May Sky Marvels: Bangladesh to Witness Rare Planetary and Stellar Displays

As the monsoon winds begin approaching Bangladesh toward the end of May, clouds are frequently visible in the sky. However, when the clouds clear, the atmosphere becomes exceptionally transparent, allowing stunning views of planets and stars in the night sky. Until 31 May this year, astronomy enthusiasts and skywatchers in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to witness several rare celestial events.

Astronomers said that after 20 May, the Solar System’s two giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, will appear prominently high in the dawn sky. Particularly on the mornings of 30 and 31 May, the two planets will shine brightest in the eastern-southeastern horizon. During this period, even a basic telescope will provide one of the best opportunities to observe Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s Galilean moons. Alongside them, the reddish glow of the red planet Mars will also create a captivating spectacle in the dawn sky.

People across the country are also set to witness several special moments involving the Moon and planets this May. On 23 May, one of the brightest full moons of the year will be visible in the skies over Bangladesh. Although the light of this Joishtho full moon will give rural Bangladesh a breathtaking appearance, the intense moonlight may make it difficult to observe faint stars and galaxies during that time.

However, on the final day of the month, 31 May, a unique celestial scene will appear in the dawn sky. Just before sunrise, a thin crescent Moon and the bright planet Jupiter will appear extremely close to each other on the eastern horizon, a sight that will be clearly visible to the naked eye without any equipment.

Meanwhile, significant changes in the arrangement of constellations will also become noticeable as the nights grow longer toward the end of May. In the evening sky, the Leo constellation will gradually tilt westward, and its brightest star, Regulus, will be visible in the southwestern sky after sunset.

On the other hand, from after 10 pm during the final week of May, the famous Summer Triangle will emerge in the eastern sky. This massive triangle, formed by three bright stars from three different constellations—Vega, Deneb, and Altair—traditionally signals the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. At the same time, the bright orange-colored star Arcturus will also become visible in the northeastern sky, adding further charm to the night sky.

DBTech/NA/MI/OR