York Young Astronomers

History of the Society

The York Astronomical Society was founded in 1972, about the time that Apollo 16 went to the Moon. In December 2017, York Astronomical Society became a registered charity. Throughout its history, the society has maintained observatories in various locations around the county.

The core values of the Society are to demonstrate, educate and promote the subjects of astronomy, spaceflight, and associated sciences to the people of York.

What's Up! May 2026

Northern Sky

As May nights deepen, the great “W” of Cassiopeia sinks low over the northern horizon. The southern portions of Perseus and Auriga are becoming difficult to observe, though bright Capella still clears the horizon. High overhead, the familiar shape of the Plough (in Ursa Major) is close to the zenith. The winding, cosmic dragon of Draco writhes perfectly between the two bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor) in the northern sky.

Southern Sky

Looking south, the early summer constellations are taking over. The constellation of Virgo, home to the brilliant blue-white star Spica, lies due south. Above it sits Boötes, marked by the blazing orange star Arcturus. As Orion finally sinks in the west, Scorpius begins to rise in the southeast, bringing the red supergiant Antares into view.

Solar Forecast

For May, the NOAA forecast indicates a dip in solar flux mid-month, but offers a couple of solid opportunities for geomagnetic storms and potential aurora sightings. The max forecasted level is of KP5. For York this is too low to be visible by eye (normally). But with a clear Northern horizon it may be possible to capture the aurora on camera. Obviously the further North you are the better chance you’ll have!

🌌 Aurora Watch: Key Storm Windows The Kp Index measures global geomagnetic activity. For May, NOAA forecasts two distinct periods where the index is expected to reach Kp 5 (a G1 Minor Geomagnetic Storm).

May 7: Kp 5 (G1 Minor Storm). A sudden spike in activity creates a good window for high-latitude observers early in the month. May 15 – 16: Kp 5 (G1 Minor Storm). This is the most prolonged storm window of the month, with the A-index peaking at 25 on the 15th. This represents the best mid-month opportunity for aurora chasers across the UK, particularly under the dark skies of the New Moon on May 16!

Planets

⚪ Mercury

Mercury spends the first half of May lost in the Sun's glare, reaching superior conjunction on May 14. However, it swings into the evening sky late in the month. From May 20 onwards, it joins Venus in the northwest after sunset, well down to the lower right. By the end of May, it shines at a bright magnitude -0.6 and sets around 11 pm.

🟡 Venus

Venus is an absolute treat this month. It is the brilliant Evening Star, blazing at magnitude –3.9 in a dark sky. By the end of May, it won't set until midnight! On the evenings of May 18 and 19, it forms a dazzling, highly photogenic gathering with a crescent Moon and Jupiter.

🔴 Mars

Mars is currently a very difficult morning object for UK observers. Spending the month tracking from Pisces into Aries, it shines around magnitude +1.2. However, it remains mired in the bright dawn twilight before sunrise, making it a very tough catch.

🟠 Jupiter

Jupiter blazes at magnitude –1.9 in the constellation Gemini, positioned to the lower left of the twin stars Castor and Pollux. It sets around 1 am. Don't miss the beautiful convergence on May 19, when the Moon sits exactly between Jupiter and Venus in the evening sky!

🪐 Saturn

After being lost to the solar glare, Saturn begins to emerge into the dawn sky in Pisces by mid-May. It shines at magnitude +0.9. By the end of the month, the ringed planet will be rising around 3 am.

🔵 Uranus

Uranus reaches solar conjunction on May 22, meaning it is entirely lost in the Sun's glare this month and cannot be observed.

🔷 Neptune

Neptune lies in Pisces, rising in the early morning hours. At a faint magnitude +7.8, it requires a telescope and a dark, moonless night to be spotted.

see the full article here:May 2026

Beetle Bank Farm Events

Upcoming Member's Meetings York Astronomical Society (YAS) Member’s Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month (except for August or Public Holidays).

• Location: Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD
• Time: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for an 8:00 p.m. start.
• Entry Fee: £3 for members and £6 for non-members, drinks available from the Café.

Contact Us

Email: hello@youngastronomersuk.science