There’s something magical about stargazing on a quiet night. As May unfolds, those in the Northern Hemisphere are in for a treat — the bright band of the Milky Way is set to shine at its best.
Skywatchers Must Escape Light Pollution to See the Glow
Many never witness this wonder. About one-third of people, including 80% of Americans, can’t see the Milky Way at all. The culprit is light pollution. Between 2011 and 2023, the night sky’s brightness grew by 7% to 10% each year. That means darker skies are harder to find.
To catch the Milky Way’s full beauty, people need to travel far from city lights. Ideal spots include certified Dark Sky Places or regions marked dark on light pollution maps. The further away from artificial lights, the better the view.
Milky Way Season Peaks from February to October
The Milky Way is visible for much of the year. But its bright central core is easiest to spot from May. At this time, the galaxy’s heart rises higher in the sky. This applies to midlatitude regions in the Northern Hemisphere — covering the continental U.S. and most of Canada.
"Milky Way season" runs from February to October. That’s according to Capture The Atlas, a site for Milky Way photography. The best viewing hours are between midnight and 5 a.m. local time. But your exact location and the moon’s phase make a big difference.
In May, look up between the last quarter moon on 20 May and the new moon on 30 May. This dark phase gives the clearest chance to spot the galactic arc. If skies are clear and lights are far, the Milky Way can steal the show.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, this is the moment to reconnect with the cosmos.
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