How to Watch the Milky Way in the Sky This Month

With summer soon approaching, the Milky Way will become more visible in May

If you’ve ever wanted to see the Milky Way with your own eyes, now’s your chance!

There’s something truly astonishing about standing beneath the stars and realizing you’re looking into the heart of the galaxy we call home. Luckily, May’s clear spring skies offer some of the best weather conditions for a glimpse of this breathtaking sight.

The Milky Way appears as a soft, starry ribbon across the sky, but it’s so much more than meets the eye. The hazy glow you see is actually our galaxy’s dense, dust-filled disk and that glowing band? It’s made up of billions of stars, massive clouds of gas and cosmic dust.

With summer approaching, the Milky Way becomes easier to see, but spotting it won’t be as simple as looking up at the sky.

In addition to planning for the right time, catching a view of the galaxy — and its shimmering band of stars stretched across the night sky – may require a bit of strategy.

Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss it.

When will the Milky Way be visible?

The latter part of May, notably from Tuesday, May 20, to Friday, May 30, will be best for viewing, especially with the moon beginning to wane. On Monday, May 26, the new moon phase will vanish into the sky, leaving it in complete darkness, which allows the Milky Way to shine and stand out.

The best part? Your viewing window is longer than you think. The Milky Way galaxy will remain visible throughout the summer and even into early fall, but planning your skywatching around the darker moon phases as far from artificial light as possible is key.

As for the exact timing, midnight to 5 a.m. is typically best to view the spectacle, according to LiveScience.com.

Where will the Milky Way be visible?

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you’ll want to look south and ideally, from higher ground such as mountain ranges, national parks or remote coastlines.

However, if you’re located in the southern hemisphere, you’re in luck as your view of the Milky Way is even more direct, as you are facing the galactic center.

How to watch the Milky Way shine bright in the sky?

Steer away from light pollution and bright moon phases, as this contributes to the Milky Way’s fainter stars and celestial features fading into the night. Your best bet is to find a dark location away from the city, ideally somewhere rural but also elevated.