Neptune Lurks near Venus and Saturn (pre-dawn)

In the early days of May, the brilliant planet Venus will be gleaming in the pre-dawn eastern sky near two other planets. Medium-bright Saturn will be readily visible a few finger widths to the Venus’ lower right (or celestial south), while far fainter Neptune will be located below Venus and a few finger widths to Saturn’s left. All three planets will be close enough to share the view in binoculars (orange circle). Observers located at southerly latitudes, where the planets will shine higher and in a darker sky, will have the best chance to see Neptune – but you will need a quality telescope to see its blue speck. On every morning after Friday, May 2, Venus’ easterly orbital motion will carry it farther to the left of Saturn and Neptune.