Stuart Clark

While faint, the constellation still makes a big impression because of its sheer size

This week, we track down one of the zodiacal constellations, Virgo, the virgin. It is a prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere’s spring night sky because of its sheer size. Covering an area of 1,294 square degrees, Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky. By comparison, the easily recognisable Orion, the hunter, is a celestial minnow at just 594 square degrees.

Eta Aquariids have roughly a week of activity in May, though they are better seen from southern hemisphere

Debris from the tail of one of the most famous comets of all – Halley’s comet – will slam into the Earth’s atmosphere this week, creating a meteor shower. The Eta Aquariids are not fantastically well placed for northern sky watchers, but they can still be rewarding for those willing to get up in the early hours.