Overview

• Mars begins May in Cancer, passing near the Beehive Cluster (M44) before moving to Leo on May 26, fading slightly but remaining visible to the naked eye.
• Jupiter, at magnitude –1.9, dominates the northwest evening sky early in May, passing near the Crab Nebula (M1) midmonth before setting earlier by month's end.
• Venus, shining brilliantly at magnitude –4.7, is a predawn beacon in Pisces, clipping Cetus on May 12 and approaching its greatest elongation on June 1.
• Saturn, visible in Pisces, undergoes its rare ring-plane crossing on May 6, offering improved telescopic views and a glimpse of its brightest moon, Titan.
• Southern hemisphere observers can spot prominent constellations like Crux, Scorpius, and Triangulum Australe, with optimal viewing conditions throughout May evenings.