As spring unfolds in May 2024, the night sky transforms into a captivating stage for an amazing display of astronomical events. Nocturnal beings of all kinds, from seasoned stargazers to curious newcomers, are in for a treat. This month promises a unique opportunity to delve into the cosmos, witness amazing astronomical events, and expand our understanding of the universe. Whether you’re captivated by the fleeting streaks of meteor showers or mesmerized by the ethereal glow of a Lunar eclipse, May 2024 has something for everyone. So, dust off your binoculars and telescopes, find a spot with a clear view, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable celestial adventure!
Sky-watching Highlights: A sneak peek into prominent astronomical events of 2024:
The first four months of 2024 offered skywatchers a variety of celestial spectacles, from dazzling meteor showers to a phenomenal solar eclipse. Let’s revisit some of the most prominent astronomical events that unfolded during this period.
January:
Jan 3rd- Quadrantids Meteor Shower: The year began with an amazing astronomical event, the Quadrantids meteor shower, known for its fast and bright meteors. With up to 80 meteors per hour, the meteor shower displayed a dazzling display of colorful meteor balls. The meteors originate from the defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis, leaving glowing streaks across the night sky for a brief window before dawn.
Mercury at greatest western elongation: Mercury briefly revealed itself at pre-dawn on January 12th, when the planet reached its farthest separation from the sun as seen from Earth. Missed the opportunity don’t worry this month Mercury will again be visible in the pre-dawn sky!!
February:
Comet C/2021 S3 at perihelion (February 14): Comet C/2021 S3 (PANSTARRS) reached its closest point to the Sun, or perihelion, on February 14th. This icy visitor from the outer solar system skimmed by our star at a distance of 197 million kilometers. While predictions suggested it might reach naked-eye visibility, the comet remained best observed through telescopes in the pre-dawn sky. This perihelion passage marked a turning point for the comet, as it will likely never return to the inner solar system and continue on a long journey out into the depths of space.
March:
March 20- Vernal Equinox: The Sun crossed the equator on March 20th, marking the start of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere. This astronomical event signifies equal day and night lengths across both the hemispheres.
March 24- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: A spectacular penumbral eclipse captivated skywatchers in parts of North & South America and the Pacific & Atlantic Oceans on March 24th, offering a chance for skywatchers to witness the delicate interplay of light and shadow between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Unlike a dramatic full or partial eclipse, the Moon only passed through the Earth’s faint outer shadow (penumbra). This caused a slight dimming, often undetectable to the naked eye.
April:
April 8- Total Solar Eclipse: The North American continent witnessed a breathtaking total solar eclipse. The Moon completely blocked the Sun’s face, plunging the path of totality into darkness for a brief period. This “Great North American Eclipse” cast a narrow shadow across parts of Mexico, the United States (from Texas to Maine), and Canada. Skywatchers within the path were treated to a stunning astronomical event, with the Sun’s corona, its wispy outer atmosphere, becoming visible. This rare astronomical event provided a glimpse into the Sun’s mysteries and served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring relationship between Earth, Moon, and the Sun.
April 22- Lyrid Meteor Shower: The Lyrid meteor shower, peaking April 22nd, promised a dazzling display with up to 20 meteors per hour. However, the astronomical event crashed due to the bright Pink Moon! This lunar intruder washed out the fainter meteors, leaving only the bright fireballs visible. Despite the moonlight’s interference, skywatchers with a dash of luck might have witnessed these brilliant streaks across the night sky.
Want to know more about the Pink Moon? Consider reading this blog: Pink Moon 2024
Astronomical Events in May 2024:
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May 3rd- Conjunction of Moon and Saturn:
On May 3rd, the jewel of the night sky Saturn, and the Moon share the same right ascension creating a majestic conjunction pair in the night sky. The conjunction will happen in the constellation Aquarius. The Moon will be about 32% illuminated, and Saturn, though fainter, will be visible to the naked eye. The real treat, however, is for observers in Antarctica. They’ll be in the prime position to witness a lunar occultation, a subtle astronomical event to witness where the Moon passes in front of Saturn, briefly hiding it from view. Even for those who can’t see the occultation, the close pairing of the Moon and Saturn offers a beautiful naked eye or binocular observation opportunity.
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May 5th- The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower:
After witnessing the majestic Eta Aquarid Meteor shower, skywatchers will be treated to a close encounter between the Moon and Mars! Look at east just before sunrise to see Mars, the reddish dot, and the crescent Moon nestled close together. To view this astronomical event, all you need are your naked eyes.
Mars will be shining brighter with a rusty red hue. The Moon will be a thin crescent, just a sliver illuminated by the Sun. For a more magnified view, grab your binoculars or telescope! They will allow you to appreciate the details of the Moon’s cratered surface and the reddish disc of Mars. While they won’t reveal any Martian features, instead they will enhance the overall experience of this beautiful morning conjunction.
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May 6th- Conjunction of Moon and Mercury:
On May 6th, look out at the pre-dawn sky for the beautiful conjunction of the Moon and tiny Mercury! Just before sunrise, spot Mercury as a faint, whitish dot close to the waxing crescent Moon in the constellation Pisces. Naked eyes will suffice, but a pair of binoculars can offer a clearer view of this celestial pairing. Remember, they’ll be low in the eastern sky, so find a location with an unobstructed horizon for the best chance to view this amazing astronomical event.
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May 9th- Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation:
On May 9th, spot Mercury in the pre-dwan twilight sky. This is because Mercury will be at its greatest western elongation, which means it will be at its maximum angular distance away from the Sun as seen from Earth. This positioning makes an amazing astronomical event with the planet Mercury easier to observe because it will be farther above the horizon before sunrise and it will rise about 30 minutes before the Sun. This will be the best morning sight of the first planet of our solar system in 2024 for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. Look for Mercury low in the east-northeastern sky just before dawn.
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May 14th- Close approach of Moon and Beehive Cluster:
The Moon will make a close approach to the beehive cluster making a wondrous pair in the night sky. You will find the Beehive Cluster, a giant ball of stars in the constellation Cancer. It will look like a faint, fuzzy patch of light next to the brighter first-quarter moon. Binoculars will give you a closer look at the many stars that make up the Beehive Cluster, but you can still see it with your naked eye. This is a great chance to witness an amazing astronomical event where you see two celestial objects this close together!
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May 23rd- Full Moon:
On 23rd May the Full Moon graces the sky with its lustrous white shine. Also known as the Flower Moon, it will rise at 7 PM at local time zone. Capture the moon with your lenses and if you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope take a chance to view its geographic features.
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May 31st- Conjunction of Moon and Saturn:
Again on May 31st, early risers are in for a treat! The Moon and Saturn will have a close encounter, appearing very close together in the pre-dawn sky. Look eastwards just before sunrise to spot them. Enjoy this beautiful astronomical event, with Saturn’s rings potentially visible with binoculars. Don’t miss this chance to see these celestial bodies share the morning stage!
Beyond the astronomical events
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The MilkyWay Season:
Attention astrophiles!! This is your last chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way core before the monsoon rains arrive in Maharashtra. The Milky Way season is upon us, offering a glimpse of our galaxy’s luminous band stretching across the night sky. But with the monsoon rolling in next month, cloudy skies will soon block this celestial wonder. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see the heart of our Milky Way before the monsoon curtain falls.
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Where to watch the MilkyWay band near Mumbai?
Finding the right spot with minimal light pollution is tough in Mumbai. But do not worry, we got you!! Join us at our amazing stargazing events where you can witness the core of the Milky Way and with our expert astrophotographers capture yourself with the luminous MilkyWay band.
Register yourself here
May 2024 promises a delightful rollercoaster ride of astronomical events for stargazers and skywatchers alike. The month kicks off with the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, offering a chance to glimpse shooting stars. Later, catch Mercury at its greatest western elongation, making it a prime target for dawn observations. As the month progresses, the Beehive Cluster cozies up to the first quarter moon, providing a charming celestial pairing.
Don’t miss the chance to view the Milky Way in all its glory before the monsoon season arrives. Finally, the month culminates with a beautiful conjunction of the Moon and Saturn, a dazzling astronomical event for early risers. So, grab your binoculars, find a clear observing spot, and prepare to be amazed by the wonders May has in store!
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