Amazing astronomical phenomena in May

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower reaches 60 meteors per hour at its peak, which will take place in May. Along with that is the New Moon phenomenon, Mercury is at its maximum western elongation.

According to the Hanoi Astronomical Society (HAS), in May there will be many interesting astronomical phenomena worth admiring, the most prominent of which is the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower. Of all the astronomical events that can be seen in the night sky, meteor showers are among the most exciting. Standing under the sparkling sky late at night while the rest of the world sleeps, watching shooting stars streak across the sky is one of the most amazing experiences in astronomical observation.

May 5, 6 – Eta Aquarid meteor shower

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is an above average shower, reaching up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most meteors will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the frequency only reaches about 30 meteors per hour. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is formed from dust grains of Comet Halley - a celestial body known and observed since ancient times.

May will have the brilliant Eta Aquarids meteor shower.

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower usually occurs every year from April 29 to May 28, peaking this year on the night of May 5 and early morning of May 6. The light of a nearly full moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. But if you're patient, you might still be able to see some beautiful meteors. It is best to observe in dark locations after midnight. Meteors tend to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear from anywhere in the sky.

May 8 – New Moon

The Moon will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurred at 10:23 (Vietnam time). This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to obstruct them.

May 9 – Mercury at maximum western elongation

Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation of 26.4 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to observe Mercury as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

May 23 – Full moon

The Moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its side will be fully illuminated. This stage occurs at 20:55 (Vietnam time). This full moon was called the Flower Moon by early Native American tribes because this was the time of year when spring flowers appeared in abundance. This moon is also known as the Corn Moon and the Milk Moon .