In May, we observe what we like! Here are the astronomical phenomena to admire with the naked eye throughout the month, with the dates so you don't miss anything.
A new month of astronomical observations begins. In May, the many public holidays and spring temperatures are conducive to evenings spent outside, eyes focused on the stars. This guide is here to help you anticipate astronomical shows that are easy to see, even without a telescope.
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Here are the astronomical events to admire with the naked eye in May 2024.
The phases of the Moon
The easiest thing is certainly to observe the Moon. The brightest star in the night sky goes through different phases, for which here are the markers in the month's calendar.
- THE Wednesday May 1st, it's time for the last quarter. Only the western half of the Moon is visible, illuminated by the Sun.
- THE Wednesday May 8 marks the phase of the new Moon. At this time, the Moon is in conjunction with the Sun, so it is not visible.
- THE Wednesday May 15, this is the first district. The half-Moon is back, this time illuminated on its eastern half.
- THE Thursday May 23, it's a full moon. This name is given when the Moon is at opposition to the Sun, allowing us to see its entire visible side in the sky.
- THE Thursday May 30it's the return of the last district.
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Planets visible to the naked eye
Point of Mercury or Venus visible to the naked eye in the sky of May 2024. Jupiter makes its appearance at the start of the month. Mars is featured very early in the morning from the second week of May.
The following table indicates the moments of visibility of the planets with the naked eye and the constellation to locate them.
| March | Jupiter | Saturn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From 1st to 5 | invisible | 9 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. Bull | 5:20 a.m. – 6:10 a.m. Aquarius |
| From 6 to 12 | 5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m. Pisces | invisible | 4:50 a.m. – 6 a.m. Aquarius |
| From 13 to 19 | 5:10 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Pisces | invisible | 4:30 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Aquarius |
| From 20 to 26 | 4:50 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Pisces | invisible | 4 a.m. – 5:40 a.m. Aquarius |
| From 27 to 31 | 4:30 a.m. – 5:40 a.m. Pisces | invisible | 3:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. Aquarius |
Other astronomical phenomena
And here are other notable astronomical phenomena in May 2024.
- THE Saturday May 4dawn is the scene of a meeting between the Moon and Saturn.
- The people of Reunion have the chance to see an occultation of Mars by the Moon on Sunday May 5.
- THE Monday May 6, shooting stars are visible before dawn. This is the Eta Aquarids swarm.
- THE Thursday May 9this is the maximum elongation of Mercury.
- THE Friday May 10observe the ashen light, just after sunset.
- THE Friday May 31Saturn is visited by the Moon above the horizon.
You now know when to take advantage of the celestial phenomena of May 2024!