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 high in the south near midnight, directly between the bright star Vega, two thirds of the way up in the east, and brilliant orange-white Arcturus, high in the southwestern sky.
Tuesday:
Facing west-northwest this evening, you will note that Venus and Jupiter have drifted farther apart, with Venus well above Jupiter. To Jupiter’s right shines the slightest sliver of a crescent Moon. Below and slightly to the Moon’s right is Mercury. Above and slightly to the Moon’s right is the star Pollux, and to Pollux’s right is Castor, completing the Gemini Twins.
Wednesday:
The star Antares, the “heart” of Scorpio, the Scorpion, shines due south, only one quarter of the way above the horizon at 11:30 PM, shimmering a bright orangish-red. Antares was one of the four Royal Stars in Persian astronomy, marking the position of the Sun at the beginning of autumn thousands of years ago. You can see the head and shoulders of the Scorpion – a trio of stars – to the upper right.