Visible planets and night sky guide for May

May brings not 1 but 2 full moons. And all month, the sky’s 2 brightest planets are heading toward a spectacular conjunction. Plus, Mars returns in earnest. In addition, May evenings offer a rare opportunity to picture yourself inside our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Join EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd for these unmissable sky events. Watch in the player above, or on YouTube. Venus is the brightest planet in Earth’s sky. And Jupiter is second-brightest. About every three to five years, these two blazing worlds come together in Earth’s sky in a way that’s truly spectacular. They’re gearing up to do that now. Their conjunction will be around June 8 and 9. And, when closest, their distance on our sky’s dome will be roughly the width of your pinky finger held at arm’s length. Start watching them now! Want more? Here are 4 keys to understanding the moon’s phases. We’ve passed the date of summer solstice in Mars’ southern hemisphere (April 25). In this livestream, EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd explores the seasons on the Red Planet, and how even small differences in time and orbit can reshape our perception of a world. Watch in the player above or on YouTube. Want more? Here are 4 keys to understanding the moon’s phases. Read more: Earthshine is a lovely glow on the unlit portion of the moon Our charts are mostly set for mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. To see a precise view – and time – from your location, try Stellarium Online. Read more: Leo the Lion and its easy to see backward question mark Want more? Here are 4 keys to understanding the moon’s phases. Read more: Spica, the bright beacon of Virgo, is 2 stars If you’re out stargazing on any May evening, look for these stars and constellations overhead in the sky. Our charts are mostly set for the northern half of Earth. To see a precise view – and time – from your location, try Stellarium Online. Read more: Guy Ottewell explains sky dome maps Read more: Guy Ottewell explains heliocentric charts. For more videos of great night sky events, visit EarthSky’s YouTube page. Don’t miss anything. Subscribe to daily emails from EarthSky. It’s free! Visit EarthSky’s Best Places to Stargaze to find a dark-sky location near you. Post your own night sky photos at EarthSky Community Photos. See the indispensable Observer’s Handbook, from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Visit Stellarium-Web.org for precise views from your location. Almanac: Bright visible planets (rise and set times for your location). Visit TheSkyLive for precise views from your location. Bottom line: Visible planets and night sky guide. What’s going on in the sky this month? Deborah Byrd brings you a video summary of the best May sky events. The post Visible planets and night sky guide for May first appeared on EarthSky.