Home Archived Monthly Sky 2002: Feb Mar Apr

Astronomy Club of Asheville

Asheville, NC

MAY 2002 Highlights

Milky Way

The Milky Way lays just above the horizon in every direction.

Moon

Last Quarter: May 4^th.

New Moon: May 12^th.

First Quarter: May 19^th.

Full Moon: May 26^th.

Planets

Jupiter -2.0 to -1.9 magnitude.

Saturn +0.1 to 0.0 magnitude.

Mars +1.6 to +1.7 magnitude.

Venus -3.9 to -4.0 magnitude.

Mercury 0.0 to +4.6 magnitude. Will set 2 hrs after sunset.

Constellations

West: Gemini, Cancer & Auriga.

South: Corvus, Hydra, Virgo & Libra.

East: Ophiuchus, Corona Borealis & Hercules.

North: Ursa Minor, & Ursa Major at high north above Ursa Minor.

At zenith: Bootes, Leo, Leo Minor, Coma Berenices, Canes Venatici & part of Virgo.

Highlights

Looking west-northwest during the first 10 days of May, 45-75 minutes after sunset and you will see the finest gathering of five planets in almost 20 years. Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mercury are close together with Jupiter halfway up the western sky. Mercury is brighter than Mars but will fade almost out by May 10^th. Watch the crescent Moon climb up the staircase of planets early in the month. Venus outshines the other planets.

A few objects to look for in Coma Berenices: M53 GC, Melotte 111 OC, both good for small scopes and binoculars. M64, The Black Eye Galaxy. Leo, Coma Berenices and Virgo all have numerous objects to search for and are in excellent position this month.

The best nights to view without interference from the moon’s light are between May 8^th to May 16^th.

Club Stargaze

The March stargaze is Friday, May 10, 2002 at Mount Pisgah Trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 407. Please contact a club member for any changes in location of stargaze.

Club Meeting

The regular monthly club meeting is on the first Thursday of the month. This month’s date is May 2, 2002 at 6 p.m. at Sims Group, Consulting Engineers located at 230 Short Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC. The June meeting will be on Thursday, June 6, 2002.

Happy Starwatching!

Taken from Sky & Telescope Magazine, Astronomy Magazine & Astronomical Calendar 2002.