Astronomical Events This section details highlights in the Astronomical Calendar for the coming weeks, and results from recent events. We will give advice on how best to observe the events.
Astronomy Calendar - May 2012
This month the following observations should be possible from the UK.
(Some details courtesy of astronomical-calendar.org.uk)
Mercury - Is now too close to the Sun to be seen.
Venus - In the west in Taurus, setting 4 hours after the Sun at the start of the month but sets only 1/2 hour at the end of the month at magnitude -4.1 when it appears bigger and as a crescent. On 22nd May Venus is close to a thin crescent Moon.
Venus Transit of the Sun: A rare opportunity to see Venus passing in front of the Sun on 6th June. This is visible for about 1 hour at sunrise. This can only be possible using eclipse filter glasses or solar filters fitted to binoculars or telescope. DO NOT attempt to observe the Sun with the naked eye.
Warning: it is possible to observe Mercury and Venus while the Sun is still above the horizon. Do NOT attempt to observe these planets if there is any possibility of accidentally viewing the Sun as this can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.
Mars - In Leo moving eastwards from Regulus. Bright orange setting by 1 a.m. (UST) fading to magnitude +0.5
Jupiter - Now passing behind the Sun, to reappear in the dawn sky from June.
Our recommendation: Jupiter is a great favourite for astronomers and any telescope from our Beginners Range will provide a good image of Jupiter's disc. For a more clear view of it's surface a larger telescope from the intermediate and experienced range with a good filter should present a clear disk with surface detail.
Saturn - Located near Spica and is yellow and slightly brighter at magnitude +0.2 whereas Spica is bluish in colour.
Our recommendation: Saturn is another great favourite for astronomers and any telescope from our Beginners Range will provide a good image of Saturn and its rings. A more clear view of the ring structure is possible with a larger telescope from the intermediate and experienced range.
Both Uranus and Neptune are visible in the southern sky through a good telescope.
Our recommendation: use a telescope from our Intermediate or Experienced Range with a good quality motorised/ computerised mount for easy location.
Moon Phases
CURRENT MOON
Full Moon: 6 May
Last Quarter: 12 May
New Moon: 20 May
First Quarter: 28 May
Meteor Showers
Eta Aquarid shower maximum on 5/6 Mayl with approx. 10/hour. This shower appears to radiate from a point between Lyra and Hercules. This month is a good opportunity to observe meteors as the Moon is New leaving the sky relatively clear.
Other Events
Noctilucent (‘night shining’) clouds can be seen in the late twilight in the months round the northern summer solstice. They are high (up to 100 km) tenuous clouds that can only be seen when the sun has set but still shines at these altitudes. Look in the northern sky at least an hour after sunset/before sunrise for thin, wispy bluish or white cloud formations.
International Space Stationwill remain visible early mornings outshining most other objects in the night sky.
Our recommendation: some computerised telescopes can be programmed to track the ISS as it races across the sky, however a good spotting scope with ~50X magnification should make out the solar panels.
Advice
We are committed to providing impartial advice to help you get the best experience possible. If you would like more information on how to observe these events and what equipment will be most suitable for your requirements please Contact Us.
Please note: the recommendations and suggestions in these articles are made for guidance only. The Astronomy Centre cannot accept any responsibility for the decisions or actions made by the reader as a result of the information provided.
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