TRAC Monthly Report: June 2026

Astrophotography (AP)

We focused on photographing the Sun this month. Over the summer, the sky doesn't get dark enough to use the Seestar at nighttime, so we're taking a break. More galaxy and nebula photos coming in the autumn!

Sun Photos (Nikon D80)

We used the Nikon D80 to take a photo of the Sun on 17 Jun 2026.

It's unfortunate that the whole disc of the Sun doesn't fit in the field of view when the Nikon D80 is paired with the 127 mm scope.

Focusing was an issue, and finding the best exposure settings wasn't easy. Next month, we'll use our phone cameras instead and compare the results.

Image credit: MK/JM (TRAC)

Above image: A test photo of the Sun using the Nikon D80 through the 5-inch scope. Camera: Nikon D80. Exposure: 1/100 sec. ISO-100. Focal length: 1500 mm. Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 127 SLT. Taken at 17:16 on 17 Jun 2026.

Image credit: NASA SDO

Above image: The view of the Sun taken by NASA at roughly the same time that we took our photo. We were able to pick up the main groups of sunspots. Taken at 17:00 on 17 Jun 2026.

Summer Solstice

The latest sunset of the year occurred on 21 Jun 2026. Matey K and I saw the Sun at 21:00 from the street. There was a plan to drive down to the river, but it wasn't possible, and there was low cloud in any case. Hopefully one day it'll be possible.

Charlie L was down at Motney Hill earlier in the week and took a photo of the sunset using his Google Pixel 9. The area provides a good view to the west looking towards Riverside Country Park near the horizon.

Image credit: CL (TRAC)

Above image: Charlie L captured this beautiful sunset from Motney Hill, Rainham, a few days before the solstice. Taken at 20:57 on 17 Jun 2026.

Lunar Observations

Venus–Moon Conjunction (17 Jun 2026)

The most stunning Moon-planet conjunction graced our skies when Venus was close to the Moon in mid-June.

Image credit: JM (TRAC)

Above image: Venus shines brightly above the crescent Moon at twilight. Camera: Panasonic DMC-TZ60. F-stop: f/5.8. Exposure: 1 sec. ISO-800. Focal length: 54 mm. Taken at 22:31 on 17 Jun 2026.

Image credit: JM (TRAC)

Above image: Venus shines brightly above the crescent Moon at twilight. Camera: Panasonic DMC-TZ60. F-stop: f/5.2. Exposure: 1/6 sec. ISO-1600. Focal length: 135 mm. Taken at 22:47 on 17 Jun 2026.

Image credit: JM (TRAC)

Above image: A close-up shot of Venus and the crescent Moon. The tiny white dot above the unlit part of the Moon is the magnitude +5.3 star Eta Cancri. Camera: Panasonic DMC-TZ60. F-stop: f/6.4. Exposure: 1/6 sec. ISO-1600. Focal length: 130 mm. Taken at 22:50 on 17 Jun 2026.

Moon & Regulus (Daytime)

This was attempted in the sweltering heat at 14:00 on 19 Jun 2026. Alas, the star was not seen. More concerning was when I couldn't find the Moon against the pale blue sky. We'll do some research into why it proved difficult to locate the Moon during the day.

Planets

Mercury

We spotted Mercury from the park on several nights close to the planet's greatest eastern elongation on 15 Jun 2026.

Mercury was found easily with binoculars and was even visible to the naked eye for experienced TRAC members who had the required level of patience.

Well done to everyone who saw this tiny, fast-moving planet, including Sammy and Lily, who visited us from London on 13 Jun 2026.

Venus–Jupiter Conjunction

Venus and Jupiter have been getting closer and closer each night. 09 Jun 2026 marked the date when they were closest together in the sky. The weather was excellent all evening.

To improve these photos, a longer lens for the Nikon D80 is needed.

Image credit: JM (TRAC)

Above image: Venus above Jupiter between trees in silhouette. Camera: Nikon D80. F-stop: f/3.2. Exposure: 1/5 sec. ISO-640. Focal length: 50 mm. Taken at 22:08 on 09 Jun 2026.

Image credit: JM (TRAC)

Above image: Venus on the date of its closest apparent distance from Jupiter in the evening sky. Camera: Nikon D80. F-stop: f/3.2. Exposure: 1/13 sec. ISO-500. Focal length: 50 mm. Taken at 22:25 on 09 Jun 2026.

Summary

Eclipse Prep

We gained more experience at viewing the Sun in June. The solar finder was a good buy, as it made finding the Sun much easier and safer.

Though it was sunny most days, during the heatwaves it was uncomfortably hot – too intense to be stood in direct sunlight most afternoons. This meant we didn't get as much done as I had hoped.

Looking Ahead

In July, we'll finalise our preparations for the August solar eclipse. This will include experimenting with the EQ-mounted scopes and building more solar filter mounts.

James M
TRAC Team Leader
01 Jul 2026 – Rainham, Kent