What Can You Expect To See At The Observatory This Weekend?

For the evenings of May 15th and 16th, 2026, between 9 PM and 11 PM in Northern California, the sky should be especially rewarding because the Moon will be at or near new phase, giving us dark skies for deep-sky observing.

Evening Highlights

Venus -- Brilliant in the West

Venus will dominate the western sky shortly after sunset, shining as the brilliant "Evening Star."  It will still be visible during the early part of our observing window, especially around 9 PM, low in the west.

Jupiter -- Bright and Easy to Find

Jupiter remains one of the brightest objects in the evening sky and should be well placed for telescopic viewing. Through binoculars or a telescope you may see the Galilean moons and cloud bands.

Spring Galaxies at Their Best

Because the Moon is essentially absent, this is prime "galaxy season." Dark skies favor deep-sky observing:

  • The Leo Triplet in Leo
  • The Virgo Cluster
  • M 64 Black Eye Galaxy in Coma Berenices
  • M 3 high overhead
Milky Way

The brighter core of the Milky Way will still be low late in the evening, but by 11 PM you should begin seeing it rising in the southeast.

Figure 1. Portion of Markarian's Chain in the Virgo Cluster

Best Targets for a Telescope

  • M-51 Whirlpool Galaxy
  • M-81 and M-82
  • M-3 Globular Cluster
  • M-64 Black Eye Galaxy
  • Markarian's Chain in Virgo (see accompanying images)
  • The Leo Triplet

Weather

So far, the weather forecast is encouraging for both Friday and Saturday evenings although there might be some cloudiness early Saturday afternoon.

As always, remember to check our website, www.communityobservatory.com, after 3 PM in the afternoon before you come to make sure we will be open that evening.

And please remember that Spring nights can turn cold rapidly so dress appropriately.











Figure 2. Portion of Markarian's Chain. Each red mark indicates a galaxy.

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