PAGASA: Stars, planets visible in May night sky

Days may get longer than nights in the Philippines during May, but stargazers will still be rewarded by the sight of several stars and planets, state astronomers said.

PAGASA OIC Vicente Malano said the stars in the Big Dipper and the North Star, or Polaris, are among the visual treats in the sky for this month.

"After sunset, the grouping of stars known as Big Dipper is well placed high in the northeastern sky. The North Star, Polaris, can easily be located under normal weather condition by using the reference or the pointing stars, namely Dubhe and Merak," Malano said.

He noted that Polaris is the end point star of the handle of the Small Dipper, and the curved handle of the Big Dipper points toward Arcturus of the constellation Bootes.

As for the planets, Malano said Neptune, Venus and Uranus will be visible this month.

Neptune will lie among the background stars of the constellation Aquarius, while Venus and Uranus will be found on the constellation of Pisces.

He added Saturn will be found among the stars of the constellation Libra.

Jupiter will be visible for observation in the evening sky before midnight throughout the month, he added.
 
On the other hand, Mars will be visible as a bright reddish object. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News