While we all feel the stress of approaching finals. Because of this It is important to take a step back for your own well being as well as for those around you. A great way to do this is to step outside after a long day of cramming and taking a look at the night-time May sky with all of its unique activity.
The Eta Aquarid Meteor showers, Peaking May 5 – May 6, though they last through May 27
These showers unfortunately coincide with an extremely bright moon this year, making them harder to view, particularly in the northern hemisphere. This does not however mean that they will be completely invisible. Astronomers predict that the Eta Aquarids will still have about ten visible shooting stars per hour. Additionally, these shooting stars are made of debris from one of the most famous comets of all time, Halley’s Comet.
Venus makes an appearance, May 18
Conveniently, on the night of May 18, the bottom of the waxing crescent moon will point your eyes down to what we often call the Evening Star, Venus. Venus is known as one of the brightest objects in our night sky due to it being the closest planet to us. It burns at about 872 degrees fahrenheit making it the hottest planet in our solar system. Around 30 miles above its surface, Venus has temperatures and pressure that could potentially support life from earth like certain microbes.
Full Blue Moon, May 31
Ending May with a flare, the Full Blue Moon. Blue moons are not blue. The term “Blue Moon” was coined by a folklorist in the 16th century though historians’ opinions on which one vary. Ironically, the Use of the term was meant to indicate that only a deceiver or a fool would tell you that the moon was blue. This lunar event is a relatively rare one, happening around every two to three years, don’t miss it!
Article by Penny Deitz