On the evening of May 26, if you look toward the southern sky as the sun sets, you’ll see a beautiful sight. The waxing gibbous moon will be shining brightly near the star Spica, part of the Virgo constellation. This moon will be about 83% lit and positioned about 40 degrees above the horizon, which is roughly the width of four clenched fists held at arm’s length.
Spica isn’t just one star; it’s actually two stars orbiting each other every four days. Together, they shine with a brightness equivalent to over 12,000 suns, according to EarthSky. Pretty impressive, right?
If you have binoculars or a small telescope, try to focus on the moon. You’ll likely notice a line of light on its surface. This arc is caused by sunlight reflecting off the peaks of the Montes Jura mountain range, located on the northwestern edge of Mare Imbrium.
Have you ever spotted the Copernicus Crater? It’s a 58-mile-wide (93-kilometer) formation visible near the moon’s equator. Bright rays radiate from it, created by the impact that formed the crater. Observing these details reminds us of the moon’s violent history.
As night falls, the moon will appear to move slowly toward Spica before they both set in the early hours of May 27. By the next sunset, the moon will shift again to a lower left position relative to Spica, continuing its orbital journey. And don’t forget, on May 31, we’ll see a “Blue Moon” as the second full moon of the month will rise in the night sky, notably meeting with the red supergiant star Antares in the constellation Scorpio.
This cosmic dance is not just beautiful; it also carries a sense of historical significance. In past centuries, celestial events like these influenced navigation and festival dates for many cultures. Today, they continue to captivate stargazers and bring us closer to the wonders of our universe.
If you’re keen on capturing this celestial beauty, consider checking out guides on moon photography and the best gear to use for astrophotography. Engaging with these tools can elevate your experience and may lead to stunning results. You can find more information on these topics at Space.com.
So grab your binoculars, head outside, and enjoy the show on May 26. Who knows what other wonders you might discover in the night sky?
