The Night Sky

This week we had two nights of gorgeously clear skies—and I was busy both nights. I did not get out with my new telescope. Now it is raining and dreary, but I’m sure there will be blue skies and plenty of viewing time in the future.

We can expect to see the moon near several objects this next week: Tonight Saturn will be below the moon. On the 8^th Regulus, in the constellation Leo, will be just below the moon. The moon will be at apogee (farthest from the earth) on the 9^th. On the 12^th Spica in the constellation Virgo will be just below the Moon. On the 14^th Jupiter will be just left of the moon. If you are trying to learn the constellations, this may help you locate the main stars in some of them; it will be easier to see them when the moon has passed beyond them because they will be “drowned out” by the bright moon light, but it may help you know which direction in the sky you need to look to find the constellations you are trying to find.

I am sad that my dear friend Orion is starting to slip so far to the west. Soon I will have to say good-bye to him for another season. He is my favorite nighttime friend, so tall and heroic.

Nasa's photo of the constellation Orion. What a beauty!