Moon-Saturn Conjunction May 2022: What Are the Upcoming Celestial Sky Events? How and When to Watch Them

Those who enjoy looking up at the sky in search of planets, comets, stars, and other exciting phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses are in for a treat before the month ends. There are planetary conjunctions and celestial events in the coming days that you should look forward to beginning Sunday.

US-ASTRONOMY
Planets Jupiter and Saturn (C, top) are seen above the Los Angeles skyline during the great conjunction as seen from the Griffith Observatory on the same day as the winter solstice, December 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. - The great conjunction refers to the astronomical alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, the closest for nearly 400 years. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Moon and Saturn Alignment May 2022

The Moon will meet with Saturn on May 22, 2022, My Wabash Valley said.

Both planets will remain close for over four hours, from 1:36 a.m. (EDT) until 5:18 a.m. EDT.

Jupiter and Mars will also glow stronger on the Moon's left side during the day, Space.com added.

You may observe the conjunction with the naked eye or via a pair of binoculars. However, a telescope is advised for the best views.

Allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the sky to get the most out of your observation experience. Stay away from bright lights as much as possible. Use a red filter to preserve your night vision if you're checking a sky chart with your phone or a flashlight.

The Saturn-Moon conjunction in astrology indicates that they will have a greater influence on people's psyche, depending on which house Saturn and Moon were in at the time of birth.

Due to the contrary energies emitting from the same place, conjunction like this is thought to produce despair, weariness, and mood swings. Saturn is the nature of reasoning in astrology, whereas the Moon represents the nature of emotions.

Planetary Conjunction vs. Alignment: What's The Difference?

A planetary conjunction is often confused with a planetary alignment, Sky Walk Space said. A conjunction occurs when the distance between objects in the sky is less than usual. Still, an alignment occurs when planets line up in a row in the same area of the sky as seen from Earth.

Other Planetary Conjunctions, Celestial Events on May 2022

Because the Moon travels faster than the planets, planetary conjunctions are uncommon. My Wabash Valley said five events are scheduled in Eastern Daylight Time beginning May 22.

On May 24, the Moon and Mars will align. The Moon and Mars will be in close proximity for a little over two hours, rising in the southeast from 2:56 a.m. EDT until 5:16 a.m. EDT.

From 2:59 a.m. EDT to 5:16 a.m. EDT, the Moon will be in conjunction with Jupiter for nearly two hours, rising in the southeast.

The Moon will be in conjunction with Venus for nearly an hour on May 27, rising in the east from 3:57 a.m. EDT till 5:15 a.m. EDT.

Finally, on May 28, Mars and Jupiter will align for 2 1/2 hours, rising in the southeast from 2:45 a.m. EDT until 5:14 a.m. EDT.

On the night of May 30-31, there is a chance of a major outburst from the Tau Herculid Meteor Shower. It will most likely reach its peak at 5:00 UT.

The event will be "all or nothing," according to Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.

Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.

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