May's Cosmic Light Show: Meteors, Flower Moons, and More
Eta Aquarid meteor shower: On May 5th and 6th, look up to see shooting stars from the debris of Halley's Comet. Best viewed after midnight in the southern hemisphere.
Flower Moon: The full moon on May 10th is known as the "Flower Moon." It will be at its peak brightness at 9:28 pm Eastern Time.
Total Lunar Eclipse: On May 16th, the Earth will cast its shadow on the Moon, creating a total lunar eclipse visible in Australia, parts of Asia and the western United States.
Jupiter and Saturn: The two gas giants will be visible in the early morning sky before dawn throughout the month.
Double Shadow Transit: On May 20th, both Io and Europa, two of Jupiter's moons, will cast their shadows on the planet at the same time.
Spica and the Moon: On May 21st, the bright star Spica will be seen near the Moon in the early morning hours.
Mercury's Transit: On May 24th, Mercury will pass in front of the Sun as seen from Earth, providing a rare opportunity to see the small planet.
Venus and the Moon: On May 28th, Venus and the Moon will be in close proximity, making for a beautiful sight in the western sky after sunset.