Today:
Looking low above the southern horizon at 9 o’clock, the vapors of the Milky Way seem to steam upward, a nice connection to the teapot-shaped pattern, due south, the brighter stars of Sagittarius. Although imagined as a centaur with a bow and arrow, the triangular lid above the teapot, with a handle on the left and spout on the right is easier to see.

Friday:
A very challenging meeting of the extremely thin Crescent Moon, and the departing Mars, very low in the west, within a few minutes of 8:30 PM. Binoculars, and a low, level view to the west are needed to bid Mars farewell for several months. The Moon, of course, gives us a variety of views through its 29 day cycle, while Mars takes over 2 years for its viewing cycle.

Saturday:
A waxing Crescent Moon slides low above the western horizon this evening, with the tips of its horns nearly vertical. This gives the appearance that the Moon cannot “hold water”, and therefore gives us the weather saying, “when the Moon cannot hold water, expect rain.