Some celestial items are just visible from Earths Southern Hemisphere, such as main portions of our Milky Way galaxy, left, plus the 2 Magellanic Clouds above and to the left of the observatory dome, as shown in this photo taken at Cerro Paranal in Chiles Atacama Desert. Credit: ESO/Y. Beletsky
Following sunset from May 22 through 24, youll have the ability to witness a close grouping of the Moon, Venus, and Mars in the western sky. The Moon will sit between the 2 planets on the 23rd. Venus has actually been rising higher in the sky each night for the past couple of months, but in May, itll reach its highest point in the western sky.
For those stargazing from the Southern Hemisphere, there are some crucial differences in the night sky compared to the Northern Hemisphere. For instance, theres no equivalent to the North Star in the Southern Hemisphere, and the seasonal star patterns that a northern observer recognize with appear turned upside down when seen in southern skies.
2 entire galaxies, the little and large Magellanic Clouds, can be quickly observed in the southern sky with the unaided eye. These are dwarf galaxies that orbit our own Milky Way galaxy.
If you are interested in what else remains in the sky for May, have a look at the most recent “Whats Up” video from Jet Propulsion Laboratory:
What are some skywatching highlights in May 2023? Venus reaches its acme in the night sky for the year, while Jupiter disappears behind the Moon for some U.S. observers. Plus, some crucial distinctions in the Southern Hemispheres skies compared to those of the North.
Astronaut Scott Kelly observes three planets and Earths Moon in a remarkable screen while conducting long-duration space flight research aboard the International Space Station. The image reveals Earths Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Earths crescent, organized from bottom to top. Credit: NASA/Scott Kelly
The second half of May offers terrific stargazing chances. On May 17, Jupiter and a crescent moon will show up together before daybreak. From May 22 to 24, the Moon, Venus, and Mars will form a close grouping in the western sky after sundown. Stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere will experience distinct differences, and the small and large Magellanic Clouds can be observed with the naked eye.
May is a fantastic month for stargazing with a host of celestial occasions taking place in the early morning and night skies.
On May 17, a slim crescent moon will increase about an hour before the Sun. From much of the United States and Canada, youll have the ability to see Jupiter appearing extremely near to the Moon. In some southern U.S. states, Jupiter will pass behind the Moon as the set increases in morning golden. From western states, Jupiter will be behind the Moon, in occultation, as the duo increase. Jupiter will begin to emerge from behind the Moon as the Sun turns up. To observe this event, youll require a clear view of the horizon, and a pair of binoculars will be necessary as lots of areas in the U.S. will be in daytime throughout this occultation.
Astronaut Scott Kelly observes 3 planets and Earths Moon in a remarkable screen while performing long-duration space flight research study aboard the International Space Station. The image reveals Earths Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Earths crescent, organized from bottom to top. From May 22 to 24, the Moon, Venus, and Mars will form a close grouping in the western sky after sundown. Following sundown from May 22 through 24, youll be able to witness a close grouping of the Moon, Venus, and Mars in the western sky. Venus reaches its highest point in the night sky for the year, while Jupiter vanishes behind the Moon for some U.S. observers.
