As it transitions from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere, May brings us a new set of constellations along with the rise of the Sagittarius arm of the Milky Way galaxy. From the Eta-Aquariid meteor shower to different types of conjunctions, May 2025 astronomy events offer spectacular celestial sights. So grab your telescope or simply step outside- here’s what the night skies of May have in store for you!
May 3: Moon near Mars
credits: BBC magazine
The beautiful crescent moon will meet the red planet in the night sky to kick off the May 2025 astronomy events. In the constellation of Cancer, the planet Mars will be near the moon at a conjunction distance of 2°06′. Through binoculars or the unaided eye, the pair will be apparent.
May 5-6: Eta-Aquariid meteor shower
credit: Justin Ng
One of the fastest known meteor showers, travelling up to a speed of 65.4 kilometers per second, that peaks during early May in the Aquarius constellation, the Eta-Aquariid meteor shower is surely the most notable out of all the May 2025 astronomy events. It’s best visible in the Southern hemisphere, and with the waxing gibbous moon that night it is advised to observe the meteor shower before dawn.
May 12: Micromoon
credits: BBC Sky at Night Magazine
A full moon in April, also referred to as the Flower Moon, will be a micromoon that is a moon that is 5% smaller and 10% less bright than usual. It occurs when the moon is precisely on the opposite side of the sun from our planet and will be visible in the Libra constellation. . This is one of the May 2025 astronomy events that you can view in extreme detail even with the naked eyes.
May 14: Moon near Antares
Antares, a red supergiant known for being one of the biggest stars, will get closer to a 97% illuminated moon in its waning gibbous phase. With a conjunction distance of 0°18′, you can observe this duo in the Scorpius constellation.
May 22: Moon near Saturn
The bright ringed planet Saturn will appear close to the moon with a conjunction distance of approximately 2°30’. With the moon in its waning crescent phase and about 23% illuminated, this pairing will be visible through naked eyes or binoculars in the constellation of Pisces.
May 23: Moon near Venus
credits: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The 16% illuminated moon will be close to Venus or best known as the ‘evening star with a conjunction distance of 4°00′. The May 2025 astronomy events will amaze you with the moon in its waning crescent phase and the bright Venus visible through naked eyes or binoculars in the constellation of Pisces.
How to make the most of May 2025 astronomy events?
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Timing is Key:
The lunar planetary conjunctions are better visible right after dusk or pre-dawn. Check your local time and make sure to stay updated about the peak hours of the c meteor shower to catch most of the shooting star and to get the best view possible.
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Choose Your Location Wisely:
Apart from the conjunction of bright planets with the moon, most of May 2025 astronomy events will be visible in a clear, dark sky providing a better perspective than one close to city lights. If you’re lucky, you might be able to observe from your backyard if your sky is dark enough; if not, you’ll need to head towards nearby rural areas or higher locations.
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Equipment to use:
A lot of May 2025 astronomy events are visible to the naked eye, making them available to everyone. Still, if you want an enhanced view, binoculars or a small telescope can do wonders and also make it easier to view minute details such as Saturn’s ring or moon crater during micromoon. In case you want to get into astrophotography a DSLR camera with a tripod is essential to catch these beautiful phenomena.
May 2025 astronomy events have a lot to offer, from conjunctions to annual and notable events like the Eta-Aquariid meteor shower. Wish for the clearest skies possible and make sure to plan your stargazing session so that you can take advantage of everything the universe has to offer.
Enjoyed reading this? Consider reading:
- Supermoons in 2025: Catch the Best Version of our Moon
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