Starwatch: noctilucent clouds are a great summer spectacle

Longer days make it easier to see these natural phenomena, which can appear about 30 minutes after sunset in the west

It is the week of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. The longest day of the northern year falls on 20 June and by astronomical traditions, this marks the beginning of summer.

In the southern hemisphere, this is the winter solstice, marked by the longest night.