Today:
As Orion crests across the southern skies, his bright stars demonstrate considerably differences in color. Compare, for example, the star Betelgeuse on the upper left, appearing an orangish color, while on the lower right, Rigel shines a piercing blue. The colors indicate the star’s outer temperature, with red much cooler than the very hot blue.
Friday:
As this Valentine’s Day segues into night, the planet Venus will emerge in the west-southwest, reaching its pinnacle of brilliance for this appearance. Named for the Roman goddess of love, Venus will shine brightly early this evening, but will live up to another of its monikers, The Evening Star, by also setting early, in the west at around 8:45.
Saturday:
In the early evening, before the Moon rises at 8:45, four brilliant stars form a diamond-shaped figure halfway up in the south-southeast early this evening. At the bottom is Sirius, the very brightest star, while the orange-hued Betelgeuse shines at the top. The bluish-white Rigel sparkles on the right, with Procyon on the left.