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A night of stargazing at Blyth Hall, B46 2AF (BOOK NOW)

  • NOVA Stargazing UK
  • Reviews
  • Availability
  • Stargazing Experiences
    • Book Now / Gift Cards
    • Our Stargazing Services
    • Important Info / FAQs
    • Other Experiences
  • Where To Go Stargazing?
  • Celestial Events
    • Planetary/Lunar Calendars
    • Winter Stargazing
    • Spring Stargazing
    • Summer Stargazing
    • Autumn Stargazing
  • Telescopes
  • Discover NOVA
    • Social Media & Blog
    • About Us
    • Gallery
    • Contact Us

VISUAL OBSERVING VS SPACE TELESCOPES & PROBES

Space telescopes & probes

Space telescopes & probes

Space telescopes & probes

The colorful Helix Nebula glowing in space.

Images online, whether from the space based or large ground based telescopes are undoubtedly incredible, however there are a few things to consider about these images, compared to when viewing these objects through a telescope:


Camera images (from telescopes) are taken with extremely expensive, high-tech equipment, that will have the ability to do super long exposure images, that are then edited and they will have gathered light our eyes can't see (infrared and x-ray). These instruments are more sensitive to light than the human eye and some have been taken outside the disturbance of Earth's atmosphere.


Our telescope & equipment

Space telescopes & probes

Space telescopes & probes

The Eye of God Nebula glowing in deep space.

Viewing objects through a telescope is an incredible and mind blowing experience. It's the most natural, raw way you will see the planets, the moon, stars and anything else that resides amongst our cosmos. These sights are truly inspiring and we never know how it will affect people emotionally, some people cry, some people jump up and down and others have a smile from ear to ear.  


Please bare in mind, although you will not see images quite like the space images, what you do see through the telescope will leave you astonished and forever remembering when you first saw them with your own two eyes. 

MAY IS THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER STARGAZING: BOOK NOW

CONSTELLATIONS IN MAY'S NIGHT SKY

THINGS TO SEE IN THE NIGHT SKY MAY 2026

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What to see in the night sky UK: MAY 2026

Active Meteor Shower in May

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

Eta Aquardiids Meteor Shower 2026:

Radiant: Constellation Aquarius (E)

Active: 19th April - 28th May

PEAK: 5th May PM -> 6th May AM


Viewing Tips

  1. Find Dark Skies: Light pollution is the biggest enemy of a good show. Get as far away from city lights as possible.
  2. Check the Moon: A full or bright moon can wash out all but the brightest fireballs. In 2026, the Perseids will be particularly spectacular because they peak during a New Moon, providing perfectly dark skies. 
  3. Let Your Eyes Adapt: It takes about 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. Avoid looking at your phone during this time!
  4. The Best Time: Most showers are best viewed between midnight and dawn, as this is when your part of the Earth is rotating directly into the debris path.


Learn more

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

May 2026 is a fantastic month for naked-eye observers, featuring a "double" full moon and a parade of planets in the evening sky. Whether you're in the city or under dark rural skies, here are the top targets to look for.


🪐 Planetary Highlights:


  • Venus: brightest in the west. It sets about 2.5 hours after sunset. On May 19, look for a beautiful pairing as the crescent Moon passes close to the south of Venus.
  • Jupiter: Also bright in the west, located in the constellation Gemini. It sets around midnight earlier in the month but moves closer to the horizon as May progresses.
  • Mars: Visible in the east shortly before sunrise. It has a distinct reddish tint and sits in the constellation Pisces.


  • Saturn: Rises in the east about 2 hours before the Sun. It will appear as a yellowish "star" in the constellation Cetus.


🌟Key Stars & Constellations:


The May sky is famous for the Spring Diamond, a massive asterism formed by four bright stars:


  • Arcturus (Boötes) A bright orange giant; follow the "arc" of the Big Dipper's handle to find it.
  • Spica (Virgo) A bright blue-white star; "speed on" from Arcturus to find Spica.
  • Regulus (Leo) The "Heart of the Lion," found at the base of the "Sickle" (reverse question mark).
  • Denebola (Leo)The tail of the lion, completing the diamond shape.

Telescope Targets In May 2026

Naked Eye Stargazing in May 2026

Telescope Targets In May 2026

May 2026 Night Sky Highlights: The night sky in May offers a spectacular mix of planetary and deep-sky targets. 


  • 🪐 In the evening, look west to find Venus shining brilliantly alongside Jupiter in Gemini; on May 19th, a crescent Moon will join them for a stunning alignment. For early risers, Mars and Saturn are visible in the eastern sky before dawn, with Saturn’s rings appearing strikingly thin this year. 


This month is also the peak of "Galaxy Season," providing telescope users with prime views of:


  • 🌌The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), the Leo Triplet, and the majestic Sombrero Galaxy. Don't miss the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaking on May 6th, or the rare occurrence of two Full Moons—the "Flower Moon" on May 1st and a "Blue Moon" on May 31st. Finally, look for the brightest asteroid, 4 Vesta, as it reaches opposition in Virgo on May 2nd.

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