Retired faculty member and administrator Mr. Lutken offers guidance on what to expect in Mother Nature in June and July 2022.

Memorial Day and it feels like summer is here already! Cottonwood seeds are floating in the air, and the Scissortail Flycatchers are already here. The Summer Solstice is coming on June 21st. 

Evenings: 

The Summer Triangle  is in the northeast and moves straight overhead during the evenings.  If you can get away from the city lights this summer, you'll see the Milky Way running right through it down to Sagittarius, at the center of our galaxy far, far away..........

Full Moon in June is on the 14th. July's on the 13th

Mornings: In the east/ southeast, Venus, Mars,  Jupiter,  and Saturn are in a beautiful line along the Plane of the Ecliptic! In July, they will spread apart some, and we'll begin to see the Pleiades, Taurus and other stars of the Fall and Winter joining them in the east!

At the Quarry or wherever you are:  Swifts and Swallows are darting through the skies, and the Hummingbirds will be here soon!

Photos are of the Blaz Memorial, east of the Chapel, at a Summer Solstice sunrise. ESD's own version of Stonehenge!! It's a wonderful way to learn about the skies and seasons, and remember old friends, right on campus!!

Have a great summer, get outdoors and take it in! PKL