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Each month I highlight a number of objects you can spot with the naked eye. So here we go for May 2022.
PLANETS
There are some great opportunities to spot planets this month with the naked eye. Plus you can see planets lined up this month - You'll have to get up early though!
AND there's a Lunar eclipse on the morning of the 16th May....
Mercury
Very difficult to spot this month but if you look directly West at sunset or just following then you may glimpse the illusive planet! After the 21st it goes from an evening object to a morning object although for this month poorly positioned for observation.
Venus
Venus is a bright morning object in the East and you must see it this month- it's so worthwhile!
An example at 04:19am looking east on the 20th
Courtesy of Stellarium
And look at this with the other planets! so it is worth getting up around 4am this month to see this stunning sight!
Mars
Mars is also a morning object and you will see it along with the others is a fine display throughout the month. Its brightness increases during the month and it rises at least two hours before the sun by the end of May.
An example Mars 4:30am on the 20th May looking East
Courtesy of Stellarium
Saturn and Jupiter
Both planets are morning objects and it is worth seeing them along with Venus. On the 27th Jupiter appears closest to Mars on the morning of the 29th.
Example Saturn and Jupiter close to Mars on the 29th looking east around 4:30am
Courtesy of Stellarium
Jupiter
Jupiter is poorly positioned during the early part of the month but by the end it is rising 30 minutes before sunrise- look in an easterly direction.
The Moon - Eclipse
This month we have a full lunar eclipse! In fact it is the morning of the 16th May.
This is one of the most beautiful sights in the night sky - where the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon.
It will be visible from most of Europe in the early hours of Monday morning the 16th and from the Americas.
However the Moon is not well positioned to see this event from the UK :-(
However for you UK residents if you get up early - or stay up late- on Monday morning you may see the partial eclipse between 2:30am and 4:30am.
Good luck and do let me know if you see it!
Ever wondered about the phases and what they are? This should help:
Enjoy the night sky this month and let me know about your observations
Thank you for reading this blog and do let me know if there is anything you would like me to add to my Newsletter each month.