May Skywatch: Planets, Meteors & Moon Magic
May Skywatch: Planets, Meteors & Moon Magic
Hello, sky-watchers of Latin America and the Caribbean! May brings us a delightful mix of moon phases, planet pairings, and even a meteor shower. Whether you’re in Mexico City, São Paulo, or San Juan, here’s your friendly, day-by-day guide to the month’s highlights. Clear skies!May 3: Mars meets the Moon
As twilight deepens on the evening of May 3, look toward the western horizon to spot a slender waxing crescent Moon drifting just a few degrees from ruddy Mars. This close pairing makes a lovely sight in binoculars or a small telescope—Mars will appear as a tiny orange “star” hugging the Moon’s bright crescent edge.May 4: First Quarter Moon
On May 4, we reach the First Quarter phase, when the Moon is half-illuminated. You’ll find it high in the sky at sunset, perfect for tracing dramatic shadows along the terminator (the line between light and dark). Craters like Copernicus and Tycho really pop at this angle—grab binoculars for a quick lunar tour.May 5: Mars and the Beehive Cluster (M44)
The very next night, Mars wanders into the neighborhood of the Beehive Cluster (M44) in Cancer. Under dark skies, this star cluster looks like a little “fuzzy patch,” and Mars will glow brightly just off to one side. If you have a telescope, sweep back and forth between the two to appreciate the contrast: pinpoint planet versus spray of distant suns.May 6–7: Peak of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Spring’s second meteor shower peaks overnight May 6 into May 7. The Eta Aquarids radiate from the constellation Aquarius, low in the eastern sky before dawn. From a dark site, you could see around 20 meteors per hour—some of the fastest you’ll ever watch, leaving long streaks. The nearly new Moon won’t interfere, so bundle up and settle in around midnight for the best view.May 12: Full “Flower” Moon
May’s Full Moon—sometimes called the Flower Moon—rises at sunset on the 12th, glowing golden as it climbs. This is the brightest Moon of the month, so it’s a fun night for a moonlit walk or backyard stargazing party. If you train binoculars on the lunar limb, you might catch bright “rays” emanating from young craters like Tycho.May 20: Last Quarter Moon
By May 20, the Moon reaches Last Quarter phase, rising around midnight with its left half illuminated. This is a great time for late-night skywatching: the crisp, slivered terminator highlights features on the lunar surface all night long, and the rest of the sky—Milky Way included—becomes a stunning backdrop.May 22: Saturn meets the Moon
In the pre-dawn hours of May 22, look east to see a thin waning crescent Moon passing just north of Saturn. The planet’s golden point will sit a degree or two from the lunar edge—binoculars will frame them beautifully against the glow of early dawn.May 23: Venus meets the Moon
The next morning brings another rendezvous: bright Venus and a slender crescent Moon, low in the eastern sky. Venus, our “morning star,” will shine brilliantly beside the Moon’s delicate arc—an enchanting sight to greet the new day.May 26: New Moon
May ends with the New Moon on the 26th—the Moon disappears into the Sun’s glare, leaving the sky dark and perfect for deep-sky observing. If you’ve been longing to hunt for galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, mark this date on your calendar!For full details—exact times, viewing tips, and more—please refer to Celestron’s 2025 Celestial Calendar and 2025 Moon Calendar.
Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where we’ll explore June’s celestial highlights. Happy observing!