“It’s that Stargazing Place in West Wight”

WELCOME TO THE

ISLAND PLANETARIUM

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WE REGRET CLOSED FOR FAMILY REASONS

We shall not open for some weeks

When we reopen, shows and events will be pre-booked

************************************* STANDARD SHOW PRICES WHEN OPEN

Adult £6.00, Child £4.00 each show.

Three shows for price of Two £12.00 / £8.00

Come to 2 SHOWS & get the 3rd for FREE

Also 25% OFF every show and event with our

LOCAL RESIDENT DISCOUNT CARD

COSTS ONLY £12.50 for th***************

STARGAZING & MONTHLY STAR GUIDE

Island Planetarium

Monthly Sky Guide – May 2024

Greetings Stargazers.

Let me start by saying just how wonderful the total Solar Eclipse was last month despite being invisible from the UK. For those who were unable to see it, go to Youtube and checkout the videos by NASA TV. As the eclipse tracked across the USA it was possible to see it from five locations and each Eclipse was different so well worth a view.

Weatherwise I’m not sure Spring has sprung yet, but the Constellations are much more reliable, and always move to the same part of the sky each year. Looking North, we see that Ursa Major also known as the Great Bear is well placed for viewing. See if you can locate the 7 stars that make up the Plough. This is also referred to as the Big Dipper, the Saucepan or the Frying Pan.

There is a lovely double star to be seen which was once used as an eye test to check the accuracy of your eyesight. When the sky is dark enough, look closely at the second star in the Plough handle known as Mizar. You may notice a smaller star adjacent to it known as Alcor. Binoculars or a small telescope will show it easily.

The Moon will be New on the 8th and Full on the 23rd, and a lovely sight to see when the Moon is in its early waxing phase, is an effect known as Earthshine. This is when sunlight is reflected off the white clouds and polar regions of the Earth, back out into space, and catches the unlit part of the Moon. Another more romantic description is known as  “The Old Moon in the New Moons Arms.” See if you can spot it between the 9th and 12th this month with the naked eye, or with binoculars.

The Planets are not very favourable in May unless you wish to set your alarm for about 4.30 am. Saturn and Mars may be found in the early dawn sky.

Similarly the Meteor Shower associated with Halleys Comet known as the Aquariids will peak around the 6th, but best viewing will be from 3am until just before sunrise.

If you are new to stargazing and astronomy, it’s easy to think that an expensive telescope is necessary to begin with. Happily, this is not the case. I remember the words of the late great Sir Patrick Moore who suggested it’s much better to start with the naked eye, then progress to a pair of binoculars say 7×50 or 6×35 and go from there. If you wish to pursue our wonderful hobby further, you can use our telescope at our next Stargazing evening which is scheduled for Tuesday 7th of May. 

I wish you all clear skies.

John Ward Amateur Astronomer  Island Planetarium

Website– islandastronomy.co.uk Facebook- Island Planetarium