Behold the Morning Marvel!

Early risers, mark your calendars! This Thursday morning, May 22, the sky is set to dazzle with a stunning display featuring the crescent Moon dancing in close proximity to the majestic Saturn and distant Neptune. To catch this celestial trio, step outside 90 minutes before sunrise and gaze towards the eastern horizon.

Find the Crescent Moon!

The freshly waning crescent Moon will be positioned in southwestern Pisces, just below the well-known Circlet asterism, making it a sight you won't want to miss. Its slender silhouette casts a spell as it shines brightly among the stars.

Saturn Takes the Spotlight!

To the lower left of the Moon, look for Saturn, radiating with first-magnitude brilliance amidst a sparsely populated star field. Through a telescope, you can get an up-close look at its stunning disk, stretching to 17 inches and showcasing rings that span a remarkable 37 inches, tilted just enough to reveal their southern face. Don’t forget to spot Titan, Saturn’s largest and brightest moon, twinkling about 1.3 arcminutes west of the planet.

Spotting the Elusive Neptune!

Continuing your skyward adventure, scan 2 degrees northeast of Saturn to find Neptune, the elusive ice giant shining at an understated 8th magnitude. Through a telescope, it will appear as a faint, flat star, possibly shimmering in shades of gray or blue.

Venus Shines Brightly Nearby!

Adding to the enchanting scene, the brilliant Venus will be situated far to the lower left of the trio, glowing at a striking magnitude of -4.5. Be sure to join us tomorrow morning to witness the Moon’s close approach to this luminous planet!

Mark Your Astronomical Calendar!

The Moon's journey continues as it passes just 3 degrees north of Saturn at 2 P.M. EDT and later drifts 2 degrees north of Neptune at 5 P.M. EDT. Don't miss these moments!

Timings to Remember:

- Sunrise: 5:39 A.M. - Sunset: 8:15 P.M. - Moonrise: 2:48 A.M. - Moonset: 3:09 P.M. The Moon is currently in a waning crescent phase, reflecting 26% of its illumination.