May is a great month for checking out the stars and planets. The warmer nights make it more comfortable for backyard or rooftop stargazing. Here are some highlights you don't want to miss.
What You Need To Know
- Mercury will be the easiest planet to spot this month
- There will be a super flower moon on May 26,2021
- Five planets will be spotted this month with no special equipment
The "star" of the night sky this month is a planet. Mercury will be easily spotted during May. It will be a bright, steady light in the sky with a yellowish hue.
Look for it high in the northwest night sky during the first half of the month.
On May 13th, be sure you don't miss Mercury as it passes near the crescent moon. Venus will be just below Mercury and the Moon.
Star dates:
May 11th: New moon(no moon). The dark skies will make star-spotting easier.
May 12th: Look in the Western sky near midnight, to see Mars and the Moon set together.
May 15th: Mars will be paired with the moon as they both set around midnight.
May 19th: The quarter moon. It will rise near Noon and set near Midnight.
May 26th: A full moon is in store and it's special.It is a super moon and is known as the flower moon, because of all the flowers in May.
A super moon is a moon that is closer to the Earth than normal. They are larger and brighter than a regular full moon.
Also, in areas West of the Mississippi, the moon will treat viewers to a full eclipse. Lunar eclipses are safe to be viewed without eye protection.
May 31st: The month ends with a moonrise in the overnight hours, with Saturn and Jupiter positioned near the moon.
Here are some tips for stargazers.
1) Adjust to the dark. Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to get used to the dark.
2) Light pollution. If you can, get away from brightly lit areas. This will help you see the stars and planets more easily.
3) Dry warmly. It's spring but it can still get cool at night, especially during the overnight hours.
