Today:
Facing south at around 7:40 reveals a host of bright objects along or near the ecliptic. In the east appears the star Regulus, within the constellation Leo. High in sky and to the southeast appears Jupiter, neslted within the constellation Gemini. Just west of south appears the orange-red star Aldebaran. Much farther to the west, nearly to the horizon, is the seemingly lonely Saturn.
Wednesday:
Night owls can catch a view of the fickle Moon, as it temporarily accompanies its next stellar companion. In the southeast at around 2:50 AM, the red-orange star Antares will emerge, as part of its parent constellation Scorpius. Ten minutes later the waning Crescent Moon will rise on the heels of Antares. Much as happened with Spica a few nights ago, the Moon and Antares will traverse the southern sky, and the Moon will lose its companion in the glare of the gathering dawn.
Thursday:
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.