Jupiter At Its Brightest And Other Spectacular Sky Events This May

Watch out, sky gazers and astronomers! The night sky this May is full of not-to-be-missed sky events, such Jupiter being at its brightest. The moon also takes center stage this month, as it seen doing some major “planet-hopping.” According to Space.com, other planets in our solar system such as Venus, Mercury and Saturn make an appearance this month.

Sky Events: Jupiter At Opposition, How And When To Watch

During the month of May, the largest planet in our solar system Jupiter, will be showing itself in the night sky. Unlike before where one needs a special telescope to see Jupiter, this time around, all you need is a pair of binoculars. According to National Geographic, the planet will be brightest on May 8.

The planet will be positioned at the exact opposite side of the sky from the sun. This will make it appear as if its the largest disc in the sky which will be visible from sunset to sunrise the next day. It will be the closest that Jupiter has ever been to the Earth. With binoculars, sky gazers can see the moons around it. Those with telescopes may even get to see its Great Red Spot, a big storm that is twice the size of the Earth. On May 26, Jupiter joins the moon as both brighten the night sky together.

Other Visible Planets During May Sky Events

Mercury is the first to make an appearance, starting on the last few days of April. It will be much more difficult to catch because it rises just before the sun, which means watching out for it in the horizon before the crack of dawn.

Venus on the other hand remains bright as always, but will be interesting to see right next to a crescent moon on May 17. The other planet is Saturn, which will shine near the Sagittarius cluster of stars during the evening. Like Venus, it will make appearance with a waning gibbous moon, which will happen on May 31.