Table of Contents
Welcome to our guide to the captivating celestial events unfolding in the night sky throughout May 2024.
Join us as we embark on an exploration of the lunar phases, pinpointing the dates and optimal viewing times for observing these mesmerizing phenomena.
Additionally, we’ll delve into the planetary positions, providing insights into when and where to catch a glimpse of these wandering celestial bodies.
But that’s not all – we’ll also uncover other noteworthy celestial events, immersing you in the wonders of the cosmos.
And to top it off, discover the prime locations and ideal timings for observing the brilliance of prominent stars and constellations that adorn the night sky.
To learn more about sky observation and astrophotography, you can visit Night Sky & Stargazing category.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of the heavens above!
Phases of the Moon
Let’s first talk about which days of this month you can observe which phases of the Moon. You can observe the Moon phases on the specified day anywhere in the world.
The Moon completes one revolution around the Earth in 29.5 days. During this tour, we observe different phases of the Moon as the sun’s rays come to the Moon’s surface from different angles and then reflect back to us.
These phases are completed by new moon, first quarter, full moon, last quarter and new moon again. During this cycle, the Moon’s appearance changes and phases are formed. These phases are observed at different times on different days.
On May 1st, the Moon will be in the last quarter phase, appearing almost half-illuminated. It rises at midnight, reaches its highest point at dawn, and sets at noon.
On May 8th, the Moon will be in the New Moon phase, aligning with the Earth and Sun, making it invisible to us. Avoid using binoculars or looking at the Sun during this time.
On May 15th, the Moon will transition to the first quarter phase, rising at noon, reaching its peak at sunset, and setting at midnight, displaying an almost half-illuminated appearance.
On May 23rd, the Moon will reach the full moon phase, being visible for an extended duration throughout the night. It rises at dusk, illuminates the Earth during the night, and sets at dawn, with its fully illuminated front side due to alignment with the Sun and Earth.
Finally, on May 30th, the Moon returns to the last quarter phase.
In addition, the Moon will be closest (periapsis) to the Earth on 6 May (363,166 km / 225,661 mi) and farthest (apoapsis) from the Earth on 17 May (404,641 km / 251,432 mi). You can also notice the growth and shrinkage of the Moon’s apparent diameter with the naked eye as it moves closer and further away.
Planets in May 2024 Night Sky
Now let’s talk about which planets you can observe in May 2024 and when. The times and dates mentioned here are also valid in the local times of all countries on Earth.
Saturn
At sunrise, Saturn will first be observed with the red planet Mars, and this duo will be in close view with the Moon, which is moving towards the last crescent phase on 4 May.
Saturn, whose brightness has increased compared to April, can be observed in the sky for 2.5 hours in the middle of May.
In the first hours of 31 May, Saturn rising from the eastern horizon will be accompanied by the Moon in its last quarter phase.
Mars
As the days progress in May, we will have more time to observe Mars, while at the same time it will be getting closer and closer to the Sun in its orbit.
On 5 May, it will be observed very close to the Moon in the last crescent phase before sunrise, which can be a nice framing moment for astrophotographers.
On 8 May, the red planet will be 206.6 million km (128.4 million mi) away from the Sun, reaching the periapsis (closest) point of its orbit.
In the following days of May, the red planet will move towards the west of the Sun. Mars will reach 47 degrees west at the end of the month and will be visible for about 2 hours until sunrise.
Mercury
In the first days of May, it will be very difficult to see Mercury on the eastern horizon just before sunrise due to sunlight.
Just before sunrise on 6 May, Mercury will be very close to the eastern horizon, close to the Moon in the crescent phase.
Although it is difficult to see Mercury with the naked eye, you may have a chance to observe it with the help of binoculars. However, we recommend that you make this observation at the time of tan before sunrise, otherwise you may jeopardize your eye health.
Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation on 9 May and will be 10 degrees above the eastern horizon just before sunrise. Thus, Mercury will be easier to observe than on previous days.
In the following days of May, as Mercury will approach the Sun, its brightness will increase, but towards the end of the month, it will be very close to the Sun, so the observing time will be reduced.
Due to the proximity of the Sun, we recommend that you always be careful to protect your eye health during Mercury observation. If possible, always make your observations before sunrise or just after sunset.
Venus
Venus, which rises about 20 minutes before the Sun in the first days of the month, will become more and more difficult to observe.
Even the time to observe the planet with a telescope is very short. In fact, we do not recommend observing it because of its proximity to the Sun. Moreover, even if you want to observe it, you will need a clear eastern horizon and an elevated position.
On 27 May, the planet will be less than 2 degrees from the Sun and will not be observed for a while after this date.
Jupiter
Jupiter will be about 13 degrees east of the Sun on the first day of May and will be difficult to observe in the first quarter of the month. You can observe the planet on the western horizon for about half an hour just after sunset.
Towards the middle of May, it will be impossible to observe Jupiter. We do not recommend it in terms of protecting your eye health.
Since Jupiter will reach the conjunction point with the Sun on 18 May, these two will rise and set together. Therefore, it will not be possible to observe Jupiter.
From this date onwards, you will have the chance to observe Jupiter in the morning sky as it will pass to the west of the Sun. But we advise you to wait for July and August to observe Jupiter.
Other Celestial Events in May 2024
Eta Aquariid (Aquarius) Meteor Shower
Eta Aquarid meteors peak in the first days of May every year. These meteors, which enter the Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 66 km per second, can be observed between 15 April and 27 May 2023. Approximately 40 meteors can be seen during peak hours.
These meteorites, which are observed in both the northern and southern hemispheres, can be seen higher above the horizon in the Southern Hemisphere. In the north, the trails of these meteors in the sky appear to almost graze the Earth’s surface at the horizon.
The source of the rain is the famous comet Halley. When Halley approaches the Sun, it leaves a layer of ice and rocks in space. This detachment, which leaves behind a dusty and stony path, turns into a meteor shower as the Earth passes through this region. The Earth crosses this region of Halley’s remnants twice a year. This encounter leads to the formation of the Eta Aquariid shower in May and the Orionid shower in October.
Between 15 April and 27 May, the meteor shower will be most intense on the night of 5-6 May. The shower will appear to emerge from the region close to the star Eta Aqr in the constellation Aquarius (origin coordinates: right aperture = 338O and right aperture = -01O).
14 May – At 1 a.m., the Moon will be visible near the Beehive open star cluster.
15 May – The Moon will be within 3 degrees of the star Regulus.
20 May – The Moon will be within 5 degrees of the star Spica.
24 May – The Moon will be very close to the star Antares and will cover the star Antares. This occultation will be visible from the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, Central America and West Africa.
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