May's astronomy outlook: Meteor shower joins new moon

This month's meteor shower coincides with a new moon, offering clear skies perfect for a night under the shooting stars.

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower kicks off May's astronomical events. Having come into view from the end of April, the shower peaks on the night of May 6th, between midnight and dawn.

Look towards the eastern skyline for the best chance to spot the meteors, they will appear lower in the sky the more northerly you are, with an average rate of 50 shooting stars per hour.

Making this shower even more appealing is its timing, with a new moon set to arrive on May 8th, offering clear evening skies free from moonlight.

Though for the best chance, you will still want to find a location away from the light pollution of large cities.

Events come almost simultaneously to begin May, with Mercury at its greatest western elongation on May 9th. Marking the best chance to spot the closest planet to the Sun.

On this day, look towards the eastern skyline from the UK or Ireland, Mercury will be at its highest point above the horizon just before sunrise.

Finally, this month, the Flower Moon rises on May 23rd. Like all full moons, it was named by Native Americans, this time for the timing of its appearance as many spring flowers came into bloom.

If you want to capture the moment of these events, you can do so with just a phone camera. Check out the article below to learn more!