#533 - The Observer’s Calendar for May 2026

May 2026 delivers a rare celestial double full moon — one on May 1st and another on May 31st — making it a standout month for skywatchers. The hosts, Kristen and Shane, highlight a lineup of stellar events including Jupiter's shadow transits by Ganymede and Europa, the stunning Markarian's Chain of galaxies in Virgo, and the visually striking Antennae Galaxies in Corvus. Despite a bright moon interfering with the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, the month offers rich rewards for observers: Venus and the Moon in close conjunction, the Lunar Straight Wall, and the jeweled handle of the Moon’s terminator. A deep dive into asteroid oppositions reveals Amphitrite and Lutetia, with the latter being a 4.5-billion-year-old relic from the solar system’s formation. The episode closes on a note of hopeful anticipation for a potential eruption of T. Coronae Borealis, a recurrent nova that could flare to second magnitude by late June — a rare event that would be visible even in twilight. The hosts emphasize that while comet activity has slowed, the universe still holds surprises. The episode underscores that even in a season of unpredictable weather and dimming comets, the sky remains a dynamic canvas. Key takeaways include the importance of timing for shadow transits, the value of dark skies for galaxy-watching, and the need to monitor the AAVSO for sudden stellar outbursts.