Planets: 

Mercury:  Look for this elusive planet during the first 10 days of May, shining at almost 0 magnitude low in the western sky at sunset.  It reaches its greatest height above the horizon on the evening of May 3.

Venus:  Other than the moon, Venus is the brightest object in the sky.  You can't miss it!  Look westward at sunset.  From May 3 - 10, Venus joins Mars and Saturn in a compact formation less than 5 degrees wide (half the width of your fist held at arm's length).  As month ends, Venus is within 3 degrees of Jupiter.

Mars:  The red planet is getting harder to see because it is so low in the west at sunset.  Also, it is not very bright.  However, it is noticeable when you look at the close formation of the planet with Venus and Saturn from May 3 - 10.

Saturn:  Look quickly to see Saturn before it drops low and disappears in the sun's afterglow in the latter half of May.  It is part of that magical trio with Venus and Mars at the beginning of the month.

Jupiter:  The second brightest planet in our sky perches high above the western horizon at sunset, and is the only one still visible at dark.  Watch the moon climb into Jupiter's territory on May 15.  Venus sits next to Jupiter in the constellation Gemini on May 31.

Be sure to take time to look at the May Sky.  You won't see anything like this for another 20 years!  This multi-planet grouping in our western sky is spectacular!!

Constellations:  Canes Venatici, Centaurus, Coma Berenices, Corvus, Crux, Musca, Virgo, Sextans

Looking for a Little More?  If this Skyline whets your appetite, try this website:  skymaps.com/downloads.html.  It offers a two page pdf brochure that you can print out for free.  It has a basic skymap and short lists of visual, binocular, and small telescope objects.  It is really good--check it out!