Today:
The Big Dipper, found dangling by its handle in the northwest, is known by a number of other names. In England, as well as parts of eastern Europe, it is called the Plough, lowering into the north each fall to till in the crops, as well as a cart or wagon wheeling around the northern sky.
Tuesday:
At 10:15 this evening, the Scorpion’s tail is due south, extremely low above the horizon, yet even so, at its best viewing of the year. As the tail curls up to the left, the star on the end is called Shaula, from the Arabic meaning either “stinger” or “raised”, as in poised to sting.
Wednesday:
Saturn continues to rise a few minutes earlier each evening, starting its trek through the heavens near 10:30 PM tonight, rising in the east-southeast, quickly followed by the waning gibbous Moon to its lower left. They climb higher by midnight for better viewing, and then crest, due south early tomorrow morning near 4 o’clock, almost halfway up from the horizon.