When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.The constellation Scorpius glows close to Libra in the spring sky. | Credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesJune’s new moon is finally upon us, bringing with it a handful of precious dark nights in which to explore the wonders of the starry sky, before the familiar sight of the waxing lunar crescent returns to hide fainter targets from view.This month’s new moon phase occurs at 10:54 p.m. EDT on June 14 (0254 GMT on June 15), when the lunar disk passes between the sun and Earth, leaving the nights surrounding it blissfully free of moonlight.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe lack of moonlight allows us to appreciate the myriad treasures of the post-sunset realm, including faint constellations that are so easily overlooked in favor of their brighter counterparts during the rest of the month.Visible planetsLook to the western horizon at sunset on June 14 to find the steady light of Venus shining a little over three degrees above Jupiter, just a few days on from their close conjunction on June 9.Look to the lower right of Jupiter to spot Mercury shining above the horizon. The two will be separated by approximately 10 degrees — roughly the width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length against the night sky — to form a crooked planetary lineup in the night sky.Venus, Jupiter and Mercury shine in the western sky at sunset. | Credit: Created by Anthony Wood in Canva.Mercury is putting on one of its best displays of the year. just one day out from reaching its point of greatest eastern elongation, when it appears farthest from the sun in the evening sky. Nonetheless, you’ll need a clear view of the western horizon if you hope to spot the elusive planet before it sets less than two hours after the sun.AdvertisementAdvertisementEarly risers will find the red light of Mars glistening less than 10 degrees above the eastern horizon in the predawn hours on nights surrounding the new moon phase, while Saturn will shine higher to the east, among the stars of the constellation Pisces.Neptune can also be found hiding a little under 10 degrees to the upper right of the gas giant. It’s too dim to be spotted with the naked eye, but an 8-inch telescope should let you …
