Topline
The arrival of a New Supermoon makes this weekend ideal for stargazing. With our natural satellite hidden in the glare of the sun, the night skies will be dark as Venus and Jupiter converge ahead of their close conjunction on June 9-11. By Sunday night, a slim crescent moon will emerge in the west after sunset to begin a week of beautiful moon views. Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing this weekend, Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17.
A slim crescent moon will emerge in the west after sunset on Sunday, May 17, to begin a week of beautiful moon views.
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Timeline
A 3%-lit waning crescent moon appears low in the east just before sunrise. Mars will be visible to its right, with Saturn beyond. It will display Earthshine — reflected sunlight — which gives it its nickname, “the old moon in the new moon’s arms.”
The moon today reaches its new phase while being relatively close to Earth. Cue a New Supermoon, which won’t be visible, but could cause high tides. However, since it’s roughly between the Earth and the sun, it won’t be visible, creating moonless night skies ideal for stargazing.
After sunset, a 2%-lit waxing crescent moon will be visible — most likely only through binoculars — very low in the western sky shortly after sunset. You’ll need excellent timing and an unobstructed horizon.
The best is yet to come. On May 18, a slender waxing crescent moon will appear just a few degrees from brilliant Venus, low in the west after sunset. On May 19, the Moon remains close to Venus, while on May 20 it shifts higher to sit near Jupiter.
After sunset on Sunday, May 17, a 2%-lit waxing crescent moon will be visible very low in the western sky shortly after sunset, with Venus and Jupiter above.
Stellarium
‘planet Parade’ After Sunset
Venus dominates the post-sunset scene, shining far brighter than any star. Jupiter sits higher, less brilliant but still unmistakable. But these two worlds appear to be getting closer. Over the coming weeks, Venus and Jupiter will move closer together, eventually appearing side by side from June 9-11. They’re not, of course — it’s merely a line of sight optical illusion. They’re simply orbiting the sun along different paths, with Venus an inner planet and Jupiter an outer planet, from our point of view.
When To Go Stargazing This Weekend
Go out 30-45 minutes after sunset and look west; Sunday is best if you want a chance to see a very slim crescent moon, as well as Venus and Jupiter. Choose a location with a clear horizon and don’t delay; within an hour, the moon will be setting.
What’s Next In The Night Sky
Skywatchers are now seeing Venus and Jupiter draw closer together each evening, a slow approach that will culminate in a close conjunction on June 9. By May 30, the second full moon of the month will rise at dusk, with the so-called Blue Moon occurring officially on May 31. Looking further ahead, Aug. 12 brings a total solar eclipse visible from eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.
