Today:
Due south this evening at 9:15 PM, the brightest star in Leo, the Lion, Regulus reigns above a large but much less prominent constellation, that of the Water Snake, named Hydra. The snake’s head appears as a collection of stars half-way between Regulus, and Procyon, midway up in the southwest. The snake’s body curves back and forth to the lower left.
Friday:
The steely blue star rising in the north-northeast, low but due northeast at 10:00 PM, is Vega, from the German “Wega”, and from the Arabic “Al Wika”, the “swooping or diving eagle”. In modern times it is the brightest star in Lyra, the Lyre, a harp-like instrument, home to the meteor showers over the next few nights.
Saturday:
Barely past new, the barest of a crescent Moon will follow the setting sun toward the horizon in the west-northwest. Appearing shortly after, barely above to the Moon’s left, will Venus, and above Venus will be the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters. Although they are faint, and not easy to see in the fading twilight or with the Moon nearby, the Moon is so thin it makes for a delightful sight this evening.