Star Almanack
Alexander Ferrari Miller

ISO 2027-W19

Week begins: Monday, May 10, 2027

Notation:

Calendar

DateZodiac dayEvents
Mon, May 10, 2027♉ 21
Finest NGC 46 / NGC 4088 · Arp 18 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
Finest NGC 59 / NGC 4111 · MCG 7-25-26 — Telescope 12 — Northern Spring
Alchiba (α Crv) — Binoculars 4 — Southern Spring
Tue, May 11, 2027♉ 22
Finest NGC 47 / NGC 4157 · MCG 9-20-106 — Telescope 12 — Northern Spring
Wed, May 12, 2027♉ 23
M98 — Telescope 10 — Tropical Spring
Finest NGC 60 / NGC 4214 · MCG 6-27-42 — Telescope 10 — Northern Spring
Finest NGC 76 / NGC 4216 · MCG 2-31-72 — Telescope 11 — Tropical Spring
Thu, May 13, 2027♉ 24
🌓 First Quarter — 04:43:54 UTC
C3 / NGC 4236 — Telescope 10 — Arctic Spring
Finest NGC 61 / NGC 4244 · Silver Needle / C26 / NGC 4244 — Telescope 10 — Northern Spring
β Cha — Binoculars 4 — Antarctic Spring
M99 — Telescope 10 — Tropical Spring
M106 — Telescope 8 — Northern Spring
Finest NGC 68 / NGC 4274 · MCG 5-29-60 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
Fri, May 14, 2027♉ 25
M61 — Telescope 10 — Tropical Spring
M40 — Telescope 8 — Northern Spring
M100 — Telescope 9 — Tropical Spring
Sat, May 15, 2027♉ 26
Finest NGC 75 / NGC 4361 — Telescope 11 — Tropical Spring
M84 — Telescope 9 — Tropical Spring
M85 — Telescope 9 — Tropical Spring
Finest NGC 77 / NGC 4388 · MCG 2-32-41 — Telescope 12 — Tropical Spring
C108 / NGC 4372 — Telescope 8 — Antarctic Spring
M86 — Telescope 9 — Tropical Spring
Finest NGC 69 / NGC 4414 · MCG 5-29-85 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
Acrux (α1 Cru) — Naked eye 1 — Southern Spring
α2 Cru — Naked eye 2 — Southern Spring
Finest NGC 78 / NGC 4438 · The Eyes with 4435 — Telescope 11 — Tropical Spring
Finest NGC 62 / NGC 4449 · MCG 7-26-9 / C21 / NGC 4449 — Telescope 10 — Northern Spring
Sun, May 16, 2027♉ 27
M49 — Telescope 8 — Tropical Spring
Finest NGC 63 / NGC 4490 · Cocoon Galaxy — Telescope 10 — Northern Spring
M87 — Telescope 9 — Tropical Spring
Gacrux (γ Cru) — Naked eye 2 — Southern Spring
Finest NGC 70 / NGC 4494 · MCG 4-30-2 — Telescope 11 — Northern Spring
M88 — Telescope 10 — Tropical Spring

Weekly Solar-System Ephemeris

Snapshot: Week begins May 10, 2027, 00:00 UTC.

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

Notation:
Body☉︎☽︎☿︎♀︎♂︎♃︎♄︎
Ecliptic♉︎ 19°08′
β +0°00′		♋︎ 6°38′
β +3°09′		♊︎ 1°51′
β +1°33′		♈︎ 24°04′
β −1°39′		♌︎ 28°21′
β +1°51′		♌︎ 18°05′
β +0°59′		♈︎ 21°39′
β −2°16′
ObservingNightNaked eye -8.1☉︎Naked eye -3.9Naked eye 0.4Naked eye -2.1Naked eye 0.7
Rise04:4207:1905:1203:5111:5711:0403:49
Set19:1823:2620:3016:5901:5901:2916:45

Extended targets:

Body⚳︎♅︎♆︎♇︎
Ecliptic♋︎ 25°44′
β +8°10′		♊︎ 4°46′
β −0°07′		♈︎ 5°42′
β −1°22′		♒︎ 7°11′
β −4°34′
ObservingTelescope 8.7☉︎Telescope 7.8TelescopeTelescope 14.6
Rise08:3105:3103:1001:13
Set01:1020:3815:2310:00

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 2026-10-22 11:09:08 UTC

View:

ISO 2027-W19 runs from May 10 through May 16. To find Mars, first identify Leo, trace the Sickle, and locate Regulus in that pattern. Mars lies about 1.5° away in ecliptic longitude at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot; use the finder to transfer from Regulus to the planet. Venus and Saturn are separated by about 2.4° in geocentric ecliptic longitude at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot.

Naked eye: 🌓 First Quarter — 04:43:54 UTC. Moderate moonlight makes timing and local sky position important for faint targets. Use Acrux, Alpha2 Cru, Gacrux as the week’s fixed-sky framework.

Acrux: The Brightest Star of the Southern Cross — An enduring beacon in the southern sky, Acrux stands out as one of the most luminous stars visible from Earth.

Alpha2 Cru: A Guiding Star in the Southern Sky — An exploration of Alpha2 Cru, its characteristics, and its place in the constellation Cru.

Gacrux: The Brightest Star of the Southern Cross — A detailed overview of Gacrux, one of the most prominent stars in the constellation Cru, and a key component of the iconic Southern Cross asterism.

Planets: Moon: Naked eye; magnitude -8.1; direct motion; 16.3% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Conjunction with Mars in ecliptic longitude May 13 17:31 UTC. Conjunction with Ceres in ecliptic longitude May 11 08:38 UTC. Conjunction with Jupiter in ecliptic longitude May 12 22:03 UTC. Mercury: In solar glare; magnitude -1.2; direct motion; 85.2% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Conjunction with Uranus in ecliptic longitude May 11 12:49 UTC. Venus: Naked eye; magnitude -3.9; direct motion; 90.4% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Mars: Naked eye; magnitude 0.4; direct motion; 89.8% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 13 17:31 UTC. Ceres: Telescope; magnitude 8.7; direct motion; 96.6% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 11 08:38 UTC. Jupiter: Naked eye; magnitude -2.1; direct motion; 99.1% illuminated. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 12 22:03 UTC. Saturn: Naked eye; magnitude 0.7; 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. Conjunction with Mercury in ecliptic longitude May 11 12:49 UTC. 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 14.6; retrograde motion; 100.0% illuminated. Below the horizon at 21:00 local apparent solar time, 45°N. Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot.

Binoculars: Trace Corvus’s charted figure in the finder, then identify Alchiba at its charted position. Trace Chamaeleon’s charted figure in the finder, then identify β Cha at its charted position.

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

Beta Chamaeleontis: A Dazzling Beacon of the Southern Skies — Discover the characteristics and significance of this notable star within the constellation Chamaeleon.

Small telescope: 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 6-27-42: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 2-31-72: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; NGC 4236: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; Silver Needle: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M99: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M106: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 5-29-60: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M61: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M100: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; NGC 4361: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M84: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M85: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 2-32-41: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; NGC 4372: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M86: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 5-29-85: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; The Eyes with 4435: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 7-26-9: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M49: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; Cocoon Galaxy: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M87: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; MCG 4-30-2: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance; M88: consult its dedicated finder and observing story for equipment guidance

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.

MCG 6-27-42: A Distant Galaxy in Canes Venatici — An overview of this intriguing galaxy, highlighting its place in the cosmos and significance for astronomical study.

Unveiling MCG 2-31-72: A Galaxy in the Constellation Virgo — An exploration of a faint but intriguing galaxy nestled within the prominent constellation, offering insights into the broader universe.

Unveiling a Stellar Mystery: The Galaxy in Draco — A deep dive into a notable galaxy located in the constellation Draco, offering insights into its characteristics and significance.

Silver Needle: A Distant Galaxy in Canes Venatici — An insightful overview of a fascinating galaxy situated in the constellation Canes Venatici.

M99: A Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici — An in-depth look at the characteristics and significance of the galaxy Messier 99.

M106: A Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici — Discover the intriguing features of this prominent galaxy, a highlight in the night sky of the constellation Canes Venatici.

Spotlight on MCG 5-29-60: A Galaxy in the Constellation Com — An exploration of a distant galaxy cataloged as a potential physical object within the constellation Com.

M61: The Spiral Galaxy in Virgo — A prominent member of the Virgo Cluster, M61 showcases the grandeur of barred spiral galaxies near the Virgo constellation's heart.

M100: A Spiral Galaxy in the Canes Venatici Constellation — An exploration of the well-studied galaxy that offers insights into galactic structures and evolution.

The Enigmatic Planetary Nebula in Corvus — A detailed look at a celestial remnant nestled within the constellation Corvus, showcasing the intriguing features of planetary nebulae.

M84: A Bright Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo — Discover the characteristics and significance of M84, a prominent galaxy in our cosmic neighborhood.

M85: A Prominent Galaxy in Coma Bictus — An overview of the lenticular galaxy M85, its characteristics, and its place in the constellation Coma Bictus.

MCG 2-32-41: A Distant Galaxy in Virgo — Discover the intriguing features of this celestial galaxy nestled within the constellation Virgo.

The Globular Cluster in Mus: A Heavenly Beacon — An exploration of a distinguished globular cluster in the constellation Mus, highlighting its celestial significance.

M86: A Lenticular Galaxy in Virgo's Cosmic Realm — Exploring the characteristics and significance of this prominent galaxy in the Virgo constellation.

MCG 5-29-85: A Galaxy in the Constellation Com — An overview of the intriguing galaxy designated MCG 5-29-85, highlighting its celestial context and significance.

The Eyes with 4435: A Glimpse into the Virgo Galaxy Cluster — An overview of a fascinating galaxy within the Virgo constellation, highlighting its significance and features.

MCG 7-26-9: A Distant Galaxy in Canes Venatici — An overview of a notable galaxy situated in the constellation Canes Venatici, highlighting its significance within the broader universe.

M49: A Prominent Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo — Discover the characteristics and significance of this notable galaxy in our cosmic neighborhood.

The Enigmatic Cocoon Galaxy: A Celestial Gem in Canes Venatici — Discover the fascinating characteristics of the Cocoon Galaxy, a prominent yet mysterious galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici.

M87: A Giant Elliptical Galaxy at the Heart of Virgo — Discover the grandeur of M87, a prominent elliptical galaxy renowned for its massive black hole and active jet, situated in the constellation Virgo.

Unveiling MCG 4-30-2: A Distant Galaxy in Coma — A detailed look at the galaxy overlooked by many amateur astronomers.

M88: A Spiral Galaxy in the Coma Cluster — An enduring subject of study, M88 offers a glimpse into the dynamic structures of spiral galaxies within a bustling galaxy cluster.

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

Other objects listed this week: None

Mercury

Mercury: in solar glare at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Rises 05:12; sets 20:30 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -1.2. The disk is 85.2% illuminated (gibbous). It is 12.8° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 1.990° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Aldebaran, 10.9° away. Uranus is 3.4° away at the snapshot. Conjunction with Uranus in ecliptic longitude May 11 12:49 UTC. Mercury: 10.9° from Aldebaran 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 34.0° below the horizon. Rises 03:51; sets 16:59 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -3.9. The disk is 90.4% illuminated (gibbous). It is 25.1° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 1.215° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Alrescha, 9.3° away. Saturn is 2.5° away at the snapshot. Venus: 9.3° from Alrescha 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 22.2° above the horizon. Rises 07:19; sets 23:26 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -8.1. The disk is 16.3% illuminated (waxing crescent). It is 47.6° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 14.454° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Alhena, 10.3° away. Conjunction with Mars in ecliptic longitude May 13 17:31 UTC. Conjunction with Ceres in ecliptic longitude May 11 08:38 UTC. Conjunction with Jupiter in ecliptic longitude May 12 22:03 UTC. Moon: 10.3° from Alhena 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 49.6° above the horizon. Rises 11:57; sets 01:59 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 0.4. The disk is 89.8% illuminated (gibbous). It is 99.2° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.344° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Regulus, 2.3° away. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 13 17:31 UTC. Mars: 2.3° from Regulus 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 45.5° above the horizon. Rises 11:04; sets 01:29 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude -2.1. The disk is 99.1% illuminated (nearly full). It is 88.9° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.079° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Acubens, 7.3° away. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 12 22:03 UTC. Jupiter: 7.3° from Acubens 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 36.0° below the horizon. Rises 03:49; sets 16:45 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 0.7. The disk is 99.9% illuminated (nearly full). It is 27.6° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.117° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Alrescha, 10.6° away. Venus is 2.5° away at the snapshot. Saturn: 10.6° from Alrescha in the Pathfinder.

Uranus

Uranus: in solar glare at the Monday 00:00 UTC snapshot. Rises 05:31; sets 20:38 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 5.8. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 15.6° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.057° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Aldebaran, 7.6° away. Mercury is 3.4° away at the snapshot. Conjunction with Mercury in ecliptic longitude May 11 12:49 UTC. Uranus: 7.6° 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 44.0° below the horizon. Rises 03:10; sets 15:23 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 7.8. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 43.5° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is direct at 0.029° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Diphda, 19.6° away. Neptune: 19.6° from Diphda 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 39.1° above the horizon. Rises 08:31; sets 01:10 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 8.7. The disk is 96.6% illuminated (gibbous). It is 66.8° from the Sun, on its east side. Motion is direct at 0.349° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Pollux, 2.6° away. Conjunction with Moon in ecliptic longitude May 11 08:38 UTC. Ceres: 2.6° from Pollux 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 43.4° below the horizon. Rises 01:13; sets 10:00 (45°N, local apparent solar time). Visual magnitude 14.6. The disk is 100.0% illuminated (nearly full). It is 101.9° from the Sun, on its west side. Motion is retrograde at 0.001° per day in ecliptic longitude at the snapshot. Position reference: Dabih, 9.6° away. Pluto: 9.6° from Dabih in the Pathfinder.