May 2025 Stargazing and Astronomical guide

A night of stargazing can be a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Stargazing in May is easy with its planet-packed lineup.

The month of September is full of events. From a meteorshower peak to multiple Moon-Planet meetings, there’s something for everyone. Keep an eye out for northern lights this month. As we are in the peak of aurora activity right now, you can expect a powerful lights night at any time. (Last year’s spectacular May aurora displays From the low latitudes of the world, vivid light was brought to them. Hawaii You can also find out more about the Bahamas.)

Stargazing instruments are a great way to see the night sky in May. binoculars It’s always handy to have a few extras on hand. It is more important to find a location with little light pollution. (Here are a few of our favorite skywatching spots. favorite DarkSky-certified spots.)

Here are the top stargazing events for this month.

Moon and Mars meet with Beehive Cluster on May 3.

Mars and the half-moon will almost meet on the night of 3 May in the western sky. According to stargazing app SkySafariThis large Beehive constellation, which contains 1,000 stars, is visible just to the left Mars. To see it, you will need binoculars. Mars and the Moon will be visible after sunset and remain in the sky until 3:30 am. Jupiter will also be visible above the western horizon.

May 5-6: Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peaks

The peak activity of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower will be on May 5 and 6. Keep your eyes to the sky in the early mornings. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower runs from April 15 to May 27, but it reaches its greatest period of productivity in the pre-dawn hours—an ideal time for sky-watching, as the moon sets around 3:40 a.m. You could see up to 60 meteors per hour during peak conditions and under dark, moonless skies, but the best viewing is in the southern U.S., and especially the southern hemisphere, according to EarthSky.org.

Full Flower Moon May 12

The full flower moon—a name given for spring’s proliferation of blossoms—will grace our skies on May 12. It reaches maximum illumination at 12 : 56 p.m. ET, according to The Old Farmer’s AlmanacYou can also enjoy the space rock on the 11th and 12th of May. The most dramatic view is when it appears in the evening. This is especially true if there are structures like trees or buildings on the horizon to give scale. The sun will rise in the southeast. Don’t forget to look up at Jupiter and Mars above the western horizon.

May 22: Saturn and Venus align with the Crescent moon

In the early dawn hours of May 22 the thin crescent Moon, Saturn, Venus, and the horizon will be in a diagonally straight line. Saturn and the crescent moon will be closest together, while Venus will shine directly above the east horizon, just to the left. On May 23, the moon will appear between Saturn and Venus.

May 31: Crescent moon meets Mars

The stargazing month closes out very much like it started—with the moon and Mars meeting in the sky again, according to SkySafari. After sunset, the duo will be visible above the western horizon. Jupiter can also be seen near the northwest horizon this evening.