This is the continuing monthly column for the astronomer in all of us, or the aspiring astro-physicist. Compared to areas near Boston or New Bedford, generally speaking, the Tri-Town has pretty good dark skies and thus are very fortunate in that regard. Last month, we even witnessed humans re-enter the orbit of the moon on the Artemis II flight!
On May 1, the first full moon of the month will occur. This one is referred to as the “Flower Moon,” due to the blooming of spring. It is also referred to by others as the “Milk Moon” or “Corn Planting Moon.”
On May 2, the asteroid Vesta will be at its brightest. Though it is visible all year, this is the best time to spot it. The asteroid was discovered in 1807 and is the second largest in the solar system. It won’t be visible to the naked eye in our area due to light pollution but is visible with a high-powered pair of binoculars or a telescope.
On the night of May 6, the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower hits its peak. Though it is currently ongoing, occurring between April 19 to May 28, it will hit its height with around 30-meteors-per-hour. Meteors from this shower are produced by the famed Halley’s Comet!
A few days after, on May 10, the Eta Lyrids Meteor Shower hits its peak. It is known as a “low activity” shower, with its peak being around 3-meteors-per-hour. Its meteors originate from the comet C/1983 H1.
On May 12, the Messier 5 star cluster will be visible. The cluster contains 105 closely packed stars. Well, they’re closely packed relative to our eyes. In reality, they are many quadrillions of miles apart.
May 16 will be the month’s new moon, making a good time to look for fainter objects.
On May 20, the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter will be visible in a bunch together.
As with earlier in the month, on May 28, the Messier 4 star cluster will be highly visible. It contains around 43 stars over the span of 35 light years.
On May 31, another full moon! This one is the Blue Moon, and as it happens only once every few years, it lends itself to the saying, “once in a blue moon.”
Astronomy Update for May
By Sam Bishop