Planets Visible to the Unaided Eye

May 2012

Times are for the Grand Traverse Region of Michigan – Eastern Time.

These are the planets visible from antiquity plus any comets that become visible without optical aid.

Solar System View of the Bright Planets
Planetary events this month

Planets in the Evening Sky Animation
Planets in the Morning Sky Animation

Solar System View of the Bright Planets

Planetary motion for the month of May 2012 is shown by the white tracks the planets leave at 5 day intervals for the month.

Mercury is in the morning sky this month and now readily visible for northern hemisphere viewers. It will reach greatest western elongation on the 18^th and will be a fine view for southern hemisphere observers.

Venus is visible in the west after sunset, and beginning to move toward the sun. In telescipes it is growing and size as its crescent wanes. It's quite a sight through this month and May.

Is in Leo this month and beginning to dim as the earth moves ahead of it in there orbits of the sun.

Jupiter is in the west in the evening, below Venus, and soon will only be seen in evening twilight.
Saturn is located to the left of the bright star Spica in Virgo. It will move in opposition from the sun on the 14^th.

Planet and Other Events for May 2012

May 12.

Last Quarter Moon 5:46 p.m.

May 20.

Annular Eclipse of Sun Path of Annularity below

Eclipse begins 20 May 20:55 (UT) 10°53'N 131°17'E
Greatest eclipse 20 May 23:52 (UT) 49° 5'N 176°29'E
Eclipse ends 21 May 2:48 (UT) 22°49'N 124° 6'W

For Traverse City:

Partial phase starts at 8:19 p.m.
Sunset as 9: 08 p.m.

Below is a simulation via Stellarium of the sun just about to set. From the Lake Michigan Overlook (Stop #9) on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. The Grand Traverse Astronomical Society will be there if it's clear.