Today:
Very high in the north, nearly overhead, the seven stars of the Big Dipper, while close to the northern horizon, with a low and level view, you find the stars of the Queen, Cassiopeia, in the form of a “W”-shaped pattern. The Big Dipper and the Queen are always opposite each other, with the North Star directly between them. Six months later, in November, they switch positions.

Friday:
A large, waxing Gibbous Moon pays a visit to the bluish-white beacon Spica as they emerge from the twilight between 8:45 and 9:00 this evening. Starting in the south-southeast, they crest due south at 11:00, then settling lower in the southwest, setting near 4:00 AM. By tomorrow evening, the Moon’s orbit takes it below and to the left of Spica.

Saturday:
With Mother’s Day tomorrow, look to the southern skies, where you’ll find the constellation Virgo, often connected to the Greek goddess of agriculture, Demeter, and the mother of Persphone. Demeter is overjoyed each Spring as her daughter returns from the Underworld, and celebrates by bringing the natural world back to life.