The world beyond our planet is such a beautiful, wondrous place. We get glimpses of it in various ways, like the Moon, visible stars, and meteor showers. But what if we were able to look into the very core of our galaxy? Luckily, we don’t have to simply wonder. Starting this month, May, the Milky Way will be visible to the naked eye!
Videos by InspireMore
While viewing the Milky Way can be tricky, there’s no need to rush. In fact, we have all summer and early fall to view this breathtaking celestial event. So, if you want to try and view the Milky Way yourself, here is what you need to know. Let’s start with what to look for!
From Earth, the Milky Way is said to look like a ribbon with a hazy glow. But this seemingly small area contains so much more than you might think. Within that ribbon are billions of stars, cosmic dust, and clouds of gas. This is the core of the Milky Way.
Starting in May, the Center of the Milky Way Will be Visible with the Naked Eye
Spotting this beautiful area of our galaxy takes some planning. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, it’ll be a bit easier. But for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, finding a place far from light pollution is key. This also means skipping nights when the Moon is in a brighter phase. The best viewing time is between midnight and 5 a.m. — so might as well make a whole event out of it!
Finally, you can get a much better view on higher ground. Some location ideas include mountain ranges and national parks. No matter where you go, however, remember to take any necessary precautions to stay safe.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
