The Heavens

Planets and Meteors in May

Throughout this month, Mars and Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky during early morning hours, before 05:30.

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Carl J. Butz

Carl J. Butz

May 2, 2024

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Throughout this month, Mars and Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky during early morning hours, before 05:30. Tomorrow morning, the waning crescent moon will be found between these planets, with the lit portion pointing towards Saturn. On Saturday, early birds will see the lit side directed towards Mars. On Sunday, May 5, the moon will nearly occlude the moon.

Starting on the morning of May 6, Mercury will join the line of planets arcing from the east to the south visible before dawn. This line-up will continue until almost the end of the month when Mercury disappears behind the sun.

As it happens, during May, Neptune, currently situated along the ecliptic between Saturn and Mars, will be up early, as well. And, Pluto, the dwarf-planet, will be staying cold farther towards the south. But, neither of these members of the solar system were ever seen by the ancients. Do they really matter?

Meanwhile, late last month the earth began moving through one of the two debris fields created by Halley’s Comet circumnavigation of the sun. Hence, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower is now taking place and expected to peak, up to 50 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, on May 4 - May 7. However, the new moon on May 8 will certainly be a fine time to watch shooting, as well.

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