Looking planets May 2025 is highly recommended for anyone who likes to look up. With as many as four visible planets as well as a rare possible supernova approaching, this is a month full of cosmic spectacle. Both the evening sky and the morning sky have something special to offer.
Watching planets May 2025 at night
The best times to watch planets in May 2025 begin immediately after sunset. The western sky is then the place to be.
Mars and Jupiter: evening sky classics
- Mars is clearly visible to the west and remains visible until about midnight. At May 3 Mars forms a striking duo with the First Quarter Moon.
- Jupiter sinks below the horizon faster and faster. In early May it is still visible for about two hours after sunset, by late May it disappears within an hour.
These two planets are excellent to see with the naked eye. With a telescope, you can even see the shadows of Jupiter's moons or the color differences on Mars.
Watching planets May 2025 in the morning sky
Also for early risers is planetary watching in may 2025 more than worth the effort. Just before sunrise, two planets are poised in the east.
Venus, Saturn and the Moon: a beautiful morning trio
- Venus is the brightest object in the eastern sky and stands out immediately.
- Saturn is close to Venus in early May, but is slowly climbing higher in the sky.
- Retrieved from May 23 constitutes the Moon together with Venus and Saturn a striking spectacle.
A supernova with the naked eye? Here's what you need to know
Besides the planets, there may be something unique to see in May: eruption of the recurring nova T Coronae Borealis.. This is a binary star consisting of a white dwarf and a red giant. When the white dwarf collects enough hydrogen from its partner, an explosion ensues: a nova.
Why is this important?
- The last eruption took place in 1946
- Astronomers saw same behavior in 2024 as just before previous eruption
- The nova could happen this year - and perhaps in May 2025
During the eruption, the star becomes visible to the naked eye, as bright as the North Star. Thus, a unique opportunity: A supernova without a telescope.
Here's how to find the supernova in Corona Borealis
The constellation Corona Borealis (Northern Crown) can be found among the bright stars Arcturus and Vega. The brightest star of the Northern Crown is called Alphecca, and the nova will appear just below this star.
You can find it by starting from the stem of the Great Bear toward Arcturus, and then move slightly toward Vega. See the map below:
Lunar phases for May 2025
For planetary observations or deep-sky objects, it is useful to know when the Moon is disturbing (or not):
- May 4 - First quarter
- May 12 - Full moon
- May 20 - Last quarter
- May 26 - New Moon (Best night for deep-sky observations!)
Want to watch planets yourself in May 2025?
Are you going planet-gazing for the first time in May 2025, or are you just looking to upgrade your equipment? Then this is the time to invest in a good telescope or smart stargazer.
Recommended models:
Or check out our telescope selection guide for the right model. Would you prefer to test drive first? You can also rent a telescope through our rental page.
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