This year the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year (and thus the longest night) occurs on the 22nd of June. The New Moon is officially on the 17th of June. Looking at the Moon rise and set times, it is clear that we are entering a ten day period that will offer us potentially the longest nights of the entire 2015 year. After the 22nd the days will begin to get longer once again (hence shorter nights). The period from about the 10th of June through the 21st provide long Moon free nights or substantial period of dark on those nights. This is simply the best time of the year IMHO for telescopes to be dusted off and used as intended. I hope everyone can get out there and enjoy this once a year period of extended darkness, and that the weather forecast is favourable. Good luck.
