Science

Tonight's Celestial Wonders: Discover Juno and the Majestic M5

2025-05-15

Author: Ming

A Stellar Show Awaits!

Get ready to gaze at the night sky tonight, as a spectacular cosmic event unfolds! The main-belt asteroid 3 Juno, having reached opposition yesterday, is now positioned directly opposite the sun. This means it will rise at sunset and set at sunrise, making it a must-see for stargazers.

How to Spot Juno Tonight!

Approximately two hours after sunset, Juno will be visible about 30° high in the southeast. With a magnitude of 10, it’s easily viewable through binoculars or a small telescope. Look for Juno just 2.3° northwest of the bright star Mu (μ) Serpentis, located near the southern edge of Serpens Caput, close to northeastern Libra.

Unveiling the Incredible Juno!

As the third asteroid ever discovered, Juno is quite the giant, measuring around 155 miles (250 km) across, making it the third-largest object in the main asteroid belt. Don't miss this chance to observe such a significant celestial body!

But Wait, There's More!

While you’re scanning the skies, shift your focus a bit over 7° northwest of Juno, or about 8.5° west-southwest of the star Epsilon (ε) Serpentis. You’ll encounter the breathtaking globular cluster M5, shining at magnitude 5.6. Spanning roughly 23', this brilliant and densely packed cluster is believed to be one of the oldest in our Milky Way galaxy, dating back about 13 billion years!

Your Stargazing Guide for Tonight

Don’t miss these other celestial timings: - **Sunrise:** 5:45 A.M. - **Sunset:** 8:09 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 11:32 P.M. - **Moonset:** 7:19 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waning gibbous (92%) Grab your telescope and embark on a mesmerizing adventure through the cosmos tonight!