The Crescent Moon continues to grow in the western twilight. By 10 o’clock, the last of the twilight gives way to the stars, including the realtively bright star see to the left of the Moon, Regulus, the “heart” of Leo, the Lion. Looking below and a bit right of the Moon, the slowly fading Mars completes an astronomical triangle of sorts.
Friday:
With Summer now officially underway, look for Leo, the Lion lowering into the west as he takes his curtain call for the season. His bright star, Regulus, due west at 10 o’clock, was associated with the Summer Solstice over 5000 years ago, when the Sun passed right over the star. This has changed as the Earth’s axis very slowly pivots.
Saturday:
Today is St. John’s Day – Midsummer’s Day in ancient traditions. One of the features of the summer skies is a trio of bright stars known as the Summer Triangle. Look in the east after 10 o’clock, where the brightest and highest of the three stars, Vega, is shining. Nearest the horizon is Altair, while the third star is found to the left, known as Deneb.