Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    May astro outlook: Fresh meteor shower and a lunar eclipse!

15:00
2 May 2023

May astro outlook
Fresh meteor shower and a lunar eclipse!

Star gazing

A fresh month of stargazing treats has arrived, delivering another meteor shower and the arrival of the Flower Moon to kick things off.

In a matter of days, we see the rise of the full moon known as the Flower Moon. Named for its timing alongside widespread spring bloom. While a full moon is always noteworthy, this month's also sees a penumbral eclipse!

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through Earth's shadow darkening its surface. The UK and Ireland just miss out on the display which is visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Just as we say goodbye to the Lyrids, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower arrived and quickly reaches its peak. While this shower is typically more active than the Lyrids providing up to 60 shooting stars an hour, this year we see an outburst peak with up to 160 an hour!

Sadly, many of these meteors will not be visible as the shower's peak coincides with the Flower Moon on May 5th. The full moon's strong light will be enough to obscure all but the brightest shooting stars.

Did you know?

The Eta Aquariids are associated with the famous Halley's Comet. The comet itself will not return until 2061.

If you still wish to take a trip to view the display, as always search for a dark area free from light pollution, away from a city.

Although the peak of the shower is disrupted by the moon, the shower should persist until around May 28th.

This means that the arrival of a new moon on May 19th may be the best time to try spotting a shooting star overhead without any moonlight to contend with.

If you are planning a stargazing trip this month, don't forget to consult the WeatherRadar before setting off to avoid unexpected weather disrupting your plans!

Mobile astrophotography tipsread more
Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Weather map of Europe showing a high-pressure system over Central Europe, low-pressure systems over the Atlantic and Turkey, numerous sun symbols, and temperatures ranging from 4 to over 40 degrees.
Thursday, 21 May 2026

Omega block

The weather in Europe is changing
Temperature Radar forecast for Friday in Europe. Very high temperatures across Spain and Eastern Europe, slightly cooler in the north and west.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Over 30 degrees in places

Early summer gets underway in Europe
The map shows current water temperatures in Europe and the Mediterranean. The water is particularly warm off the coast of Spain and North Africa, and cooler in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Ideal for half-term

Warming waters in holiday spots
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday, 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
Split image showing aerial flooding in a town with muddy water covering roads on the left, and a rural road on the right blocked by heavy snowfall with vans stopped and a person walking in snow.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Storm Chandra

Flooding, gales, and heavy snow
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList