Discover the Mystique of the Night Sky: Hunt for Celestial Centaurs and Wolves!

Good morning, stargazers! Step outside around 5 a.m. this week, face east, and you’ll spot Venus. It’s bright, and you can’t miss it. To find Saturn, measure two fist-widths to the right and two up. It shines, but not nearly as bright as Venus.

This week is your last chance to see Jupiter in the evening sky. As the sun sets, keep an eye on the western horizon. The majestic planet will make its exit by the week’s end. But don’t worry; more planetary news will come next week!

If you’re out in the evening, look for Mars too! Last Sunday, the waxing crescent moon was nearby, making Mars stand out as a bright red “star.” This week, you can find Mars without the moon. Just measure 5½ fist-widths up from due west at around 7:45 p.m., an hour after sunset. You’ll also see Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, just above it.

As you enjoy the evening sky, check out the southern sky for a special treat. After watching the sunset, swing to your left. You’ll see Crux, the Southern Cross, a stunning group of four bright stars. Crux will be at its highest point next week, making it a beautiful sight from April to August. Despite being the smallest constellation, it houses two of the 20 brightest stars.

To the left of Crux, you’ll spot Alpha and Beta Centauri, the brightest stars of Centaurus. They are the third and tenth brightest stars in our sky. If you draw a line from the top star of the Cross five fist-widths to the left, you’ll find Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius.

Nearby, you will also come across Lupus, the Wolf. Named by Greek astronomer Ptolemy, this constellation is faint but interesting. You might even see a shape lying on its back in the sky. Try to spot it tonight!

Did you know that social media has recently buzzed with excitement about the current planets visible? Stargazers around the world have been sharing their views, with many using the hashtag #PlanetsInTheSky to connect. Enjoy this cosmic show and share your discoveries!

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