Sky Watch, May
May 1, 2026
by Peter Lutken
Thunderstorms and exams are arriving in a rush, so get ready for May! Here are some things to look for:
Evening Skies: Bright Venus and Jupiter lead the setting winter stars. In May, they'll draw closer together until they pass each other in early June. Spring stars are high: the Big Dipper, Leo, and Arcturus Wheel overhead through the night.
Full Moon: May 1; May 31. A special "Blue Moon" is in store for May.
Morning Skies: Mars and Saturn are very low in the southeast. They'll get higher and more visible in June. Summer stars are ahead of them, high overhead!
Quarry/Outdoors: Cottonwood seeds will soon be drifting like snow, and Flycatchers are starting to show up over the fields. Watch for Barn Swallows, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, and Herons!
The photo is a pair of Little Blue Herons, beautiful visitors to the Quarry on a rainy day some years ago. Just seeing them would brighten up any day!
Head outdoors and look around when you can!
PKL
