Mars will be visible for the following weeks, reaching its closest distance to Earth by May 30th, around 75.9 kilometers from the planet’s orbit.
To see the Red Planet by yourself, look east as the sun is setting. Mars should be moving from south to west before morning.
To locate it, look for the constellation of Leo; it is quite easy to spot if you use a constellation spotting guide. Jupiter will be excellent for watching, as its cloud bands will also be able to be spotted.
As expected, Mars will have a better visibility due to its proximity to Earth, but Jupiter’s size will allow for a great sight on the following nights.
On June 3rd, Saturn will be at its closest point to earth. To take a look at Saturn, astrology enthusiasts should care for the constellation of Scorpius, beneath the southeastern sky. Mars should be in the proximity, and its redness should generate a clear contrast with Saturn’s yellowish color.
If you manage to spot Saturn, you will see at least six of its moons and its magnificent rings. Take into account that the nights of June and July are shorter for some parts of the earth, like many places that are farther away from the equator do not see an entirely dark sky until 9 or 9:30 pm.
Other celestial bodies to be spotted
Another important celestial body to be detected is Arcturus, where its best time will be the night of May 27th. You just need to find the Big Dipper in the northern skies. It is a star classified as the red giant, thus becoming the brightest star in the northern hemisphere.
The moon will also display many different phases. A new moon will occur on June 4th, first quarter on June 12th, the full moon on June 20th and a closing quarter on June 27th.
If people own a telescope, they should be able to see these planets and stars, and if they feel daring enough, they can try and spot the Saturn Nebula. Keep an eye out on May 28th and follow the moon’s trajectory. About a thumb length’s distance north from the moon you will be able to see the Saturn Nebula, next to a star known as Nu Aquarii. You better have a decent telescope for this one, as it is not easy to glimpse at it before getting blinded.
Although it is named Saturn Nebula, it is not related to the planet Saturn. It got its name because it looks like it has rings around it.
Summer is the best time of the year to enjoy sky-watching, as the months from late May to July allow astronomy-aficionados to take a good look at the Milky Way. You could even use binoculars if a telescope is not an option. There is nothing like taking the time to watch other planets, just like humanity has been doing for thousands of years.
Source: National Geographic