Sky Matters: The Grand Stretch leads to Summer Solstice and a Supermoon in June

A partial solar eclipse also comes with a stern safety warning for stargazers

A setting for the Solstice…Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin, joins A unique cultural celebration of the Summer Solstice at the iconic 6,000 year-old Killaclohane Portal Tomb near Milltown, Co. Kerry

As June approaches we can look forward to the continued lengthening of the days, at least until June 21 when we reach the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. 

The sun will then be at the highest point in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer and roughly an altitude of 70 degrees above the horizon in Ireland. If the weather is clear, this is the most dangerous time for UV exposure as the amount of the earth’s atmosphere between us and sun is at its smallest.