Astronomy enthusiasts in Illinois are in for a treat this Memorial Day weekend as May offers the best opportunity to view the Milky Way until late summer and fall.
Experts indicate that while the Milky Way can be glimpsed in some form throughout eight months of the year, its bright core becomes increasingly visible from midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere starting in May.
According to LiveScience, this presents an ideal window for star-gazers.
So when is the best time to look up in the sky?
Understanding the Milky Way is key to enjoying this celestial show. NASA describes it as a spiral galaxy with a disk of stars that spans over 100,000 light-years. Earth resides along one of the spiral arms, placed approximately halfway from the center. Our solar system completes an orbit around the Milky Way every 240 million years.
Milky Way season spans from February through October, as per Capture The Atlas, a dedicated Milky Way photography website. However, when sighting conditions are most favorable varies throughout this period.
For those hoping to catch sight of the galaxy, early mornings are ideal from February to June. Conversely, from July to August, viewers should take to the skies overnight, while evenings from September to October also offer good opportunities.
But timing isn’t the only factor; the moon’s phase plays a significant role in visibility.
NASA highlights that a bright moon can hinder your night sky observations. A full moon makes the night sky significantly brighter, creating what is known as skyglow, similar to light pollution created by cities. The best viewing times generally lie in the days around the new moon, when skies are darkest.
For May, the next new moon falls on May 26, coinciding perfectly with the prime viewing window.
Additional help in locating the Milky Way comes from the well-known Summer Triangle, which consists of three bright stars across the Milky Way’s path.
Though not a constellation, the Summer Triangle is an asterism formed by stars from three official constellations. It includes Vega from Lyra, Deneb from Cygnus, and Altair from Aquila.
Observers are encouraged to look for the triangle as it rises above the horizon; this can make the Milky Way easier to spot.
The Milky Way will present itself at higher elevations and become more visible as the Summer Triangle ascends in the sky, particularly in June and July. Yet, due to the lack of darkness in mid-northern latitudes around the solstice on June 20-21, experts assert that May remains the prime window for initial sightings of the Milky Way before it shines more brightly in August and September.
From May 20 to May 30, viewers should set their sights on the sky according to LiveScience, which highlights the best times for Milky Way viewing. During this period, the Summer Triangle will be situated in the east at midnight and will rise higher in the southeast by 3 a.m. CT.
It is crucial to find a suitable viewing location for the clearest view.
Meteorologist Jennifer Gray from Weather.com emphasizes the importance of cloud-free skies and being far from city lights, as light pollution can severely limit visibility of celestial phenomena.
In addition to finding darkness, the landscape is also vital; ideal locations should offer unobstructed views of the sky. NASA advises that when searching for the bright core of the Milky Way, typically found toward the south, one should avoid locations with tall mountains or heavy tree cover.
Places near lakeshores, meadows, or clearings typically provide better vantage points.
For those in the Chicago area, several locations are recognized as excellent spots for viewing due to their outstanding dark sky conditions.
Hawthorn Woods, Palos Preserves, and Homer Glen have all been certified as areas that promote optimal stargazing practices, offering ideal conditions for witnessing the stunning spectacle that is the Milky Way.
In conclusion, Illinois residents have an exciting opportunity to view the Milky Way this May.
With optimal timing around the new moon and the rising prominence of the Summer Triangle, stargazers should make the most of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.
image source from：https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/the-milky-way-will-be-particularly-visible-this-memorial-day-weekend-how-to-see-it/3752958/
