Today:
The Andromeda Galaxy is the only distant galaxy we can see with our own eyes. In the next few nights look in the northeast, just below the Milky Way, and about one third of the way up from the horizon near 10:15 PM EDT. It appears as a small, oval smudge of light, enhanced by viewing through binoculars.
Thursday:
Very late this evening, near 11:45 PM, the Waning Crescent Moon climbs above the northeastern horizon. As the Moon ascends, take note of the patch of faint stars struggling to be seen just below our celestial neighbor, known as the Seven Sisters, or the Pleiades. They will struggle through the night as the Moon passes through them, eventual sliding to their lower left, high in the east, as twilight begins after 4:30 AM.
Friday:
In this evening’s twilight, look to the west-southwest, and you’ll see a large, tall triangle. First dangling low on the horizon, and nearly due west, is Venus. Farther toward the southwest shines the bluish/white star Spica. Much higher in the west, and rounding out this alternative summer triangle, is Arcturus, the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere.