After an April marked by the dances of the planets in the sky, the astronomical events of May arrive with a new shower of stars and a lunar eclipse to close the month. Also, as always, there will be many conjunctions. For example, the Moon will pose with Mercury on May 2, with Saturn on May 22, with Mars on May 24, with Jupiter on May 25 and with Venus on May 27. And we can also see some conjunctions of two planets, such as Mars and Neptune. on May 18 and Jupiter and Mars on May 29.
Of course, like every month, we will have a full moon surrounded by legends and a New Moon which will feature dark skies perfect for skygazing. Because, in reality, if there are no more extraordinary astronomical events, there is nothing like looking up and seeing what the sky has in store for us. There is always something beautiful to see.
In addition, the astronomical events of the month of May are especially interesting because they occur at a perfect time to spend a bit of night outside. In the northern hemisphere, spring has brought much milder temperatures than the winter it leaves behind. And in the south it is still not as cold as in the following months. Any time of the year is great to observe the sky, but there is no doubt that this is one of the best times.
Another spring meteor shower
If April brought us the lyrids, the may astronomical events they also bring a rain of stars: the eta aquarids.
These are above average, as they can be seen up to 60 meteors per hour. Yes, there is quite a difference between hemispheres. That amount is what is observed in the south, while in the north it is usually seen about half. That is, we can enjoy up to 30 meteors per hour. It’s not bad at all.
This shower of stars, coming from the Dusty debris from Halley’s Cometthe past began April 19th, so it overlapped with the lyrids. However, its peak will occur in the night of May 6 to 7. After that, it will continue until May 28, two days before the new Moon.
There is plenty of time, but the best thing is to go out and see them after midnight at its maximum peak. The Moon will be in a waxing phase, so there won’t be much brightness to hide the fainter meteors. With a little patience, we can surely see many stars ripping through the sky.
The Flower Moon will light up the sky on May 16
As we see in the astronomical events of each month, the full Moon has a special name with a legendary origin. In this case, it is the flower moon. It is so called because Native Americans observed that it used to coincide with the appearance of most spring flowers.
However, it also goes by other names, such as Corn Planting Moon or Milk Moon. The first is for obvious reasons. The second because it also coincided with the last late frosts.
A lunar eclipse to end the astronomical events of May
Coinciding with the Moon of the flowers, in the night from May 15 to 16 we will have a total lunar eclipse. That is, the Moon will be completely hidden in the shadow of the Earth, since it will be placed between our satellite and the Sun that illuminates it.
As is normal with these astronomical events, will not be seen on the entire planet. This time the lucky ones who will be able to enjoy the eclipse live will be those who live in all of North America, Greenland, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of Western Europe and West Africa. In Mexico it will be completely visible, while in Spain it will only be seen before sunrise, when the Moon falls to hide on the horizon.
No instrument is needed to see the eclipse, although logically the experience will be more rewarding with a telescope or binoculars. As for the people who live in the places where you won’t be able to see each other, no problem. Surely there will be very beautiful photos to remember.