Night Sky: Eta Aquarids meteor shower and more highlights for May
The Eclipse and the Comet!
On April 8, there was a total eclipse of the sun, if you happened to be about 400 miles west of the Outer Banks. Here in Waves, we had a somewhat less exciting experience, but interesting all the same.
We saw about 60-65% coverage of the sun. I think a lot of people didn’t even notice the partial eclipse.
We also had a close look at Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. It’s nicknamed the Devil Comet, because it tends to change in shape rather frequently.
On April 7, I got this picture of it:
And on April 13, I got this picture:
As you can see the Devil Comet did a little shape shifting.
What you can look for in May’s Night Skies
On the morning of May 1, you might be able to see Saturn, Mars, and Mercury just before sunrise. Saturn rises at 3:53 a.m., Mars at 4:26, and Mercury at 5:14. The Sun rises at 6:09, but things are pretty light by 5:30 a.m.
In the evening, Uranus and Jupiter are still visible, but they are very close to the horizon. Uranus sets at 8:37 p.m. and Jupiter at 8:46 p.m.
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks at 4:00 a.m. on May 6. It will be in the SE skies just above Saturn.
Moon Phases:
New Moon is May 7
1st Quarter is May 15
Full Moon is May 23
Last Quarter is is May 30
