Whether you are an amateur or have recently been bitten by the bug to start this “star” thing, in this section we will try to give you a monthly summary of the most important astronomical events that are coming up hundreds of kilometers from us. Get your camera or binoculars ready, as May begins with strong moon phases or meteor showers, which are some of the highlights. Let’s start:
lunar eclipses
The moon eclipses three planets in our solar system: Saturn, Neptune and Mars. This is a rare conjunction that causes three planets in the outer solar system to disappear behind our satellite during the night.
When will it be: 3rd/5th May
From where it will be observed: Worldwide.
The Eta Aquarius meteor shower
This impressive meteor shower originates from one of Halley’s most famous comets (its peak intensity was on May 4).
When will it be: May 4, 5 and 6
From where it will be observed: any area, although their sightings will be more favorable from places located in the tropics, such as the Canary Islands, and in the Southern Hemisphere, although they can also be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
New month
The moon will pass through its least luminous phase.
When will it be: 8th May
From where it will be observed: Worldwide.
The Greatest Western Elongation of Mercury
Time to see the planet Mercury. Just before the sun rises above the east, it will be 26.4º above the horizon. The best time will be at its maximum elongation, when it is farthest from the Sun.
When will it be: May 9
From where it will be observed: Because of the angle of the ecliptic at this time of year, it will be best seen from southern latitudes, where it will rise highest above the horizon. In fact, this will be the best morning appearance of Mercury in the Southern Hemisphere this year. This means that the planet will also be visible from the northern hemisphere.
Apogee Moon
The moment when the Moon reaches its maximum distance from Earth in its elliptical orbit.
When will it be: May 17th
From where it will be observed: It will be seen all over the world.
Full moon
One of the most popular events will take place during the day in the constellation of Sagittarius. This full moon is nicknamed the “Flower Moon” because in the Northern Hemisphere, May is the season when many flowers bloom.
When will it be: on May 23
From where it will be observed: It will be seen all over the world.
Antares 0.4 degrees south of the Moon
From Earth, the star Antares will be slightly below the Moon.
When will it be: on May 23
From where it will be observed: It will be seen all over the world.
Antares lunar eclipse
The moment a star disappears behind an almost full moon.
When will it be: May 24th
From where it will be observed: The Antares lunar eclipse will be visible over North and South America, West Africa and Central Africa.
waning moon
The last lunar phase that will take place in the month of May.
When will it be: he May 30
From where it will be observed: It can be seen all over the world.
Saturn 0.4 degrees north of the Moon
The moment when we can see the planet Saturn in the sky 0.4 degrees north of the Moon. The 46.7% illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.2) will be in the constellation of Aquarius. The planet will rise in the morning and be visible to the naked eye next to the half-illuminated disk of the moon.
When will it be: May 31st
From where it will be observed: Saturn’s lunar eclipse will be visible over the South Atlantic Ocean and southern Africa.
Image | Pexels
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