Today:
As this Valentine’s Day segues into night, the planet Venus will emerge in the west-southwest, reaching its pinnacle of brilliance for this appearance. Named for the Roman goddess of love, Venus will shine brightly early this evening, but will live up to another of its monikers, The Evening Star, by also setting early, in the west at around 8:45.
Saturday:
In the early evening, before the Moon rises at 8:45, four brilliant stars form a diamond-shaped figure halfway up in the south-southeast early this evening. At the bottom is Sirius, the very brightest star, while the orange-hued Betelgeuse shines at the top. The bluish-white Rigel sparkles on the right, with Procyon on the left.
Sunday:
Due south this evening at 8:50 PM is the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, the “nose” of Canis Major, the Great Dog. The path of all stars and planets creates an arc, with its highest point due south, placing Sirius in its best viewing position. The name Sirius comes from the Arabic word meaning “blazing one”.