May 1996 Sky Events

Observer Location:Beijing (39.904°, 116.407°)

Monthly Sky Events Overview

20 sky events total, including 4 moon phases and 1 planetary events.

Daily Sky Events

All times are in local time (Asia/Shanghai)

Group Date Sunrise/Sunset Moonrise/Moonset Moon Phase Sky Events

Planetary outlook

May 1996 mid-month observing conditions

Mercury

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 7.1
Constellation: Taurus
Angular diameter: 12.1"
Status: near superior conjunction

Observation tip: A telescope is required; Mercury stays close to the Sun; best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 03h29m16s
Declination: +18°18'11"

Venus

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -4.7
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 43.5"
Status: near superior conjunction

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Venus is the brightest planet and is best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 05h49m59s
Declination: +27°27'32"

Mars

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.3
Constellation: Taurus
Angular diameter: 3.9"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Its reddish appearance is obvious; it is best observed near opposition

Right ascension: 02h27m32s
Declination: +14°09'41"

Jupiter

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -2.5
Constellation: Capricornus
Angular diameter: 43.3"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Its moons are easy to spot and it is excellent for telescope observing

Right ascension: 19h15m46s
Declination: -22°14'45"

Saturn

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.0
Constellation: Aries
Angular diameter: 16.4"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Saturn’s rings require a telescope to see clearly

Right ascension: 00h18m27s
Declination: -00°19'26"

Uranus

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 5.8
Constellation: Aquarius
Angular diameter: 3.6"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Binoculars are recommended; Binoculars or a telescope are recommended

Right ascension: 20h28m13s
Declination: -19°41'04"

Neptune

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 7.8
Constellation: Capricornus
Angular diameter: 2.3"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: A telescope is required; A telescope is required; Neptune appears blue-green

Right ascension: 19h58m39s
Declination: -20°08'33"

Moon

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -12.7
Constellation: Aries
Angular diameter: 12073.8"
Status: Moon illumination 6.5%

Observation tip: Moon illumination 6.5%; good for observing lunar surface detail

Right ascension: 01h33m18s
Declination: +08°57'10"