May 16-22, 2025 Sky Watch: Asteroids, Planets & More Celestial Wonders!

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16-05-2025

Okay... I'm just going to say it: I'm a big fan of Star Trek. Always have been - every episode of every series, from The Original Series to Picard. And of course, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is at the top of my list. The man has class, but also a deep sense of wonder about the universe. So when I look up at the night sky, I often think of Picard's line, "The exploration of space is a privilege and an adventure." This week, the cosmos is offering us a privilege, and trust me - it's an adventure you don't want to miss. And no, please know I won't be calling myself a Trekkie anytime soon.
The night sky is about to serve up a cosmic cocktail, and the Moon and Jupiter are the headliners. This rare event is when the Moon and Jupiter will be so close, that they'll practically be neighbors in the sky. As a bonus, this conjunction happens in the constellation Taurus - which, of course, has a rich mythological history. Jupiter, the king of the gods, seems even more regal when paired with the Moon. It's a sight that gives even the most seasoned skywatchers something to be excited about.
When to Watch: Just after sunset until midnight.
Pro Tip: Binoculars will let you see Jupiter's four largest moons as tiny dots next to the planet - kind of like a mini tour of Jupiter's moon system.
When the Moon reaches its Last Quarter phase, it's not just the halfway point; it's prime time for deep-sky observing. It's like the universe clears its throat, allowing us to peer into some of the most breathtaking parts of the cosmos without the Moon's light getting in the way. Neil deGrasse Tyson often says that observing the sky is like getting a glimpse into the past - some of the stars we're seeing have already gone supernova. So, the next time you look at the stars, remember: you're looking into history. Blows my mind.
When to Watch: Early morning hours, just after midnight.
Pro Tip: This is the perfect time to break out the telescope and check out deep-sky objects like the Hercules Cluster and Whirlpool Galaxy - objects that look just as incredible as they did hundreds of years ago.
Asteroid 4 Vesta is one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt and the second most massive after Ceres. When Vesta hits opposition, it's like a cosmic "hello" from the asteroid belt. This event provides a great opportunity to view a giant rock from space - without the stress of dodging it. While you're looking, you're essentially peering at an object that's been orbiting the Sun for billions of years. Something is humbling about that.
When to Watch: Look just northwest of the red star Antares in Scorpius.
Pro Tip: Use binoculars or a telescope to catch Vesta clearly. Make a point to track its movement each night—it's a cosmic dance!
The Moon and Saturn are about to have a moment in the early morning sky. Saturn's rings will be beautifully tilted, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view for telescope users. It's an event that makes you feel like you're seeing something truly out of this world. Think about it - Saturn's rings are hundreds of thousands of miles wide, and yet they seem to exist in perfect harmony. Like a cosmic waltz - there's a reason we can't look away.
When to Watch: Between 4:00–5:30 AM local time.
Pro Tip: If you've got a telescope, this is the moment to see Saturn's rings tilt in all their glory. If not, just soak in the beauty of the crescent Moon and Saturn dancing in the sky.
Venus is already a star in the pre-dawn sky, but on May 20th, it gets a little extra sparkle with the crescent Moon just 2 degrees away. Venus is so bright that it's often called the 'Morning Star,' but when it pairs up with the Moon, it becomes a cosmic masterpiece that's perfect for a photo op. Think of it as the universe's way of saying, "Let's give the photographers something to do!"
When to Watch: Early morning, just before sunrise.
Pro Tip: Get ready to capture an iconic shot! The delicate pairing of the Moon and Venus will be one of those moments you'll want to share.
Mars will glide past the Beehive Cluster, a collection of stars so bright it's visible to the naked eye. This cluster has a rich history - it was originally named Praesepe in Latin, and today it is often referred to as the "manger of stars." Early astronomers gave it this name because the cluster's shape resembled a cradle or manger. It's been admired for centuries as a stellar nursery, where new stars are born, and now it's hosting Mars. What a cosmic dance!
When to Watch: After sunset until around 10:30 PM local time.
Pro Tip: Binoculars will give you the best view of Mars nestled among the cluster's stars. Don't miss the chance to see these ancient lights dancing across the sky.
Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, which means it's now far enough from the Sun to be visible in the evening sky. It's a faint, star-like object, so it can be tricky to spot, but when you do, you're seeing one of the fastest planets in the Solar System. Mercury's orbit is so fast that it whips around the Sun in just 88 days. A real speedster!
When to Watch: Just after sunset, low in the northwest sky.
Pro Tip: Get to an unobstructed horizon and look for Mercury just 30–45 minutes after sunset. It's your moment to see one of the most elusive planets in action!
Let's dive into one of the most majestic constellations in the sky: Scorpius. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, Scorpius is like the sky's signature constellation - a standout in the summer months. In the Northern Hemisphere, it can still be spotted late into the evening, with Antares—the red, glowing heart of Scorpius—standing out brightly. Scorpius is ancient; the Greeks saw it as a symbol of danger, and to this day, it's associated with a fierce, protective energy. If you're into myths and legends, Scorpius is where the story of Orion and the scorpion unfolds, creating a dramatic celestial backdrop.
When to Watch: Late evening, visible to the south or southeast.
Pro Tip: Scorpius is a beautiful constellation to just sit back and enjoy with the naked eye - no equipment required, though a pair of binoculars can reveal some of its hidden treasures!
M8 (Lagoon Nebula): A glowing star-forming region in Sagittarius - telescope required.
Ring Nebula (M57): A cosmic smoke ring in Lyra - perfect through a telescope!
For asteroid hunting, you have permission to geek the heck out - sketch Vesta's position nightly to watch it move.
Try shooting time-lapses of the Moon-planet conjunctions for stunning social media content!
So, grab your gear and get ready to share your stargazing moments! This week's sky is full of planetary drama, asteroid action, and stunning star clusters - perfect for both seasoned skywatchers and first-timers.
Weather Words: Manhattanhenge
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