Blue moon, approach of Venus and Jupiter and Leo mark the sky in May

Maio of 2026 ends with a rare phenomenon: two full moons in the same month. The first occurs on the 2nd and the second, known as the “blue moon”, appears on the 31st. The lunar cycle, lasting approximately 29.5 days, occasionally allows 2 full moons to fit into a single month of the solar calendar, creating the celestial event that astronomy amateurs and professionals alike follow with interest.

Blue Moon Além period brings significant planetary alignments. Vênus and Júpiter progressively approach each other in the afternoon sky, a movement that will culminate in a close conjunction on June 9th. The constellation of Leão, which slowly disappears over the western horizon after sunset, offers one of the last observing opportunities well before it dissolves into twilight.

Lua blue and the lunar alignments of May

The term “blue moon” originates from the English idiomatic expression “once in a blue moon”, meaning rarity. Apesar from the name, the moon does not exhibit a blue hue. Seu’s true charm lies in the rarity of the event and the observation conditions. At moonrise, it appears larger visually. Conforme lunar light passes through the dense Earth atmosphere, disperses, giving a particularly vibrant tone to the satellite.

On May 27, the 11-day-old moon will approach Spica, the brightest first-magnitude star in the Virgem constellation. Essa proximity occurs between sunset and early morning of the 28th. On the 30th, a nearly round moon, 14 lunar days old, rises from the southeast almost simultaneously with sunset. Cerca 2 hours after sunset, Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Escorpião, becomes clearly visible to the left and below the moon.

Observadores must check the local moonrise time on May 31st, find a place with a clear view to the southeast and wait patiently for the moment. The full moon, appearing above the horizon, glows orange and appears substantially larger than when it is at the zenith. In the early morning of Monday, June 1, the moon will remain very close to Antares.

Vênus and Júpiter in slow but noticeable approach

Embora the moon is the protagonist of the night sky this week, Vênus and Júpiter, which gradually approach each night in the evening sky, demand equal attention from observers. Vênus, called the “evening star,” shines brightly near the western horizon. Júpiter is positioned to your left and above, creating a visual configuration easily followed through simple observation.

The slow approach of the 2 planets can be observed simply by looking at the western sky every consecutive night. On June 9th, the 2 celestial bodies will be in close conjunction, creating a magnificent spectacle visible to the naked eye. Esse celestial phenomenon reminds observers that the planets are in constant motion against the backdrop of the starry sky. Durante June, Vênus will shine at the highest point in the afternoon night sky, cementing its position as the most prominent luminous object after sunset.

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Leão: last observation opportunity before disappearance

The constellation Leão marks the week as one of the last chances for proper observation before it disappears completely into the twilight. Nesta time of year, Leão slowly sets in the western sky after sunset, remaining one of the easiest constellations to spot in the night sky for both beginners and experienced observers.

Seu characteristic “sickle” shape represents the head of a lion galloping through the night sky. The exceptionally bright star Regulus occupies the tip of this formation, symbolically representing the heart of the king of beasts in celestial mythology. Atrás from Regulus, the stars that form the lion’s buttocks are arranged in an easily identifiable triangular pattern.

The bold and simple shape of the constellation makes it perfect for beginners who want to venture into amateur astronomical observation. The clear visual structure allows observers to quickly locate the constellation without optical equipment. Nas In the coming weeks, Leão will fade into the twilight, making this week particularly valuable for those seeking to observe this classic celestial representation.

Perspectivas astronomical forecasts for June

With the arrival of June and the monthly transition, moonrise occurs progressively later each night, gradually allowing the dark night sky to return after sunset. Esse pattern creates improved conditions for astronomical observation during the last month of boreal spring and early summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Entre On the 8th and 10th of June, Vênus will make a significant approach to Júpiter, a phenomenon that will create a memorable spectacle for observers at any latitude. Around the 14th to 16th, the biggest “super new moon” of the year will signal the arrival of a short but precious night of darkness particularly favorable for observing faint celestial bodies. On the 16th, Mercúrio will reach its greatest eastern elongation, becoming easier to see on the western horizon immediately after sunset, completing the cycle of visible planetary phenomena:

• Conjunção from Vênus and Júpiter on June 9
• Superlua new between June 14th and 16th
• Maior eastern elongation of Mercúrio on the 16th
• Céu progressively darker nighttime for in-depth observation
• Melhor visibility of faint celestial objects during maximum darkness