2017 Week 18: (April 30-May 6)

The beginning of May is upon us even though the weather may tell a different story.  The sky has been overcast for nearly a week now and there has been no opportunity to observe anything.  The forecast next week is calling for mainly sunny skies with small chances of a shower.  If this holds it could be the best observing weather we've had this year.  There are a few things to take note of in the sky.

Date	Event
Apr 30	Venus greatest illuminated extent
May 2	Mercury stationary
May 2	First Quarter
May 4	Regulus 0.5°N of Moon
May 6	Eta-Aquariid meteor peak

Venus will be at its brightest point in the morning sky on Sunday.  It will be magnitude -4.5 with a waxing crescent phase.  This may seem counter intuitive that Venus is brighter as a 35% crescent than when it is full.  However, when Venus is full it is also further away from us and it appears much smaller thus appearing dimmer.  Venus is at its largest when it is at its new phase during its inferior conjunction with the Sun.  I took the image below back on February 11 when Venus was at 38% in the evening sky.

Venus, February 11, 2017

The Moon will be in the early stages of its cycle and reach first quarter on May 2.  This is typically the best time to view the Moon with binoculars or a telescope.  If the weather forecast is correct I am hoping to finish the impact crater section of the Explore the Universe certification.

If you are lucky you can catch an annual May meteor shower known as the Eta Aquariids.  The peak of the shower is on the morning of May 6.  If you look toward the ESE around 5:30am before the Sun has risen you may catch the shower.  It peaks around 60 meteors per hour but it has been known to be difficult for us northern observers to see it.

There will be some great opportunities to participate in astronomy events around Calgary.  The RAO is having its open house this Saturday at 8pm!  See below for details!

https://www.facebook.com/events/275898642862690/