2018 Week 21: (May 20-May 26)

This week marks the end of night for Calgary!  Night occurs when the Sun is more than 18° below the horizon.  Since we are somewhat high in the Northern Hemisphere we experience 2 months without official night!  For a full discussion on this follow the link below.

http://simonjastronomy.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-twilight.html

Even though astronomers from Calgary mope around in astronomical twilight it certainly does not mean there is nothing to see.  There are a few conjunctions this week that may be fun to check out.  The chart below highlights these dark sky events!

Date	Event
May 20	Moon 1.7°S of Beehive (M44)
May 21	Venus 0.7°N of M35
May 21	Regulus 1.5°S of Moon
May 21	First Quarter
May 21	Falcon 9 Launch (Iridium Next 51-55 & GRACE Follow-On) 13:47:58 MDT

The Falcon 9 Launch that was supposed to happen last week has been rescehduled to this Monday.  Check out the following site at the time listed above.

https://spaceflightnow.com/

The Moon will appear very close to the Beehive Cluster and will be a great sight in a pair of binoculars.  Even though it will be 1.7° from the cluster it will be nearly 9° by the time it gets dark.  Sunday night, put the Moon in binoculars and go slightly West.  The Beehive should appear in your view.

M44 - Beehive Cluster

I am more excited about Venus and M35 being in the same telescopic field of view on Monday!  M35 is one of my favourite clusters and I like showcasing it at public events.  Unfortunately I do not yet have a good photograph of it but perhaps next Winter when it is again high in the sky during the evening.

During the same evening, watch out for the Moon next to the bright star Regulus in Leo.  An interesting sight for the eyes and through optical aid.

Do not forget to turn your eyes to Jupiter.  It shines extremely bright in the southeastern sky early in the evening and progresses across the sky until morning.  If you can rest a pair of binoculars so they don't shake while holding them you will see all 4 of the Galilean Moons orbiting the big planet.  A telescope will bring out the finer equatorial bands and red spot of Jupiter; a marvelous sight.

Venus offers a unique pairing to Jupiter as it resides in the northwestern sky at the same time.  Look for it in Gemini.  If you have good eyes, you can see it before the sun drops below the horizon.

Go outside during the evening and enjoy the stars and planets above during the last full week of May!