Today:
The earliest sunrises of the year take place this week, before the longest days of the year. The Earth is farther from the Sun in June, causing it to orbit a little slower. However, it still spins on its axis at the same speed. That means it turns and faces the Sun a little more quickly, helping it to rise and shine earlier.
Saturday:
Facing northwest this evening, you can view the Big Dipper, or its more fleshed-out constellation version, Ursa Major, which appears to be diving toward the horizon. It’s trajectory will flatten out through the night, seemingly coming to rest along the northern horizon by morning. This is where you’ll see it on a November evening, looking as though the bear is resting, going into hibernation.
Sunday:
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.