J.T. What to Shoot in Carolina’s Skies — June 2025
- Juxtaposed Tides
- May 28
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Solstice Fires, Strawberry Rises & Venus in the Pines & More in North Carolina's Skies this June 2025
By Juxtaposed Tides | Adventure Forecast: Skies Worth Chasing
Well, May decided to show April who's boss in the wet department, and the skies were so gloomy, even the sun needed a flashlight! At least that's how it went for the Juxtaposed Tides Aperture Abenteuer crew. The full moon was a total no-show and washout, and our cameras at Linville Gorge were as useful as a chocolate teapot when it came to capturing meteors. Our annual spring 'trouting' trip? Let's just say the fish were social distancing. But hey, that didn't put the brakes on our fun! When it comes to aperture abenteuers, there's always next month (or, rather, this month!) to play peekaboo with the moon and the stars! (Not to mention all the brilliance that comes with adventure, rain or shine!)
June rolls in hot, heavy, and golden. The fireflies are out. The humidity clings to your lens. Somewhere between the longest day and the darkest sky, the heavens toss a spark or two—and it’s up to you and us to chase it.
This month’s sky schedule isn’t just bright—it’s plumb poetic. From a low-slung full moon glowing like embers through Carolina haze to Venus blazing solo before sunrise like a lone campfire in the dark, June gives us a calendar of cosmic photo ops, story-fueled hikes, and backroad stargazing moments. (Not to mention the sweetest berries the Ole North State has to offer!)
☀️ The Solstice Isn't Just a Moment. It's a Mood.
June 21 | Summer Solstice | Longest Day of the Year
The earth leans in close to the sun, and everything stretches: the trees, the shadows, the rivers, the people. On the solstice, light lingers—refusing to go quietly—and we say yes to one more mile, one more frame, one more trail before dark.
Where to be:
South Mountains State Park – capture golden hour fire blazing across exposed ridges
Jordan Lake, boat-access only – water + reflection + stillness = magic
Blue Ridge pull-offs facing west – the sunset here can last forever
Capture Tip: This is the night to shoot from dusk into the night. Bring both warm and cool lens filters—you’re capturing a shift, not a single scene.
June 11 | Strawberry Full Moon | 8:45 PM–9:30 PM
This one’s not pink. It’s low. Lower than it’s been in nearly two decades. So low it’ll skim the horizon like a brushfire caught in slow motion. And if you’re east of the mountains? You’re in for a burn-orange moonrise that’ll stick with you all summer.
What makes it wild:
Closest to the horizon = biggest visual size
Moon illusion adds drama to your shots
Colors shift between coral, rust, and rose depending on air quality
Where to shoot:
Outer Banks dunes – low horizon + zero trees = clean capture
Rural Davidson County fields – find a barn or tree line to silhouette
Old U.S. 421 near Deep Gap – an uphill stretch for long-lens drama
✨ Venus Rules the Dawn Patrol
June 1 & all month | Greatest Western Elongation: Rising before the sun, Venus stakes her claim in the east. You don’t need anything fancy—just wake up early, point east, and you’ll see what might be the brightest object in the sky. She’s in her half-lit “dichotomy” phase, shining like a torch held just above the tree line.
Where to ride or hike out early:
Pilot Mountain saddle trail – Venus + fog rolling through the valley
Lakeside dock at sunrise – glassy water reflecting the Morning Star
Motorcycle ride on NC 268 eastbound – Venus peeking over winding asphalt
🌌 The New Moon Window: Deep Sky and the Milky Way
June 25 | New Moon | All Night Long
No moon = no washout. This is your best window to shoot the deep sky, catch a glimpse of the galactic center, or just lose yourself in the black canvas above.
Backcountry spots with dark-sky power:
Grayson Highlands (VA border) – wide views + high altitude = unmatched
Stone Mountain, NC (after dark descent) – best if you’re brave
Remote farm roads in Stokes or Yadkin County – minimal light, max stars
Pack extra batteries. You’re not leaving early.
🔴 Moon Eats Mars
June 29–30 | Lunar Occultation of Mars: Call it a cover-up. Late on the 29th into the early 30th, the Moon will pass directly in front of Mars, hiding it from view. If you’ve never seen a red planet vanish, now’s your chance. This is a naked-eye event—but if you’ve got binoculars or a zoom lens, its next-level.
Best chance to witness:
Anywhere with a western horizon and a clear view
Time it right — 9:00–11:30 PM for prime view in NC
Photo mission idea: Capture a time-lapse of the Moon’s approach. Post-process Mars reappearance for a stutter-effect reveal.
☄️ Meteor Showers for the Stubborn and Lucky
June 7 – Daytime Arietids: Up to 30 meteors/hour just before dawn. Best seen in the mountains, but even then, it’s elusive. Consider this the bonus round for the hardcore.
June 27 – June Bootids: Totally unpredictable. One year it’s a wash. Another year, it’s a surprise storm. Either way, it’s worth watching the sky that night.
Tip: Set up a time-lapse and go to sleep. Let the sky come to you.
🌌 Sky Stories You Can’t Fake
This month, you’re not just catching stars. You’re walking through history, science, and myth—all in one frame. You're documenting light that’s traveled years to meet you at this exact moment.
Bring the camera. But more importantly—bring your attention.
🎒 Checklist for the June Skyscape Chaser
Wide-angle lens with low f-stop
Polarizer for sunsets, long exposures for night
Red flashlight (save your night vision)
Bug spray (fireflies aren't the only ones out there)
Camp chair, thermos, notebook (for the vibes)
App: Sky Tonight for real-time sky orientation
Final Note
This month is all about transitions—day to night, spring to summer, light to dark, the grand juxtaposition of life. The skies in June 2025 are alive with contrast and color. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just catching a moonrise from your back porch, the heavens are putting on a show worth pausing for.
Related Reads on Our Blog
📍 Catch it all at juxtaposedtides.com/skies
📷 Tag your shots with #CarolinaNightSkies!
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