May 2002 Sky Events

Observer Location:Beijing (39.904°, 116.407°)

Monthly Sky Events Overview

23 sky events total, including 4 moon phases and 2 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 2002 mid-month observing conditions

Mercury

Good
Apparent magnitude: 2.2
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 10.4"
Status: near superior conjunction

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Mercury stays close to the Sun; best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 04h32m18s
Declination: +23°25'57"

Venus

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -3.9
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 11.9"
Status: near greatest western elongation

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: 05h30m35s
Declination: +24°36'25"

Mars

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.7
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 3.9"
Status: near western quadrature

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

Right ascension: 05h20m51s
Declination: +24°02'36"

Jupiter

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -1.9
Constellation: Cancer
Angular diameter: 33.9"
Status: near western 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: 06h57m57s
Declination: +22°59'59"

Saturn

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.1
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 16.6"
Status: near western quadrature

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

Right ascension: 04h56m20s
Declination: +21°17'45"

Uranus

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 5.9
Constellation: Pisces
Angular diameter: 3.5"
Status: near eastern quadrature

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

Right ascension: 22h04m22s
Declination: -12°36'59"

Neptune

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

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

Right ascension: 20h53m38s
Declination: -17°23'39"

Moon

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -12.7
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 11984.5"
Status: Moon illumination 6.6%

Observation tip: Moon illumination 6.6%; good for observing lunar surface detail

Right ascension: 05h32m44s
Declination: +23°49'48"