May Astronomical Calendar Offers Full Moon and Meteor Shower 

Posted: April 30, 2023 8:53 am

April will be a tough act to follow for astronomy enthusiasts. In addition to the stunning appearance of the northern lights, stargazers were also treated to the first meteor shower in about three months.

Warmer temperatures on the horizon for May will make it easier to get outside and check out this month’s biggest celestial happenings.

A partial lunar eclipse, a meteor shower, and a planetary convergence are on tap for May. Here is a more detailed look at what you can expect to see after the sun goes down.

Full Flower Moon – May 5

Be sure to head outside on the night of May 5 to check out the month’s full moon. Nicknamed the Full Flower Moon, the event will mark the first significant astronomy happening of May.

This full moon has also gone by the names of the Planting Moon, the Egg Laying Moon, and the Budding Moon. All of these nicknames pay homage to the colors of spring and the timing of the planting and blooming season.

Also on this night, some of the world will be able to try to spot the first lunar eclipse of 2023. Unfortunately for Americans, this penumbral lunar eclipse will not be seen in North America and South America.

For those other people around the world in the viewing path, you will need to know exactly where to look on the moon to spot the penumbral lunar eclipse as only a tiny sliver of the moon will look darker.

Eta Aquarid meteor shower – May 5 and 6

The same night of the Full Flower Moon will also feature the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. This shower will hit the night skies only two weeks after the Lyrids reached their peak.

The peak viewing night of the Eta Aquarids typically boasts 10 to 30 shooting stars each hour in the Northern Hemisphere with up to 50 meteors on an hourly basis in the Southern Hemisphere.

However, the timing of the peak night with the full moon all certainly make it more difficult for stargazers to find these objects streaking across the sky.

This is because the light from the full moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. You will increase your odds of seeing the Eta Aquarids if you train your eyes on the dark parts of the sky opposite the moon.

Stargazers will need to wait until the end of July to see the next notable meteor shower. The Southern Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids are both expected to peak on the night of July 30 into the morning hours of July 31.

Moon, Mars, and Venus Converge – May 23

A convergence of the moon, Venus, and Mars will take place shortly after sunset on Tuesday, May 23. You will be able to locate the crescent moon making its way toward Venus and Mars on the two prior nights before the trio puts on a real show in a line together.

The moon will end up hovering between the two planets when the convergence is complete.

Stargazes will be able to see the convergence appearing in the western sky. The trio will be bright enough to see without the use of a telescope. However, you may want to use this tool on May 24 when Mars will move below the moon.

Mars and Venus will slowly move closer together over the next few weeks, setting the stage for another event by the middle of June. Be sure to stay tuned for more details about this.

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