Seven spectacular night sky events to watch out for this summer

Seven spectacular night sky events to put in your diary this summerImage source, Getty ImagesBySophia Herod, BBC Weather and Jillian Macmath, BBC WeatherPublished27 minutes ago1 CommentsSummer brings the perfect opportunity to get outside and gaze up at the night sky. Not only is it the best time to see the Milky Way, which appears as a band of light stretching across the starscape, but there's also a meteor shower and solar eclipse to look forward to.As we approach the summer solstice on 21 June in the northern hemisphere, the Sun will be at its highest in the sky. This will allow for spectacular views of the International Space Station as well as some of the natural phenomena we're treated to seeing through summer.Summer TriangleImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Summer Triangle and meteors photographed on 12 August 2012, from Gruenstadt in GermanyFor centuries, we have looked up at the night sky in awe and wonder, but if you are new to stargazing, the Summer Triangle is a good place to start.It is an asterism (or recognisable group) made up of three bright stars forming a giant triangle. It is easy to spot and visible for most of the summer. Its corners are marked by Vega in the constellation of Lyra, the Harp, Altair in Aquila, the Eagle and Deneb in Cygnus, the Swan.Look toward the eastern horizon in early summer, or straight up if it is late summer. Vega is usually the first bright star you will spot at dusk.Total solar eclipseImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A rare solar eclipse over the USA captured in 2025 where the Moon perfectly aligns to obscure the Sun, casting an ethereal glowTotal solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, but witnessing one from the same location is much rarer. On average, a total solar eclipse is visible from any given spot on Earth only once every 400 years.The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not due until 2090. Before then, however, skywatchers can enjoy a spectacul...