Today:
Though named for a famous hero, the constellation Hercules is a challenge. A clear evening this month will find its “keystone” or “bow-tie” shape directly between the bright star Vega, two thirds of the way up in the sky in the east near midnight, and brilliant orange-white Arcturus, high in the southwestern sky.
Monday:
As viewable at sunset, and slightly to left of due west, Regulus has drawn extremely close to Mars, appearing to the lower left of Mars, the separated by less 1 degree. Tomorrow the position of Regulus will have shifted to the lower right of Mars, but by a similarly slim margin. By the 18th, the two will begin a parting of ways, although quite gradually at first.
Tuesday:
All night, every night, the North Star is right where it always is – half way up, due north. Many are surprised that the North Star is not the brightest star in the heavens. Rather than its brightness, Polaris’s location directly above the Earth’s North Pole makes this the Pole Star. As the Earth spins on its axis, this star remains fixed in the same place, while the rest of the skies appear to pivot around it.