Welcome to WTOP’s monthly segment, “What’s Up in the Sky?” Each month, we take a look at the best celestial events that are coming up for stargazers. From planets and stars to meteor showers, there’s always something happening in the night sky.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just someone looking to catch a glimpse of the stars, May 2025 promises to be full of exciting events. This month, we’ll be keeping an eye on Venus, Mars, and a stunning view of the Milky Way, among other things. So, grab your binoculars, get to a dark sky site, and let’s dive into what’s in store for the skies above.

Must-See Sky Sights for May 2025

May brings with it a wealth of celestial wonders. It’s a month where Venus will dominate the early morning sky as the brilliant “Morning Star,” and the Eta Aquariid meteor shower will peak. The full Flower Moon will rise, and there’s also a chance to see the Milky Way for the first time this season. We’ve also got a brand new feature this month called “Star of the Month,” which highlights one standout star visible in the sky. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening this month.

Star of the Month: Arcturus

This month’s featured star is Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. You can find it easily in the east as the sky darkens. Arcturus is hard to miss with its striking orange hue, which makes it stand out among the stars. It’s the fourth-brightest star in the entire sky, and it’s the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere. Its distinct color and brightness make it a wonderful addition to your stargazing adventures. Arcturus is easy to spot and serves as a great anchor point for stargazing, as it stands alone in its section of the sky.

Arcturus is particularly interesting because it’s a red giant star. It’s at the end of its life cycle, and over time, it will continue to expand and change. Watching Arcturus as it rises and sets offers a glimpse into the life of a star, and it’s one of the best sights in the sky this month.

Highlight of the Month: The Milky Way

One of the most exciting developments for May is the return of the Milky Way. Starting in early May, the Milky Way will begin to rise in the southeast around midnight. For the next few weeks, the galaxy will climb higher into the sky until dawn. The best part? As we approach late May, the Milky Way will form a stunning arch across the sky, stretching from southeast to northeast. If you’re near a dark sky site, this is the perfect opportunity to capture this breathtaking view.

The Milky Way is a beautiful sight to behold, and even if you’re using your smartphone to take pictures, it’s still possible to get an amazing shot. If you want the best results, make sure to use a tripod and take time exposures. The sky will get even more spectacular in the summer, with the Milky Way becoming visible earlier in the night. But for now, May offers a fantastic preview of the summer sky.

Key Dates to Look Out For in May 2025

Here are the key celestial events to mark on your calendar for May. Some of these are perfect for early risers, while others will offer great sights as the night progresses.

• May 1: Brilliant Venus and Saturn pair up in the eastern sky before dawn. This is a great opportunity to see two of the brightest objects in the sky together.
• May 3: Mars will be positioned just below the nearly first-quarter moon in the western sky, making for a beautiful pairing.
• May 4-5: Mars passes the Beehive star cluster on these dates. The Beehive is a faint cluster, so you’ll need binoculars and a dark sky to get a good view.
• May 5-6: The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks. In the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to watch for meteors is about 90 minutes before dawn. Expect to see anywhere from 10-30 meteors per hour.
• May 10: The nearly full moon rises alongside the star Spica. They will be visible together until dawn.
• May 12: The full Flower Moon rises at sunset in the southeast, offering a beautiful view.
• May 13: The red supergiant star Antares and the waning moon rise together in the southeast after dark.
• May 22: The waning crescent moon is above Saturn before dawn. Look for the moon’s earthshine, which gives the dark part of the moon a faint glow.
• May 23: The waning crescent moon will be above Venus, Saturn, and Venus, forming a triple conjunction. It’s a rare and stunning sight.
• May 31: The waxing crescent moon will be near Mars at dusk, offering another opportunity to see a beautiful pairing.

The Moon in May 2025

Here are the moon phases for May:

• May 4: First Quarter
• May 12: Full Flower Moon
• May 20: Last Quarter
• May 27: New Moon

The full Flower Moon will be the highlight of the month, rising at sunset on May 12. It’s the perfect time to grab your camera and capture the beauty of the night sky.

Planets in May 2025

• Mercury: Mercury will be visible low on the eastern horizon before dawn. It’s easier to see for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Venus: Venus continues to shine brightly as the “Morning Star.” It will be hard to miss as it blazes above the eastern horizon before dawn.
• Mars: Mars is in the western sky as it gets dark, but it will appear dimmer throughout the month. Still, it’s worth looking for near the moon on May 3 and May 31.
• Jupiter: Jupiter will be visible in the western sky at sunset. As the month goes on, it will get lower in the sky and harder to spot. You can use binoculars to see its four main moons.
• Saturn: Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky before dawn, with its rings clearly visible through a telescope.
• Neptune: Neptune will be visible near Saturn before dawn, but it requires a telescope for proper observation.
• Pluto: Pluto remains far in the solar system and requires a telescope with long exposures to spot.

DC Area Events for May 2025:

If you’re in the D.C. area, there are some exciting events you won’t want to miss:

• Shenandoah National Park: The park’s “Let’s Talk About Space” series starts its 11th season. The park is a great dark sky site, and it offers astronomy talks and stargazing opportunities.
• Virginia State Parks: There are various astronomy events scheduled throughout May. Check the local calendar for more details.
• National Capital Astronomers (May 10): Attend a talk by Rob Zellem from the Goddard Space Flight Center about the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
• Turner Farm in Great Falls: The Analemma Society has paused operations for Friday Night Public Viewing Sessions, but you can check their calendar for other astronomy activities throughout the month.

Conclusion:

May 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular month for stargazing. From the brilliant Venus and Saturn pairing to the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, there’s something for everyone. The Milky Way will rise in late May, giving us a preview of the beautiful summer sky to come. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, there’s plenty to enjoy in the night sky this month. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these breathtaking moments.