A Cosmic Visual Feast Awaits!

Mark your calendars for May 2nd, when the stunning ice giant Neptune will cozy up with the bright planets Saturn and Venus in a breathtaking pre-dawn display! This planetary trio will be a sight to behold, but they won't be in this dazzling formation for long.

Optimal Viewing: Set Your Alarm!

To catch this celestial spectacle, find a clear stargazing spot about an hour before sunrise—specifically by 4:40 a.m. EDT (0830 GMT) for those in New York. The sun will rise at 5:53 a.m. EDT (0953 GMT), beautifully illuminating the sky and potentially obscuring Neptune.

Spotting the Stars: Tips for Stargazers!

Venus will outshine everything in sight with a brilliant magnitude of -4.41, sitting high in the sky. Saturn follows closely below and to its right at a magnitude of +1.19. Neptune, though dimmer at +7.94, will appear down and slightly to the right of Venus, needing high-powered binoculars or a quality telescope to observe its faint blue glow.

Important Viewing Safety!

As you prepare for this stargazing adventure, remember never to gaze directly at the rising sun, which will appear soon after Neptune. Doing so can lead to severe eye damage, so stay safe while enjoying the show!

Watch the Formation Shift!

As early May unfolds, the formation is set to change. By May 9th, expect a beautiful near-straight line across the eastern horizon as Neptune, Venus, and Saturn shift positions. By the end of the month, Venus will drop lower, while Saturn and Neptune rise higher into the predawn sky.

Ready for Adventure? Gear Up!

Are you in need of binoculars or a telescope to make the most of your skywatching? Check out our guides for the best deals on observing equipment! Don't miss your chance to capture these celestial wonders, whether it be the planetary alignment or a star-studded night.

Share Your Cosmic Capture!

Have you snapped some impressive night sky photos? Share your stunning images with us at spacephotos@space.com!