Astroblog: Planet Dance Morning of May 29-31

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Planet Dance Morning of May 29-31

Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 6:30 am local time on Sunday May 29 showing the Crescent Moon near Jupiter, with Mars, Venus and Mercury lined up below. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.

Don't forget the next installment of the Planet dance runs from this Sunday morning (29 May) to the morning of Tuesday May 31.

On Sunday the 29th, the crescent Moon forms a line with Jupiter and the rest of the bright planets, then on the 30th Mars, the crescent Moon and Jupiter from a triangle in the sky. Finally on the 31st the thin crescent Moon is not far from Venus.

You may need a clear level horizon to see Mercury at its best, and the 31st's Venus Moon conjunction is a bit low, but it is worth the effort of getting up. You will get the best views between an hour and 40 minutes before local sunrise. Check for satellite passes at Heavens Above.

Labels: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, unaided eye observation, Venus