As spring unfolds across North America, May 2025 promises a spectacular array of celestial events for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just starting out, this month offers a variety of exciting opportunities to explore the night sky.
Must-See Events in May 2025
1. Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower – Peak: May 5–6, 2025
Get ready for a dazzling display as the Eta Aquariid meteor shower lights up the sky. Originating from Halley’s Comet, this shower is known for its fast and bright meteors. While it’s best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, those in the southern U.S. and Mexico can still catch a good show.
- Peak Rate: Up to 20–30 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
- Best Viewing Time: 3 AM to dawn.
- Moon Phase: Waning crescent (~10% illumination) – perfect for dark-sky viewing.
- Top Spots: High-elevation areas with low humidity in the southern U.S., like Arizona and New Mexico.
- Photography Tip: Use a wide-field lens (14mm–24mm) to capture the radiant in Aquarius rising before dawn, with a static foreground or time-lapse sequence.
2. Conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus – May 8, 2025
Don’t miss this rare event where Jupiter and Uranus appear incredibly close together in the early morning sky, near the constellation Aries.
- Separation: Less than 30 arcminutes.
- Best Viewing Time: Around 4 AM local time, in the eastern sky before sunrise.
- Brightness: Jupiter (–2.1), Uranus (+5.8).
- Photography Tip: Capture both planets in the same field of view with a focal length between 600–1000mm. Use LRGB imaging for Uranus and lucky imaging techniques for Jupiter.
3. First Quarter Moon Occults Antares – May 11, 2025
On the evening of May 11, the Moon will pass in front of the bright red supergiant Antares, creating a stunning occultation visible from parts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
- Event Time: Around 10 PM MDT.
- Best Viewing Areas: Southern U.S., especially Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico.
- Challenge: The Moon’s brightness makes this a tricky but rewarding event to observe.
- Photography Tip: Use a fast camera to capture the moment Antares disappears or reappears behind the Moon. Consider video recording with a Barlow lens on an 8″+ SCT or Newtonian telescope.
4. Full Flower Moon – May 22, 2025
While full moons aren’t ideal for deep-sky photography, they offer great opportunities for lunar imaging. This month’s full moon will pass just south of the galactic center, making for beautiful wide-field compositions.
- Illumination: 100%
- Moonrise Time: Around 8:30 PM local time.
- Photography Tip: Capture a telephoto shot of the full Moon rising behind a local landmark. Use planning tools like PhotoPills or Stellarium to map this in advance.
Planetary Highlights
Mars and Saturn in the Morning Sky
Throughout May, Mars and Saturn will be visible in the early morning hours, gradually drifting apart after their close conjunction in April.
- Saturn: Rises around 3:30 AM in Aquarius.
- Mars: Appears around 4 AM in Pisces.
- Best Viewing Time: 4–5:30 AM, with both planets about 30° above the horizon.
- Photography Tip: Capture both planets individually with high-magnification setups, especially as Saturn’s rings are still nicely inclined.
Lunar Phases in May 2025
- New Moon: May 20 – Best deep-sky viewing window (May 17–24).
- First Quarter: May 11
- Full Moon: May 22
- Last Quarter: May 28
Astrophotography Planning: The week surrounding the New Moon (especially May 17–24) is your optimal window for deep-sky imaging and wide-field Milky Way shots.
May 2025 is set to be an extraordinary month for sky watchers. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of the night sky with your camera or simply enjoying the view, there’s plenty to look forward to. So, prepare your gear, find a dark spot, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos!
