May 2022 – Page 2 – Astronomy Now

StellaLyra 250mm, f/5 Dobsonian: The light-bucket with a touch of class

16 May 2022 Ade Ashford

First Light Optics’ StellaLyra-branded fleet of Dobsonian telescopes combine high-performance with some excellent accessories, writes Ade Ashford.

Don’t miss out on Messier 51, the wonderful Whirlpool Galaxy

16 May 2022 Mark Armstrong

Magnificent Messier 51 (NGC 5194), the Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici, is without doubt the best and most famous example of a spiral galaxy that is presented face-on to our perspective.

See a total eclipse of the Moon

13 May 2022 Mark Armstrong

On the 15/16 May (Sunday into Monday) there’s a total eclipse of the Moon visible primarily in the Western Hemisphere, with UK observers catching just the start of totality as the Moon is very close to setting.

Milky Way’s supermassive black hole shines in stunning first portrait

12 May 2022 Keith Cooper

The black hole in the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy has been imaged for the first time, showing a ring of gas encircling the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape.

Observe the Moon occulting Porrima, Virgo’s celebrated second star.

11 May 2022 Mark Armstrong

On the morning of 13 May (12/13), the Moon occults Porrima (gamma Virginis), Virgo’s celebrated binary star, in an event that’s visible across the UK.

Webb optical alignment complete and virtually perfect

9 May 2022 Astronomy Now

NASA says the James Webb Space Telescope’s optical system is now in virtually perfect alignment, setting the stage for instrument commissioning and science operations later this summer.

The Sky Imaging Edition Part 1: TPoint modelling

6 May 2022 Astronomy Now

Software Bisque’s latest edition of The Sky software isn’t just a digital planetarium, but makes for an excellent assistant for imagers, allowing computer control of all facets of the imaging process.

Juno captures spectacular view of Ganymede’s shadow on Jupiter’s cloud tops

2 May 2022 Astronomy Now

NASA’s Juno probe captures a stunning image of Ganymede’s shadow moving across Jupiter’s cloud tops, providing a unique perspective on an event familiar to amateur astronomers.

Ingenuity zooms over Mars rover’s discarded parachute and backshell

2 May 2022 Astronomy Now

The Ingenuity Mars helicopter captures intriguing images of the Perseverance rover’s discarded parachute and backshell.