Astronomical Events-May 2021

4 May

Close approach of the moon and Saturn

The moon and Saturn will make a close approach. They are passing within 4 Degree 02 minute of each other. The moon and Saturn will lie in the constellation of Capricornus. Best time to watch this approach is between 1.15 to 5.53 IST above the south eastern horizon.

5 May

Conjunction of moon and Jupiter and close approach of the moon and Jupiter

The conjunction will happen between the moon and Jupiter. They both will share same right ascension. In night sky, best time to watch this conjunction is around 2.08 to 5,53 IST. The moon and Jupiter will lie in the constellation of Aquarius. At the same time, they both make closet approach to each other.

6 May

n-Aquariid meteor shower

Eta Aquariid meteor shower will produce approximately 60 meteor per hour at its peak. This is valid for southern hemisphere. For northern hemisphere, eta Aquariid meteor shower will produce 30 meteor per hour at its peak. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius. It is produces by dust particle left behind by Halley comet. Fireballs from Halley’s comet will light up the night sky.

9 May

The moon at perihelion

Perihelion means closest distance to the sun. the moon will come nearest to the sun at distance of 1.0072 AU.

12 May

The moon at apogee , mercury at dichotomy

The moon will go furthest point along its orbit to the earth. Whereas, Mercury will reach its half phase in its evening apparition.

13 May

Conjunction of moon and Venus.

16 May

Conjunction of moon and mars and close approach of moon and mars.The moon will pass 1 Degree 28 minute to the north of mars in the constellation Gemini.

17 May

Mercury at highest altitude in evening sky, mercury at greatest elongation east

Mercury will reach its highest altitude in evening sky. The planet mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 22 degree from the sun. this is the best time to see mercury. You can see mercury in the western sky just after the sunset.

23 May

Saturn enters retrograde motion

Planets enter retrograde motion because of earth motion around the sun. Saturn will halt its usual eastward movement through constellation and turn west.

26 May

The moon at perigee , Supermoon , Total lunar eclipse

Flower supermoon. This is 2nd super moon of 2021. Native American call this supermoon as flower supermoon. Because at this period, spring flowers blooms. This supermoon is also know as corn planting moon and the milk moon. The moon will be at closest approach to the earth.

This is 1st eclipse of 2021. The supermoon will be hidden by earths shadow. The eclipse will last for 3 hours.

28 May

The moon at aphelion , M4 is well placed.

29 May

Conjunction of Venus and Mercury

A rare event as Venus will pass just 0 Degree 25 min to the north of mercury. This conjunction will become visible above the western horizon after the sunset.

31 May

Conjunction of moon and Saturn, close approach of moon and Saturn.

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