Stargazing Summary
Of the five planets easily visible to the unaided eye, only Mercury is missing from view this month. The other four are in good view, with one of them, Jupiter, putting in its best showing of the year. Venus climbs higher as the Evening Star, while Mars and Saturn remain in the early morning sky. Among the stars, Regulus and Spica climb to their full spring glory.
More stargazing information »
More stargazing information »
Radio Program Highlights
If you want to start hearing the StarDate program in your area, you can request a station to carry our program by emailing the request to stations@stardate.org.
May 1-6: Setting sail. The launch window opens this week for the next mission to Mars, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about an important date in ancient calendars, and about a star with an odd "twinkle." Join us for these and more.
May 7-13: Golden locks. The tresses of an ancient queen decorate the evening sky this week, and we'll have details on the queen, her stars, and her sparkly galaxies. Join us for Coma Berenices, plus a giant showing by a giant world and more.
May 14-20: Mighty Hercules. The strongman climbs into the evening sky at this time of year, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about two families of stars in Hercules, including one with some of the oldest stars in the galaxy. Join us for this and more.
May 21-27: Sightseeing. We'll visit a region of Mars that might have some of the best sights in the solar system, including giant volcanoes and a system of canyons that dwarf the Grand Canyon. Join us for Tharsis Ridge and much more.
May 28-June 3: Cosmic hazards. The Sun is getting especially quiet, so it produces fewer outbursts that could damage orbiting satellites. But that lets in a threat from outside the solar system. Join us for cosmic rays and much more.
Program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on about 400 radio stations in the United States. Find an affiliate »
May 1-6: Setting sail. The launch window opens this week for the next mission to Mars, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about an important date in ancient calendars, and about a star with an odd "twinkle." Join us for these and more.
May 7-13: Golden locks. The tresses of an ancient queen decorate the evening sky this week, and we'll have details on the queen, her stars, and her sparkly galaxies. Join us for Coma Berenices, plus a giant showing by a giant world and more.
May 14-20: Mighty Hercules. The strongman climbs into the evening sky at this time of year, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about two families of stars in Hercules, including one with some of the oldest stars in the galaxy. Join us for this and more.
May 21-27: Sightseeing. We'll visit a region of Mars that might have some of the best sights in the solar system, including giant volcanoes and a system of canyons that dwarf the Grand Canyon. Join us for Tharsis Ridge and much more.
May 28-June 3: Cosmic hazards. The Sun is getting especially quiet, so it produces fewer outbursts that could damage orbiting satellites. But that lets in a threat from outside the solar system. Join us for cosmic rays and much more.
Program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on about 400 radio stations in the United States. Find an affiliate »
This Month in StarDate Magazine
Our Summer Reading Issue is out now! We bring you excerpts from new books in astronomy and space science. Additionally, we have summer skywatching tips and charts, plus the latest astronomy news.
Subscribe today
Subscribe today
Creating Star Stuff on Earth
Astrophysicists will conduct experiments designed to re-create the physical environment inside stars, with a new $7 million grant that the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has awarded to The University of Texas at Austin. This work could help astronomers reduce uncertainties about the sizes and ages of super-dense objects known as white dwarf stars. The grant, distributed over a five-year period, will allow the university to establish a new Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties, which aims to advance astronomy through experimental science.
Read more »
Read more »
About SkyTips
SkyTips is a monthly email newsletter for visitors to McDonald Observatory and StarDate Online. Each issue features stargazing highlights, upcoming StarDate radio program descriptions, and other news. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Education and Outreach Office, 2515 Speedway C1402, Austin, TX 78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit given to McDonald Observatory.
SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Education and Outreach Office, 2515 Speedway C1402, Austin, TX 78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit given to McDonald Observatory.
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