Starwatch for May 2026

Hello! I’m Karl Hricko of United Astronomy Clubs of NJ, and the NationalSpce society, bringing you the May Starwatch for WNTI – the sound ofCentenary.

Do you know when was the first attempt to figure out ”The sizes and distances of the Moon and the sun”? As a matter of fact, this was the actual title of a paper written by a famous astronomer and mathematician. It explained how this measurement was done using observation, geometry, and logic. The paper was published in the third century B.C. This was quite an amazing feat without being able to use modern day instruments. His name doesn’t fit into ordinary household conversation. It was Aristarchus of Samos –a citizen of ancient Greece.

To find the visible planets without having to measure their size and distance, we can look to the west after sunset to see Jupiter in Gemini, and then brilliant Venus just below it in Taurus. Looking a little lower, if you are lucky, you will see Mercury in Aries – just above the horizon. Looking east at dawn you will be able to spot Saturn in Pisces, and then Mars below it – as it creeps in toward the end of the month in Cancer the Crab. It will be seen just two degrees from the Beehive Star Cluster. You should also know that this is a Blue Moon month because Full Moom will be seen twice.

So now even though Aristarchus hasn’t yet become a household word, we should know about his insightful contributions to the field of astronomy, as we enjoy the beauty of the visible planets.

Until our next Starwatch … Don’t forget to check out –   What’s up in the night sky!