Page 9 - Curiosity_May2021

The sky map is prepared as per the coordinates of Nagpur (21.09°N, 79.09°E). It includes constel- lations and the brighter stars. For viewers south of Nagpur, constellations of the southern sky will appear higher up in the sky and those of the northern sky will appear nearer the northern horizon. Similarly, for viewers north of Nagpur, constellations of northern sky will appear higher up in the sky and those of the southern sky will appear nearer the southern horizon.
THE MAP CAN BE USED AT 10 PM ON 1ST MAY, AT 9 PM ON 15TH MAY AND AT 8 PM ON 31ST MAY.
FebruaMryay20220021
Vipin Singh Rawat
Astronomical Events of
MAY 2021
MAY 6, 7
ETA AQUARIDS METEOR SHOWER
The Eta Aquarids is an above-av- erage shower, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activities are seen
in the Southern Hemisphere, though the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour in the North- ern Hemisphere. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley. Best viewing will be from a dark location after mid- night. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
MAY 17
MERCURY AT GREATEST EASTERN ELONGATION
The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 22 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury in the western evening sky after sunset.
MAY 26
FULL MOON, SUPERMOON
This phase occurs at 16:43 IST. This is the second of three super- moons for 2021. The Moon will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.
MAY 26
TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's dark shad- ow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red colour. The eclipse will be visible throughout the Pacific Ocean and parts of eastern Asia, Japan, Australia, and western North America.
The author is Technical Assistant at Vigyan Prasar. Email: vipin@vigyanprasar.gov.in
Sky Map
FOR MAY 2021
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