Best Night Sky Events of May 2016 (Stargazing Maps)

By Geoff Gaherty
published

Mars, May 2016

Starry Night Software

Mars is in opposition to the sun on May 22, and closest to Earth on May 30. This is generally a good apparition, but Mars is low in the southern sky for northern observers. It is visible all night in Scorpius.

Jupiter, May 2016

Starry Night Software

Jupiter is well placed in the evening sky in Leo. It sets around 3 a.m.

Saturn, May 2016

Starry Night Software

Saturn is well placed in Ophiuchus, rising in late evening. Its rings are now spread widely, making it a beautiful sight in a small telescope.

Uranus, May 2016

Starry Night Software

Uranus is low in the eastern sky in Pisces, rising just before the sun.

Neptune, May 2016

Starry Night Software

Neptune is in the eastern morning sky in Aquarius.

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Geoff Gaherty
Geoff Gaherty
Starry Night Sky Columnist

Geoff Gaherty was Space.com's Night Sky columnist and in partnership with Starry Night software and a dedicated amateur astronomer who sought to share the wonders of the night sky with the world. Based in Canada, Geoff studied mathematics and physics at McGill University and earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Toronto, all while pursuing a passion for the night sky and serving as an astronomy communicator. He credited a partial solar eclipse observed in 1946 (at age 5) and his 1957 sighting of the Comet Arend-Roland as a teenager for sparking his interest in amateur astronomy. In 2008, Geoff won the Chant Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, an award given to a Canadian amateur astronomer in recognition of their lifetime achievements. Sadly, Geoff passed away July 7, 2016 due to complications from a kidney transplant, but his legacy continues at Starry Night.