Man Stargazing

Moon Phases

Eye on the Night Sky, May 13, 2024

Monday, May 13, 2024

Today:
Very high in the southeast on the next clear evening, as darkness becomes complete after 10 o’clock, a bright, pale orange beacon can easily be found, the red-giant star Arcturus. This “red” giant shines brighter and hotter than most, making its color more yellow-ish orange. Arcturus is the brightest star we see through the Summer and early Fall.

Tuesday:
The star Spica, due south at 10:40 this evening, will help guide you to the stars of Corvus, the Crow. Well to the lower right of Spica, look for an odd shaped “box” of stars. The lower left star is the tail of the Crow, while the three other stars form his head, flanked by out-stretched wings.

Wednesday:
High in the southwest in the failing twilight, the First Quarter Moon appears rather cozy with the bright star Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, the Lion, just below our silvery neighbor. Regulus sits very close to the path of the Sun, the same general path that the Moon follows, so these two have a regularly scheduled meeting every 27 days and 8 hours.

This program is a partnership between the Fairbanks Museum and Vermont Public.