Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
This page shows a brief summary of what interesting things we can see in the sky this month.
A more detailed version of the 'What's Up' this month is available as a downloadable PDF document right at the bottom of this page.
Despite all the cold and rain, summer will soon be upon us, bringing lighter nights and a shorter window for stargazing. This month we can look forward to the Eta Aquarius which peak around the 5th and 6th.
The Sun
From January to October this year, the Sun is at Solar Maximum - a period of strong solar activity that occurs around every 11 years. Due to this, we should see an increase in regularity, strength and spread of the Aurora Borealis.
Remember: to never look at the sun with a telescope, at worst you might blind yourself, at best you'll melt your telescope! If you are interested in Solar viewing, speak to our members, we have special equipment to help you! If you do not have a solar scope, you can watch using the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) or SDO.
The Moon
The phases of the Moon are as follows:
The planets of our solar system are difficult to view this month. Most are lost in the dawn twilight.
The planets of our solar system are difficult to view this month. Most are lost in the dawn twilight.
Mars and Neptune are potentially visible around 4am.
The planets of our solar system are difficult to view this month. Most are lost in the dawn twilight, with Jupiter in solar conjunction on the 18th.
Saturn is a morning object at around 3am.
The planets of our solar system are difficult to view this month. Most are lost in the dawn twilight
Mars and Neptune are potentially visible around 4am.
Feature of the Month
The Leo Triplet is a cluster of small galaxies in the constellation of Leo. They are around 35 million light-years from Earth and consist of M65, M66 and NGC3628 (also known as the Hamburger Galaxy). These three spiral galaxies have a gravitational affect on each other; This is most clearly seen in the elongated arms of M66, which experience a high rate of star-forming activity.
Asteroids
Asteroid 2 Pallas is at opposition in Hercules on the 19th.
Comets
Look out for 12P/Pons-Brooks comet, visible in the constellation of Pisces. Staying within the Solar System, comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS should be developing steadily this month, passing the southern part of the Bowl of Virgo and then brightening. The predictions have it reaching mag. +9.8 near the end of May, which should make it visible via small telescope.
Meteors
The Eta Aquarids peak (ZHR 40 max) on the night of the 5th and 6th. Due to a new moon at this point, there will be a dark enough night to enjoy.
With Binoculars
This month, it is not truly dark until 1:00am.
M5 is a globular cluster in the constellation Serpens. It is an easy target for beginners and those looking to photograph a beautiful cluster.
M13 is one of the largest globular clusters with an estimated 300,000 stars. It is found in the constellation of Hercules.
The Coma Berenices cluster is also easily visible, even to the naked eye if you find a dark enough spot.
Markarian’s Chain is a stretch of galaxies that forms part of the Virgo cluster that can be viewed well with a telescope this month.
M92 is a globular cluster of stars in the constellation of Hercules alongside M13.
Television
The next episode of the Sky at Night is on Monday 13th May on BBC Four - Hiding in Starlight at 22:00. The Sky at Night team looks at how scientists are creating eclipses on demand to discover the hidden secrets that might be revealed, including habitable planets like our own.
However, here are all the past episodes that are available to watch, in case you missed any: BBC4 The Sky At Night
Clear Skies !
The detailed version of What's Up this month is available below by clicking the link:
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you fully accept our use of cookies, and ALL the conditions set out on our Privacy Policy page. Privacy Policy