seeding your future projects.

By Chris Schur

Beyond the Printed Page:

Venus Occultation

Watch Venus disappear behind the Moon.

Sonification

Listen to the music of dying stars.

Infant Galaxy Cluster

Learn about the origins of the universe’s most massive bound structures.

Chilean Observatories Saved

Find out how the Paranal and Armazones observatories have managed to stave off the threat of additional light pollution.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

A Crown by Any Other Name

As we wait for the Blaze Star to blow, let’s explore Ariadne’s floral crown.

By Stephen James O’Meara

Venus Meets and Greets

The Evening Star has a busy month visiting the Moon, Jupiter, and the Beehive Cluster.

By Gary Seronik

A Daylight Occultation

Watch the crescent Moon occult Venus in the middle of the day.

By Bob King

Shooting Nightscapes by Moonlight

Learning to make use of the Moon is a key skill in capturing night-sky vistas.

By Alan Dyer

Table of Contents

See what else June’s issue has to offer.

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