There is no question this could be the best time of year to step outside at night and do some stargazing. The temperature is warm. The moon is near the New Moon phase so it isn't interferring with the darkest of nights. 

The weather could be perfect you can step outside with a cold glass of lemonade, instead of a hot cocoa. Only the clouds in the sky or lingering fog can be trouble, obscure the views. This is the season of fireflies and where ever they show up is fun. It isn't yet the time for meteor showers, though you might see a shooting star or a few any night.

The Milky Way at this time of year is a band of stars, like a cloud running along and above the eastern horizon. Look around 9 o'clock. The bright orange star high in the west is Arcturus and it resides in the spring constellation Bootes, the shepherd, and is an easy find. And Vega, the brightest star rising in the east, is ready for your view. Enjoy these nights. Among some of our summer visitors, the starry nights of Martha's Vineyard are a big draw. Many folks reside in parts of the country where they don't have the night sky we have. And we like to share it.

Later this month, the moon will interfere. It will be brilliant and make seeing the faintest stars of the night. Stargazing is best without the moon. Watching meteors and satellites overhead are best observed now. Take some time in the nights ahead to just step out and enjoy. The show is free.