This Week In Astronomy

Four Big Planetary Nebulas
Catch nice views of four relatively large planetary nebulas in May skies. See the “Ghost of Jupiter,” NGC 3242 in Hydra; M97, “the Owl Nebula” in the Big Dipper; NGC 4361 in Corvus, and the famous “Ring Nebula”, M57 in Lyra just a few degrees from bright star Vega.
Mercury Before Dawn
Before sunrise on May 18, tiny planet Mercury will be at its greatest western elongation. This means Mercury will reach its highest point in the pre-dawn sky. Look above the eastern horizon just before sunrise to catch the small and elusive planet.