Star Almanack
Alexander Ferrari Miller

ISO 2025-W19

Week begins: Monday, May 5, 2025

Notation:

Calendar

DateZodiac dayEvents
Mon, May 5, 2025♉ 17
Beltane · Spring–Summer midpoint — 05:57:11 UTC
Denebola (β Leo) — Naked eye 2 — Tropical Spring
Zavijava (β Vir) — Binoculars 4 — Tropical Spring
Tue, May 6, 2025♉ 18
β Hya — Binoculars 4 — Southern Spring
Finest NGC 44 / NGC 3941 · MCG 6-26-51 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
Phecda (γ UMa) — Naked eye 2 — Northern Spring
Wed, May 7, 2025♉ 19
M109 — Telescope 10 — Northern Spring
Thu, May 8, 2025♉ 20
Finest NGC 45 / NGC 4026 · MCG 9-20-52 — Telescope 12 — Northern Spring
Finest NGC 74 / NGC 4038 · The Antennae with 4039 / C60 / NGC 4038 · Antennae Galaxies — Telescope 11 — Tropical Spring
C61 / NGC 4039 · Antennae Galaxies — Telescope 13 — Tropical Spring
Fri, May 9, 2025♉ 21
Finest NGC 46 / NGC 4088 · Arp 18 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
Sat, May 10, 2025♉ 22
Finest NGC 59 / NGC 4111 · MCG 7-25-26 — Telescope 12 — Northern Spring
Alchiba (α Crv) — Binoculars 4 — Southern Spring
Sun, May 11, 2025♉ 23
Finest NGC 47 / NGC 4157 · MCG 9-20-106 — Telescope 12 — Northern Spring
M98 — Telescope 10 — Tropical Spring

Weekly Solar-System Ephemeris

Snapshot: Week begins May 5, 2025, 00:00 UTC.

(-90° to +90°; defaults +45°, 21:00 LAT)

Notation:
Body☉︎☽︎☿︎♀︎♂︎♃︎♄︎
Ecliptic♉︎ 14°46′
β +0°00′		♌︎ 19°44′
β +3°05′		♈︎ 21°14′
β −2°47′		♈︎ 2°34′
β +0°28′		♌︎ 7°27′
β +1°55′		♊︎ 22°11′
β −0°14′		♓︎ 28°15′
β −2°01′
ObservingNightNaked eye -10.3Naked eye -0.0Naked eye -4.7Naked eye 1.0Naked eye -2.0Naked eye 1.2
Rise04:4711:2404:0803:1110:2106:5303:15
Set19:1302:0316:5915:2801:2322:2115:00

Extended targets:

Body⚳︎♅︎♆︎♇︎
Ecliptic♓︎ 26°07′
β −8°47′		♉︎ 26°33′
β −0°13′		♈︎ 1°13′
β −1°17′		♒︎ 3°49′
β −3°33′
ObservingTelescope 9.3☉︎Telescope 7.8TelescopeTelescope 14.5
Rise03:4705:2303:1801:15
Set14:3520:1315:1710:03

β = ecliptic latitude (+ north, − south).
Rise and set are Local Apparent Time for the selected latitude.
Naked-eye observing uses the Sun’s altitude at the selected Monday observer time: Daylight (Sun ≥ −0.833°), Civil twilight (−0.833° to −6°), Nautical twilight (−6° to −12°), Astronomical twilight (−12° to −18°), and Night (below −18°).
Solar Glare identifies a body too close to the Sun when the sky-state rule does not already supersede its naked-eye classification.
The Sun’s observing status uses this same five-state sky classification.

Notation:

Planet Finder

Planet Finder — Greek / Symbols
Greek / Symbols
Planet Finder — English
English
Planet Finder — Mixed Learner
Mixed Learner

Sky Notes

Kilroy: Sky Notes · generated 2026-10-23 08:56:45 UTC

View:

ISO 2025-W19 runs from May 5 through May 11. Jupiter is about 0.4° in ecliptic longitude from Elnath in Taurus. Venus and Neptune are separated by about 1.3° in geocentric ecliptic longitude at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot.

Naked eye: No principal lunar phase is listed this week. Check the Moon's position each night and favor darker hours for low-contrast targets. Use Denebola, Phecda as the week’s fixed-sky framework.

Denebola: The Bright Lion’s Tail Star — A detailed look at Denebola, a prominent star marking the tail of Leo the lion, with its notable astronomical features and significance.

Phecda: The Heart of the Big Dipper — A prominent star shaping the iconic asterism in Ursa Major with consistent brilliance.

Planets: Moon: Naked eye; magnitude -10.3; direct motion; 54.5% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Mercury: Naked eye; magnitude -0.0; direct motion; 65.4% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Venus: Naked eye; magnitude -4.7; direct motion; 32.1% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Mars: Naked eye; magnitude 1.0; direct motion; 90.0% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Ceres: Telescope; magnitude 9.3; direct motion; 98.3% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Jupiter: Naked eye; magnitude -2.0; direct motion; 99.6% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Saturn: Naked eye; magnitude 1.2; direct motion; 99.9% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Uranus: In solar glare; magnitude 5.8; direct motion; 100.0% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Neptune: Telescope; magnitude 7.8; direct motion; 100.0% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Pluto: Substantial telescope; magnitude 14.5; retrograde motion; 100.0% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot.

Binoculars: Trace Virgo’s charted figure in the finder, then identify Zavijava at its charted position. Trace Hydra’s charted figure in the finder, then identify β Hya at its charted position. Trace Corvus’s charted figure in the finder, then identify Alchiba at its charted position.

Zavijava: The Heart of Virgo’s Stellar Tapestry — An enduring beacon in the sky, Zavijava embodies the quiet brilliance of Virgo's tapestry.

Beta Hydrae: A Gill of the Hydra Constellation — An enduring beacon in the night sky, Beta Hydrae offers valuable insights into stellar characteristics.

Alchiba: A Prominent Beacon in the Scorpion's Tail — Discover the significance and characteristics of the star Alchiba in the constellation Corvus.

Small telescope: MCG 6-26-51: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M109: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 9-20-52: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; Antennae Galaxies: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; Antennae Galaxies: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; Arp 18: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 7-25-26: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 9-20-106: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M98: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance

MCG 6-26-51: A Galaxy in the Heart of Ursa Major — An intriguing galaxy nestled within Ursa Major, offering a glimpse into the universe's vastness and complexity.

M109: A Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major — An enduring sight for stargazers and astronomers alike, M109 offers a glimpse into the grand design of the universe's spiral galaxies.

Unveiling MCG 9-20-52: A Galaxy in Ursa Major — A closer look at this intriguing galaxy, testifying to the universe's vast diversity.

The Antennae Galaxies: Cosmic Collisions in the Constellation Corvus — An exploration of one of the most intriguing interacting galaxy systems visible from Earth.

Antennae Galaxies: Colliding Giants in Corvus — An overview of the iconic merging galaxies in the constellation Corvus, highlighting their structure and significance.

Arp 18: A Hidden Gem in Ursa Major — An intriguing galaxy nestled within the constellation of Ursa Major, offering insights into cosmic structures.

Unveiling MCG 7-25-26: A Galaxy in Canes Venatici — A luminous member of the cosmic tapestry, shining quietly in the constellation Canes Venatici.

MCG 9-20-106: A Subtle Elliptical Galaxy in Ursa Major — An exploration of the characteristics and significance of this faint celestial object.

M98: A Spiral Galaxy in the Coma Berenices Constellation — Discover the characteristics and significance of this intriguing galaxy in the Northern sky.

Substantial telescope: No fixed-sky Calendar object is classified as requiring a substantial telescope this week.

Other objects listed this week: Antennae Galaxies

Mercury

Mercury: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 35.3° below the horizon. Rises 04:08; sets 16:59 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -0.0. The disk is 65.4% illuminated (gibbous). It is 23.7° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 1.499° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Alrescha, 10.5° away. Mercury: 10.5° from Alrescha in the Pathfinder.

Venus

Venus: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 43.5° below the horizon. Rises 03:11; sets 15:28 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -4.7. The disk is 32.1% illuminated (crescent). It is 42.2° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.642° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Fumalsamakah, 16.1° away. Saturn is 5.0° away at the snapshot. Neptune is 2.2° away at the snapshot. Venus: 16.1° from Fumalsamakah in the Pathfinder.

Moon

Moon: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 50.8° above the horizon. Rises 11:24; sets 02:03 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -10.3. The disk is 54.5% illuminated (waxing gibbous). It is 95.0° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 12.670° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Acubens, 10.0° away. Moon: 10.0° from Acubens in the Pathfinder.

Mars

Mars: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 44.3° above the horizon. Rises 10:21; sets 01:23 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 1.0. The disk is 90.0% illuminated (gibbous). It is 82.7° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.471° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Acubens, 9.6° away. Mars: 9.6° from Acubens in the Pathfinder.

Jupiter

Jupiter: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 12.1° above the horizon. Rises 06:53; sets 22:21 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -2.0. The disk is 99.6% illuminated (nearly full). It is 37.4° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.205° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Elnath, 5.7° away. Jupiter: 5.7° from Elnath in the Pathfinder.

Saturn

Saturn: naked eye at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 47.7° below the horizon. Rises 03:15; sets 15:00 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 1.2. The disk is 99.9% illuminated (nearly full). It is 46.5° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.098° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Fumalsamakah, 14.4° away. Venus is 5.0° away at the snapshot. Neptune is 3.1° away at the snapshot. Saturn: 14.4° from Fumalsamakah in the Pathfinder.

Uranus

Uranus: in solar glare at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Rises 05:23; sets 20:13 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 5.8. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 11.8° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.057° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Aldebaran, 14.6° away. Uranus: 14.6° from Aldebaran in the Pathfinder.

Neptune

Neptune: telescope at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 45.7° below the horizon. Rises 03:18; sets 15:17 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 7.8. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 43.6° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.029° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Fumalsamakah, 16.0° away. Venus is 2.2° away at the snapshot. Saturn is 3.1° away at the snapshot. Neptune: 16.0° from Fumalsamakah in the Pathfinder.

Ceres

Ceres: telescope at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 54.7° below the horizon. Rises 03:47; sets 14:35 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 9.3. The disk is 98.3% illuminated (gibbous). It is 49.2° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.339° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Diphda, 13.7° away. Ceres: 13.7° from Diphda in the Pathfinder.

Pluto

Pluto: substantial telescope at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. At 45°N and 21:00 local apparent solar time, it is 43.7° below the horizon. Rises 01:15; sets 10:03 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 14.5. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 100.9° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is retrograde at 0.000° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Dabih, 8.2° away. Pluto: 8.2° from Dabih in the Pathfinder.