Another month of social distancing is in the books, but we still need a little “space” as we come into this one. And stargazing in May starts out with a bang.
This month features local astrophotography from Arkansan Tony Milligan. You can find more of his spectacular photos on his website, Captured in Time.
Moon Phases
Full Moon: May 7*
Third Quarter: May 14
New Moon: May 22
First Quarter: May 29
The full moon of May is both a Super Moon and what is known as the Flower Moon. Super because, like last month, it will be closer to earth and thus appear larger in our night sky; “flower” in reference to the “May flowers” that are in-bloom thanks to the “April showers.”
Meteor Showers
Trails from April’s Lyrid meteor shower.
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Peak Night(s): May 4, 5
As the “fourth is with us,” so too will be one of the better-producing meteor showers of the year. The Eta Aquarids is made up of debris from the famous Halley’s Comet, and the shower can produce between 30-40 meteors per hour at its peak. Unfortunately, this year’s event will fall too close to the full moon, so many of the shooting stars will be hidden from view by the light from the Moon. However, plenty of the brightest meteors will still be viewable — just make sure to find dark skies after midnight and through the early morning hours.
Planets and Special Events
May 12: Close Approach of the Moon and Jupiter
At around 1:30 a.m., the Moon and Jupiter will pass within 2.5 degrees of each other. Look to the southeastern horizon.
May 14: Close Approach of the Moon and Mars
Mars will also pass within 2.5 degrees of the Moon just a couple of days later, rising at around 2:30 in the morning. Look to the southeastern horizon.
May 28: Two Shadows Blemish Jupiter
Image courtesy of Space.com and Starry Night.
Two of Jupiter’s Galilean moons, Ganymede and Europa, will transit across the planet at the same time on May 28, casting small, circular shadows over it. The shadows will be on Jupiter’s face from about 9:48 p.m. to 10:52 p.m. This special occurrence will require the services of a decent telescope to see.
May 29: Mercury Reaches Highest Point in Evening Sky
The closest rock to the sun will climb to 20 degrees in the sky this month, the highest point of its May-June evening apparition cycle. Mercury began the month as just a little pinprick barely peeking over the horizon, but will finish it as a well-placed point of light at an easily-viewed height. Look to the west at sunset.
In the News
‘NASA at Home’ is bringing space to you daily with incredible resources for all ages
Stuck at home? You can now explore the cosmos from the comfort of your living room.
NASA has taken to social media to engage and educate people across the world with a new initiative called NASA at Home. This is a free online resource for people of all ages looking to learn and get excited about science and space while staying at home.
Arkansas Events
No public events this month. Stay home and stay well.
Beyond Arkansas, this month includes one of the most special days of the year on May 4: Star Wars Day. The latest and final entry in the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker, has finally landed on Disney+ for us to stream. Check out this guide to celebrating Star Wars Day from RadioTimes.
If you’re still itching for more space to curb your boredom this month, give Celestia and Stellarium a try. Both are free to use and provide unique and interactive experiences with the stars, planets and more.
The best stargazing results are always going to be under the darkest of skies. So, if you can, find a place as far away from city lights as possible when checking out May’s night sky.
Dark Sky Arkansas has a fantastic interactive map of some of the best dark spots and observation sites around the Natural State.
READ MORE: Descendants of the Sky: A Night Among the Stars
