Ombudsman names 12 landlords for knowledge and information failings in latest report

 ## Housing Ombudsman Reports Severe Maladministration by 12 Landlords:

Richard Blakeway said record-keeping failures could erode tenants’ trust in their landlord (picture: S. Brandon)

## Introduction

The Housing Ombudsman has named a dozen landlords in its latest severe maladministration report, highlighting its commitment to sharing lessons learned from these cases. This report underscores the importance of effective Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) within housing organizations, particularly in light of landlords' responsibilities to identify and address statutory hazards.

## Key Cases and Findings

### Lewisham Council: Severe Maladministration in Repairs

Lewisham Council faced severe maladministration due to its handling of a repairs case. The council failed to fully document the repairs conducted at a resident's home, leading to significant confusion and anxiety. The resident endured nearly two years of uncertainty while waiting for a roof repair. Additionally, the council could not specify when third-party repairs were performed, which invalidated the initial guarantee and potentially caused other issues with the roof.

#### Lewisham Council's Response

In response, Lewisham Council stated that it had hired an independent surveyor to conduct a photographic and thermal imaging inspection of the roof. The council has also developed a complaints management improvement plan and is upgrading its housing management computer systems to prevent future issues.

### PA Housing: Poor Record-Keeping in Domestic Abuse Complaint

PA Housing was reprimanded for its inadequate record-keeping in handling a domestic abuse complaint. The landlord was unable to locate any complaints reported by the resident because they had been directed to the wrong team. This failure led to four unresolved complaints over the course of a year. Additionally, the landlord did not have any record of the resident's vulnerabilities in its systems.

The resident had informed PA Housing that she fled her home due to domestic abuse. However, the landlord was unable to verify this initial contact and subsequently raised a fraud case, believing the resident had abandoned the property without informing the landlord. This mismanagement caused additional distress and inconvenience for the resident.

#### Ombudsman's Orders to PA Housing

The Housing Ombudsman ordered the chief executive of PA Housing to apologize, pay £1,500 in compensation, and contact the local authority to ensure all relevant information regarding the resident’s homelessness was accurately communicated.


The Housing Ombudsman's latest report sheds light on the critical importance of robust Knowledge and Information Management practices among landlords. Effective KIM is essential to avoid severe maladministration and to fulfill landlords' responsibilities towards their residents, particularly in cases involving statutory hazards and vulnerabilities.

## Gateshead Council: Record-Keeping Failures in Damp and Mould Case

Despite knowing the problem's extent, it had to repeat a survey after changing contractors and misplacing surveyor reports, prolonging the resident's distress.

### Gateshead Council's Response

Gateshead Council reviewed its approach to damp and mould and improved its process for addressing cases promptly. These improvements led to a significant increase in tenant satisfaction.

## Additional Landlords Named

Nine other landlords were also named for various failures, including issues with damp and mould, repairs, anti-social behavior (ASB), and data retention. These landlords are:

- Metropolitan Thames Valley
- A2Dominion
- Anchor Hanover
- Harlow Council
- L&Q
- Clarion
- Leeds City Council
- Sanctuary
- Notting Hill Genesis

The report recommended that Notting Hill Genesis inform the Information Commissioner’s Office of suspected data breaches.

## Ombudsman's Insights

Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, emphasized the critical role of effective KIM. He stated that failings in this area significantly impact residents' health and well-being and erode trust in landlords. Poor records lead to inconsistent or non-existent landlord actions, creating a "lottery" for residents. Blakeway highlighted the strong correlation between poor records, prolonged complaints, and severe detriment.

In a challenging and evolving environment, KIM should be the foundation of solid service delivery and complaint handling.

## Conclusion

The Housing Ombudsman's latest report is a timely reminder of the importance of effective Knowledge and Information Management in ensuring landlords fulfill their responsibilities and maintain trust with their residents. The report's findings and recommendations provide a crucial roadmap for housing organizations to improve their practices and avoid severe maladministration in the future.

Ebrahim Raisi: An Iranian Cleric, Prosecutor, and Politician

## Early Life and Education

(December 14, 1960, Masshad, Iran - May 19, 2024 near Jalfa Iran)

Mashhad is a significant religious center for Twelver Shiʿah Islam as it is the burial place of the eighth imam, ʿAlī al-Riḍā. Raisi's early life coincided with the advent of land reform (1960–63) and the White Revolution development program (1963–79), periods of profound change in Iran's distribution of power and wealth. These reforms led to rapid modernization and urbanization but also disenfranchised the clerical establishment, especially in Mashhad, where the clerics held extensive property and wielded significant economic influence.

Raised in a clerical family, Raisi received a religious education and, in 1975, attended seminary in Qom, the foremost intellectual center of Shiʿi Islam. There, he studied under some of Iran’s most prominent clerics. During this time, widespread dissatisfaction with the regime of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was prevalent among Iranians. Many seminarians in Qom, including Raisi, were engaged with the revolutionary ideals of Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini's interpretation of velāyat-e faqīh (guardianship of the jurist) sought to ensure clerical oversight of government policy and administration. Raisi was reportedly an active participant in the events of 1978–79 that led to the shah's exile and the establishment of a government based on Khomeini’s vision.

## Prosecutor for the Islamic Republic

### Early Career

Following the Iranian Revolution, the newly established Islamic republic faced numerous challenges, including opposition from Western-educated loyalists of the shah, secularist left-wing dissidents, and an all-out war with Iraq. He received training in administration and joined the prosecutor’s office in Masjed Soleymān in southwestern Iran. Over the next six years, he gained further experience as a prosecutor in various jurisdictions, including Karaj city, Hamadan city, and Hamadan province.

### Rise to Prominence

In 1985, Raisi became the deputy prosecutor in Tehran, the country's capital. In 1988, amidst the instability and the burdens of the Iran-Iraq War, Khomeini ordered the execution of thousands of political prisoners, accusing them of collaborating with Iraq. Raisi was appointed to a committee tasked with determining the loyalty of prisoners to the government.

### Senior Judicial Roles

He served as the prosecutor of Tehran from 1989 to 1994 and held other prominent positions, including head of the General Inspection Organization (1994–2004) and prosecutor general of the Special Court for the Clergy (2012–21). These roles involved overseeing the integrity of government bodies and officials. As the first deputy to the chief justice (2004–14), Raisi played a key role in the crackdown on dissidents following the unrest after the 2009 presidential election. Outside the judiciary, he also served as a member of the Assembly of Experts (2007–24), a body tasked with replacing the Supreme Leader if the office became vacant.


In 2016, Khamenei appointed Raisi as the custodian of the shrine of ʿAlī al-Riḍā in Mashhad, placing him in charge of Iran’s largest bonyad (charitable trust). This appointment, which lasted until 2019, gave Raisi control over billions of dollars' worth of assets and a significant portion of Iran’s gross domestic product, without formal oversight.

## Political Career

### 2017 Presidential Election

Despite holding high-level positions within the regime, Raisi built an image as a principled government critic who was tough on corruption. He ran against the incumbent Hassan Rouhani in the 2017 presidential election, criticizing Rouhani for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an international nuclear agreement. Raisi argued that the JCPOA conceded too much while failing to improve the socioeconomic conditions for most Iranians. Although Rouhani won in a landslide, Raisi's ability to garner 38 percent of the vote indicated that his populist rhetoric resonated with many Iranians. The withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA in 2018 and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran vindicated Raisi in the eyes of many Iranians.

### Head of the Judiciary

. When the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) downed Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 in January 2020, mistakenly identifying the passenger plane as a U.S. cruise missile, Raisi oversaw the investigation. However, the investigation did little to hold Iranian officials publicly accountable, attributing the incident to errors by low-ranking operators.

# Ebrahim Raisi: Presidency and Challenges

## Presidential Election of 2021

In the presidential election of 2021, Ebrahim Raisi continued to present himself as a staunch defender against government corruption. He also expressed support for negotiating an international nuclear agreement that would prioritize Iranian interests. His prominent profile made him the clear front-runner, especially after his most serious challengers were disqualified in the weeks leading up to the election. With voter turnout slightly below 50 percent, Raisi won by an overwhelming margin and was inaugurated in August 2021.

## Initial Challenges and Policies

### Focus on Regime Security

Raisi inherited a pervasive crisis caused by international sanctions and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. At the beginning of his term, he prioritized regime security over economic relief. His first budget proposal significantly increased funding for the defense establishment while maintaining austerity in domestic spending. Despite the severe economic conditions, Raisi’s administration showed little urgency in renewing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which would have lifted sanctions. Instead, Raisi initially focused on strengthening ties with China and Iran’s neighboring countries, including restoring relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023, before seriously engaging in negotiations with the West.

### Economic Measures

Early in his presidency, Raisi's government ramped up its COVID-19 vaccination drive. However, little was done to address the ailing economy despite a water shortage and rising inflation. The lack of immediate action on renewing the JCPOA, coupled with the economic fallout from international sanctions, further strained Iran’s economy. In May 2022, Raisi announced a program of "economic surgery," which included sudden cuts to food subsidies. This resulted in some food prices nearly tripling overnight, exacerbating the economic hardship faced by ordinary Iranians.

## Protests and Civil Unrest

### Food Price Protests

The austerity measures and economic conditions led to widespread discontent among the populace. Protests erupted in May 2022 in response to the sudden spike in food prices. These protests, although massive, were soon overshadowed by larger demonstrations later in the year.

### Death of Jina Mahsa Amini

In September 2022, the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini while in custody for "improper" dress sparked nationwide protests. Her death became a symbol of various grievances held by Iranians, including the subjugation of women, the suppression of minorities, and the government's overall indifference to citizens' welfare. Women played a leading role in the protest movement, publicly removing their veils and cutting their hair. The chant "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Kurdish: "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî"; Persian: "Zan, Zendegī, Āzādī") became widely adopted. Despite the broad participation in the protests, including from some Shiʿi clerics who favored voluntary hijab covering, Raisi blamed foreign actors for fomenting the unrest.

## Foreign Policy and Regional Tensions

### Confrontation with Israel

During the Israel-Hamas War that began in 2023, Raisi adopted an increasingly confrontational stance towards Israel. This was marked by heightened rhetoric and a historic visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss the conflict. Iran's regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen, intensified their attacks on Israel. In April 2024, after Israeli forces killed senior officers of the IRGC’s Quds Force in Damascus, Iran responded by firing drones and missiles into Israeli airspace for the first time in the two countries' history. Raisi threatened a severe response if Israel retaliated, but he remained silent when Israel attacked a military complex in Iran days later.

### Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the tensions with Israel, Raisi continued to pursue diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries. He embarked on a high-profile visit to Pakistan, resulting in an agreement to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion over five years. Raisi then traveled to Sri Lanka, where he inaugurated a hydropower project constructed with Iranian technology and financial assistance.

## Death

On May 19, 2024, as Raisi was returning from a trip to inaugurate new dams jointly constructed with Azerbaijan along the countries' border, his helicopter crashed amid bad weather in the mountainous border terrain. Rescuers located the helicopter the following day, but there were no survivors.

## Conclusion

Ebrahim Raisi's presidency was marked by significant challenges, both domestic and international. His focus on regime security, coupled with economic austerity measures, led to widespread civil unrest and protests. Meanwhile, his confrontational foreign policy stance, particularly towards Israel, further complicated Iran's international relations. Raisi's untimely death brought an abrupt end to a tumultuous period in Iran's political landscape.

Watchman to Head Clerk: A True Inspiring Story.

 ### From Watchman to Head Clerk: The Inspiring Journey of Hard Work and Dedication:

#### Introduction: A Tale of Triumph:

In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the echoes of academic pursuit, a remarkable story unfolded—one that defied expectations and showcased the extraordinary power of consistency, education, and hard work. This is the true story of how an uneducated watchman rose to become the head clerk of a prestigious government college, inspiring countless others along the way.

#### Humble Beginnings: The Watchman's Role:

Our story begins with M. Asif, a diligent and dedicated watchman at a government college. Hailing from a humble background, Asif took on the role of a watchman to support his family. Despite lacking formal education, he carried out his duties with unwavering commitment, ensuring the safety and security of the college premises. His sincerity and reliability quickly earned him the respect and admiration of the faculty and students alike.

#### A Spark of Aspiration: The Decision to Pursue Education:

Asif's journey took a pivotal turn when he witnessed the transformative power of education in students' lives. He realized that education was a path to knowledge and a gateway to opportunities. Fueled by this newfound understanding, Asif made a bold decision—he would pursue education, no matter how challenging the journey might be.

#### Overcoming Obstacles: The Path to Literacy:

Asif's initial steps were fraught with difficulties. As an uneducated adult, he faced numerous challenges in learning basic literacy skills. However, his determination was unshakable. With the help of kind-hearted teachers and students who volunteered to tutor him, Asif gradually learned to read and write. Every evening, after completing his watchman duties, he would immerse himself in his studies, often burning the midnight oil.

#### Embracing Education: Formal Schooling and Beyond:

Having mastered the basics, Asif enrolled in adult education classes to complete his formal schooling. Balancing work and studies was no easy feat, but his unwavering dedication kept him going. He passed his examinations with flying colors, proving that age and circumstances were no barriers to learning. With each milestone, his confidence grew, and so did his aspirations.

#### Seizing Opportunities: The Transition to Clerkship:

Asif's commitment to self-improvement did not go unnoticed. When a clerk position opened up at the college, the administration saw his potential and dedication. Encouraged by his colleagues and mentors, Asif applied for the job. His consistent performance and newfound educational qualifications made him a strong candidate. To his immense joy, he was selected for the position, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

#### Climbing the Ladder: Consistency and Excellence:

As a clerk, Asif continued to demonstrate the same level of dedication and hard work that had characterized his tenure as a watchman. He approached his new responsibilities with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that administrative tasks were handled efficiently. His consistency and excellence did not go unnoticed by the college administration, who began to entrust him with more significant responsibilities.

#### Achieving the Pinnacle: Head Clerk:

Years of unwavering commitment and hard work culminated in a defining moment for Asif. Recognizing his exceptional service and consistent performance, the college administration promoted him to the position of head clerk. It was a moment of immense pride and accomplishment for Asif, who had risen from an uneducated watchman to a respected leader within the institution.

#### An Inspiration to All: The Legacy of Ramesh:

Asif's journey is a testament to the power of education and the boundless potential of human determination. His story continues to inspire students, faculty, and countless others who hear of his remarkable rise. He often shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of never giving up and the transformative impact of hard work and education.

#### Conclusion: The Power of Perseverance:

Asif's story is not just about personal success; it is a beacon of hope for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. His rise from watchman to head clerk exemplifies the idea that with consistency, education, and hard work, anything is possible. Asif's journey reminds us all that no dream is too distant and no goal too ambitious if one is willing to put in the effort and never lose sight of their aspirations.

Her late mother must be proud of him.

Hard work always pays off.

 ### How Knowledge of Brain Function Elevates Student Performance:

#### Introduction: The Quest for Improved Academic Performance

In his enlightening book, *The Talent Code*, Daniel Coyle delves into the groundbreaking research of psychologist Carol Dweck. Dweck has dedicated her career to understanding how to enhance student academic performance and foster a deep-seated, self-motivated engagement in education. Her exploration led her to test a hypothesis rooted in three essential rules: paying attention to what children are fascinated by, praising them for their effort, and educating them about brain function.

#### The Power of Effort: The Foundation of Success

Central to Dweck's hypothesis is the concept of effort. She posits that recognizing and praising students for their effort, rather than inherent intelligence or talent, cultivates a growth mindset. By focusing on effort, students are more likely to persist through difficulties, ultimately leading to higher levels of achievement.

#### Rule Three: The Brain-Based Approach

Dweck's third rule introduces the notion that students should be informed about the brain's functions and capabilities. This brain-based education is tailored to the developmental stage of the students, ensuring that the information is both accessible and engaging. The idea is to demystify the brain and help students understand that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This understanding is crucial in helping students internalize the belief that intelligence is not fixed, but malleable.

#### The Study: A Profound Educational Experiment

To test these hypotheses, Dweck embarked on a significant social, educational, and behavioral study. With the support of schools and educational departments, she selected 700 low-achieving middle school students. These students were then randomly divided into two equal groups to ensure the validity of the results.

- **Group A**: Engaged in an eight-week workshop focused solely on study skills.
- **Group B**: Participated in the same eight-week study skills workshop, but with an additional fifty-minute session dedicated to brain function education.

#### The “Something Extra” That Made a Difference

The extra session for Group B was designed to provide students with insights into how their brains work. This session aimed to foster an appreciation for the brain's capacity to grow and adapt through learning and effort. By understanding that their brains were capable of change and improvement, students were expected to develop a stronger commitment to their educational endeavors.

####The Impact of Brain Knowledge on Student Performance

Dweck’s research highlights the profound impact that understanding brain function can have on student performance. By integrating brain-based education with traditional study skills, educators can equip students with the knowledge and mindset needed to succeed. This approach not only improves academic performance but also nurtures a lifelong love of learning and resilience in the face of challenges.

### The Transformative Power of Brain Knowledge in Education

####The Untapped Potential of Brain-Based Learning

Building upon the foundational work of Carol Dweck, this article explores how knowledge about brain function can significantly elevate student performance. By understanding the anatomical structure and neurobiological functions of the brain, students can unlock their potential and transform their approach to learning.

#### The Brain-Based Approach: Understanding the Anatomy and Function

The brain-based material presented to the students included detailed information on the brain's anatomy and neurobiological functions. This special presentation delved into how the brain responds to enriched environments filled with additional knowledge, academic challenges, and complex tasks. By comprehending how their brains work, students could appreciate the science behind learning and growth.

#### Remarkable Results: A Semester of Transformation

Within just one semester, the results of Dweck's study were profound. The students in Group B, who received the additional brain-based education, showed significant improvements in their grades. Beyond academics, these students also exhibited positive and constructive behaviors in relation to their schoolwork. This shift was not just a statistical anomaly but a clear indication of the power of brain knowledge.

#### Teacher Observations: Unbiased and Empirical

It's crucial to note that the teachers involved in the study were not informed about which students received the brain-based lessons. This ensured that any changes observed were free from bias or altered expectations. Teachers reported that a particular group of students was advancing noticeably in their academic skills, knowledge, and behaviors. However, they couldn't pinpoint the exact reason behind these positive changes, highlighting the unbiased nature of their observations.

#### Startling Evidence: The Power of Self-Motivation

Dweck's study revealed that the students who received brain-based education became intrinsically self-motivated and self-directed learners. Without additional support or encouragement from their teachers, these students began applying themselves more diligently to their studies. This newfound self-motivation led to higher academic achievement and commendable effort and attitude.

#### Conclusion: The Educational and Pedagogical Implications

The implications of Dweck's study are both startling and powerful. By incorporating brain-based education, we can cultivate a generation of self-motivated learners who understand the science behind their growth and capabilities. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also fosters a deeper, more meaningful engagement with learning.

The Next Full Moon is the Flower, Corn, or Corn Planting Moon

The Next Full Moon is the Flower, Corn, or Corn Planting Moon; the Milk Moon; the Hare's Moon; and Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha Purnima.

 **Hints of Hidden Homesteaders**

Observations have already revealed clues that such primordial black holes may be lurking in our galaxy. Although these black holes would be invisible to direct observation, their presence can be inferred from the subtle effects they have on their surroundings. One key method for detecting these elusive objects is through microlensing, an observational effect that occurs when a massive object warps the fabric of space-time, much like the imprint a bowling ball makes on a trampoline.

**Microlensing: Nature's Magnifying Glass**

Microlensing occurs when a foreground object, such as a primordial black hole, passes between us and a distant star. As the light from the background star travels through the warped space-time around the black hole, it gets bent and focused, causing the star to temporarily brighten. This effect can be measured and used to identify the presence of the otherwise invisible black hole.

**Astronomical Detectives: MOA and OGLE**

Separate groups of astronomers, utilizing data from the Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) collaboration at the Mount John University Observatory in New Zealand and the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE), have already detected an unexpectedly large population of isolated Earth-mass objects. These findings suggest that there may be more Earth-mass objects drifting through the galaxy than current models predict.

**Rogue Planets vs. Primordial Black Holes**

The challenge lies in distinguishing between rogue planets and primordial black holes. Both types of objects could explain the observed microlensing events, but their nature is fundamentally different. Rogue planets are worlds that roam the galaxy untethered to any star, while primordial black holes are ancient relics from the early universe. William DeRocco and his team believe that NASA’s Roman Space Telescope will be pivotal in this differentiation. "Roman will be extremely powerful in differentiating between the two statistically," he said, predicting that Roman will find ten times as many objects in this mass range as ground-based telescopes.

**Implications for Cosmology and Particle Physics**

Discovering primordial black holes would have profound implications for both cosmology and particle physics. It would provide new insights into the conditions of the early universe and potentially confirm the theory of inflation, a period of rapid expansion shortly after the Big Bang. Additionally, it could offer clues about the nature of dark matter, which makes up a significant portion of the universe’s mass but remains largely mysterious.

**A Bonus Discovery**

This potential discovery highlights an exciting aspect of scientific research: the possibility of unexpected findings. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, while primarily designed to search for exoplanets, may also unveil these ancient black holes. Kailash Sahu from the Space Telescope Science Institute noted, "This is an exciting example of something extra scientists could do with data Roman is already going to get as it searches for planets."

**The Promise of the Roman Mission**

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope represents a new frontier in our quest to understand the universe. By hunting for primordial black holes, it has the potential to unlock secrets about the early universe, the nature of dark matter, and the evolution of galaxies. As we prepare for the Roman mission, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the wealth of discoveries that lie ahead.

### Evening Sky Highlights

On the evening of Thursday, May 23, 2024, as twilight concludes at 9:30 PM EDT, a celestial show awaits skywatchers. The rising full Moon will be just 4 degrees above the southeastern horizon, closely accompanied by the bright star Antares. For observers in parts of South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the eastern USA, including Washington, DC, the Moon will pass in front of Antares, temporarily blocking it from view. The brightness of the full Moon may obscure this event for some, but the proximity of Antares will still offer a spectacular sight.

At the same time, Arcturus will be shining brightly, nearly overhead at 60 degrees above the east-southeastern horizon. This red giant star, located 36.7 light years away, is about 2.6 billion years older than our Sun, having expanded to 25 times its size and shining 170 times more brightly.

### The Shifting Night Sky

As the lunar cycle progresses, the backdrop of stars will appear to drift westward each evening. This is due to Earth's orbit around the Sun, causing different constellations and stars to dominate the night sky throughout the month. The waxing Moon will journey past several notable stars and constellations: Pollux on June 8, Regulus on June 11, Spica on June 16, and again Antares on June 19.

By the evening of Friday, June 21, the night of the full Moon after next, the Moon will be 7 degrees above the southeastern horizon as twilight ends at 9:49 PM EDT. During this time, the bright planets Venus and Mercury will have already set, with Venus setting 21 minutes and Mercury 43 minutes after sunset. Mercury might still be visible for a short window of about 13 minutes after sunset. Arcturus will once again be the most prominent object in the sky, positioned 69 degrees above the south-southwestern horizon.

### Morning Sky Highlights

On the morning of Thursday, May 23, as twilight begins at 4:40 AM EDT, the setting full Moon will be 7 degrees above the southwestern horizon. Mars will be 10 degrees above the eastern horizon, and Saturn will be 22 degrees above the east-southeastern horizon. Mercury will rise on the east-northeastern horizon 14 minutes after twilight begins. Vega will be the closest bright object to overhead at 78 degrees above the western horizon, with Deneb following closely at 76.5 degrees above the northeastern horizon.

Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, is one of the three stars that form the "Summer Triangle," along with Deneb and Altair. Vega is the fifth brightest star in the night sky, located about 25 light-years from Earth. It is twice the mass of our Sun and shines 40 times brighter.

### Shifts in the Morning Sky

As the lunar cycle progresses, the positions of Saturn and the background stars will continue to shift westward each morning. Mars will remain low on the eastern horizon, gradually moving leftward. Mercury, rising after twilight begins, will also shift leftward, drawing closer to the Sun and becoming harder to see as it blends into the dawn's glow.

By June 15, Jupiter will join Mars and Saturn in the morning sky, adding to the planetary spectacle. On the morning of Friday, June 21, as twilight begins at 4:31 AM EDT, the full Moon will be just 2 degrees above the southwestern horizon. Jupiter will be the brightest planet in the sky, located 3 degrees above the east-northeastern horizon.

Deneb, the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus, will be nearly overhead at 80 degrees above the northwestern horizon. Deneb, one of the stars forming the "Summer Triangle," is about 20 times more massive than our Sun and has expanded into a blue-white supergiant approximately 200 times the Sun's diameter. Located about 2,600 light years away, if Deneb were in the position of our Sun, its surface would extend nearly to the Earth's orbit.

###Celestial Extravaganza

The coming weeks offer a rich tapestry of celestial events, from the interplay of planets and stars to the movement of the Moon across the night sky. Whether you're an avid stargazer or a casual observer, these highlights provide ample opportunities to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos. So mark your calendars, prepare your telescopes, and get ready to enjoy the show.

### Detailed Daily Guide to Celestial Events

#### Friday, May 17, 2024

**Waxing Gibbous Moon at Apogee**
- **Time:** 3 PM EDT
- **Event:** The Moon will be at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, known as apogee.

#### Saturday, May 18, 2024

**Jupiter at Conjunction**
- **Event:** Jupiter will pass on the far side of the Sun from Earth's perspective, transitioning from the evening to the morning sky. It will begin to emerge in early June on the east-northeastern horizon.

#### Sunday, May 19 to Monday, May 20, 2024

**Spica Near the Waxing Gibbous Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Evening twilight ends: 9:26 PM EDT
- Moon's highest point: 10:28 PM EDT
- Moonset: 4:06 AM EDT
- **Details:** The bright star Spica will be 4.5 degrees to the lower left of the Moon as twilight ends, and 4 degrees to the left when the Moon is at its highest. By moonset, Spica will be 2 degrees to the left.


#### Thursday, May 23 to Friday, May 24, 2024

**Antares Near the Full Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Occultation: 9:37 to 10:06 PM EDT (Washington, DC)
- **Details:** The bright star Antares will be near the full Moon, and for some locations, including Washington, DC, the Moon will block Antares from view. For details on the occultation in various regions, see [lunar occultations](http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/bstar/0524zc2366.htm).


#### Friday, May 31, 2024

**Saturn Near the Waning Crescent Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Moonrise: 2:12 AM EDT
- Closest approach: 3:50 AM EDT
- Morning twilight: 4:34 AM EDT
- **Details:** Saturn will be 1.5 degrees to the upper left of the Moon at moonrise, and 1 degree above the Moon by twilight. In southern South America, the Moon will occult Saturn ([details here](http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/planets/0531saturn.htm)).

#### Sunday, June 2, 2024

**Moon at Perigee and Mars Near the Waning Crescent Moon**
- **Perigee Time:** 3:23 AM EDT
- **Mars Event Timing:**
- Mars rise: 3:26 AM EDT
- Morning twilight: 4:33 AM EDT

#### Monday, June 3, 2024

**Waning Crescent Moon Shifts Near Mars**
- **Event Timing:**
- Moonrise: 3:29 AM EDT
- Morning twilight: 4:33 AM EDT
- **Details:** The Moon will have shifted to the other side of Mars, now 6-7 degrees to the upper right.

#### Tuesday, June 4, 2024

**Venus at Superior Conjunction**
- **Details:** Venus will pass on the far side of the Sun, transitioning from the morning to the evening sky, emerging in the western horizon around the end of June.

#### Wednesday, June 5, 2024

**Pleiades Near the Thin Waning Crescent Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Moonrise: 4:37 AM EDT (5 minutes after morning twilight begins)
- Jupiter and Mercury rise: 5:02 AM and 5:07 AM EDT
- **Details:** The Pleiades star cluster will be 1.5 degrees above the Moon. Binoculars may be needed to see the Moon and these planets due to the brightening sky.

#### Thursday, June 6, 2024

**New Moon**
- **Time:** 8:38 AM EDT
- **Details:** The Moon will be between Earth and the Sun and not visible. This marks the start of a new month in lunisolar calendars.

#### Saturday, June 8, 2024

**Pollux Near the Thin Waxing Crescent Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Moonset: 11:06 PM EDT
- **Details:** The bright star Pollux will be 4 degrees above the Moon as twilight ends.

#### Tuesday, June 11, 2024

**Regulus Near the Waxing Crescent Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Evening twilight ends: 9:46 PM EDT
- Regulus sets: 12:35 AM EDT (next day)
- **Details:** The bright star Regulus will be 3.5 degrees to the left of the Moon as twilight ends.

#### Thursday, June 13, 2024

**Earliest Sunrise of the Year (Washington, DC)**
- **Event Timing:**
- Morning twilight begins: 4:30 AM EDT
- Sunrise: 5:42:11 AM EDT
- **Details:** The earliest sunrise of the year occurs due to the longer solar days near the summer solstice.

#### Friday, June 14, 2024

**First Quarter Moon and Moon at Apogee**
- **Event Timing:**
- First quarter: 1:18 AM EDT
- Apogee: 9:36 AM EDT
- **Details:** The Moon will be half-full and at its farthest from Earth in this orbit.

#### Friday, June 14, 2024

**Mercury at Superior Conjunction**
- **Details:** Mercury will pass on the far side of the Sun, transitioning from the morning to the evening sky, emerging around June 19.

#### Sunday, June 16, 2024

**Jupiter Above the East-Northeastern Horizon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Morning twilight begins: 4:30 AM EDT
- **Details:** Jupiter will be visible above the east-northeastern horizon as twilight begins.


**Spica Near the Waxing Gibbous Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Evening twilight ends: 9:48 PM EDT
- Spica sets: 2:16 AM EDT (next day)
- **Details:** The bright star Spica will be 3.5-5 degrees to the right of the Moon.

#### Wednesday, June 19, 2024

**Mercury Above the West-Northwestern Horizon**
- **Event Timing:**
- 30 minutes after sunset
- **Details:** Mercury will start to emerge from the dusk glow, becoming easier to spot by the end of June.

#### Wednesday, June 19 to Thursday, June 20, 2024

**Antares Near the Waxing Gibbous Moon**
- **Event Timing:**
- Evening twilight ends: 9:49 PM EDT
- Moon's highest point: 11:25 PM EDT
- Moonset: 4:03 AM EDT
- **Details:** Antares will be 5-2 degrees near the Moon throughout the night.

#### Thursday, June 20, 2024

**Summer Solstice**
- **Time:** 4:51 PM EDT
- **Details:** The official start of summer and the longest period of daylight.

#### Friday, June 21, 2024

**Full Moon**
- **Time:** 9:08 PM EDT
- **Details:** The full Moon will be visible from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, peaking on Saturday, June 22 in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

This guide offers a roadmap to the night sky's wonders, ensuring you won’t miss any of the breathtaking celestial events over the next month. Happy stargazing!