There are two things that the community is most looking forward to this May, namely the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the disbursement of the THR. You too? But apparently there are other things worth looking forward to, you know. They are none other than celestial events that are ready to accompany your nights.
Approaching the last day of Ramadan until after Eid, there are many celestial phenomena that will occur. Starting from the meeting of two celestial bodies, meteor showers, to the most special is a lunar eclipse. Want to know the details of this celestial event? Come on, watch and record the date!
1. Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on May 4, 2021
The first event you can witness is a conjunction between the Moon and Saturn on May 4, 2021. Conjunction is a phenomenon when two or more celestial bodies appear close together when viewed from Earth’s point of view. When in fact they are the same distance in the sky.
This time, you will see Saturn right on the left side of the Moon. The two of them are only 4 degrees apart. Reported Info Astronomy, this event can be witnessed starting at 01.00 (early morning) your local time until just before sunrise. To see it, look up at the eastern sky.
Please note, Saturn will only appear like a yellow star that does not twinkle on the side of the Moon. This is because the planet is very far from Earth. If you want to see clearly along with the ring, prepare a telescope, yes!
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2.The conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter on May 5, 2021
conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter (Doc. NASA)–
After having a meeting with Saturn, the following night, the Moon will be accompanied by Jupiter in a similar event. That night, the two of them were also 4 degrees apart from each other.
To observe it, turn your gaze to the eastern sky. This event will start at around 02.00 until just before the sun rises.
Jupiter’s appearance is more or less the same as Saturn’s the previous night. It will look like a yellow star that doesn’t twinkle. However, when viewed from a telescope, you can find four Jupiter satellites in the vicinity, you know!
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3.The peak of the Eta-Aquarid meteor shower on May 6, 2021
Eta-Aquarid meteor shower (space.com)–
The first few months of 2021, the sky tends to be quiet due to the absence of large-scale meteor showers. But you don’t need to worry, you can immediately see the peak on May 6, 2021. The sky will be the arrival of the Eta-Aquarid meteor shower that many observers have been waiting for.
Reported Space Tourism Guide, this year, Eta-Aquarid will look beautiful in a country near the equator. Because the constellation Aquarius, which is the point of appearance, will be visible in the southern sky so it will appear bright.
Generally, you can see up to 40 meteors per hour if the sky is completely dark and there is no light pollution from the Moon and the surrounding environment. To observe it, look at the eastern sky starting at 03:00 local time. This event will appear like a flash of light in space.
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4.The peak of the Eta-Lyrid meteor shower on May 8, 2021
meteor shower illustration (space.com)–
Eta-Lyrid is a meteor shower that takes place from May 3 to May 14 each year. This time, it will peak on May 8, 2021. On that night, you can see up to 3 meteors per hour.
To observe it, look at the northern sky from midnight to near Fajr. Make sure the environment around you is completely dark so that the meteor shower will appear more clearly.
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5. Conjunction of the Moon and Mars on May 16, 2021
SkySafari app “target =” _ blank “> conjunction of the Moon and Mars (skysafariastronomy.com)–
On Eid al-Fitr celebration, the sky is indeed a little quiet. However, this did not last long. On May 16, 2021, you can witness the conjunction between the Moon and Mars. The two will appear close together and 1 degree apart from each other.
You can start observing this event at 8:30 p.m. local time in the western sky. Remember, Mars will only look like a red, unblinking star, huh. But you can see it clearly if you use a telescope.
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6.The best time to observe Mercury is May 17, 2021
looks genuine Mercury (Doc. NASA)–
Mercury is a planet that is rarely seen. But once you appear, you will be amazed. That’s what will happen on May 17, 2021.
Reported Info Astronomy, at this moment, Mercury reaches the corner of elongation furthest from the east of the Sun. That is, it is in the farthest point of the orbit and can reflect the sun’s light well.
The planet appears to glow brightly in the western sky at sunset. It will look like a yellowish white star that does not twinkle.
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7.Total lunar eclipse on May 26, 2021
lunar eclipse illustration (newsweek.com)–
We come to highlight this month! The total lunar eclipse that will occur on May 26, 2021 is awaited by sky observers, you know. According to reports Info Astronomy, this event was evident from beginning to end in eastern Indonesia. However, people in western and central Indonesia can still see it.
The eclipse is predicted to start at 16.44 WIB. This moment can only be witnessed in eastern Indonesia because the Moon has not yet risen in western and central Indonesia. Then the peak will occur at 18.11 WIB. This is a moment that can be witnessed by all Indonesian citizens.
At peak times, the Moon will appear round, large, and bright red. That’s what makes this eclipse so special that it’s nicknamed “super blood moonAfter that, the color will fade slowly. This indicates that the eclipse will end soon, at around 19.52 WIB.
Because this event is so special and beautiful, you can’t miss it! It’s easy to observe it, you don’t need the help of other tools.
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8. Conjunctions of the Moon and Saturn on 30-31 May 2021
conjunction of the Moon and Saturn (space.com)–
The conjunction between the Moon and Saturn seems to initiate and end celestial events on this moon. Both will appear again on 30-31 May 2021 in the eastern sky. You can observe it starting at 23.00 local time until just before sunrise.
Those are the eight best celestial events that take place in May 2021. Don’t miss it. Immediately write down the date and make it reminder on your cellphone, yes!
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