Moon close to the Sickle of Leo
Late at evening on January 9, 2023 – and early within the morning on January 10 – you’ll discover the waning gibbous moon glowing within the course of the Sickle of Leo the Lion. The moon’s vivid, glowing presence will make it tougher to identify the dimmer Sickle stars. So begin by on the lookout for Regulus, Leo’s brightest star, which ought to be seen, shining within the moon’s glare.
Word that the Sickle has a particular form, that of a backwards query mark. And Regulus marks the interval on the backside of the backward query mark sample.
In truth, Regulus is the one 1st-magnitude star that sits virtually proper on the ecliptic, the trail the sun follows via the sky. So Regulus is usually close to a vivid planet and might even be occulted (coated over) by the moon.
The moon will probably be proper beside the subsequent star up on the Sickle, dim Eta Leonis. However the star that marks the decrease curve of the Sickle is magnitude 2.1 Algieba. Are you able to make it out after which hint the remainder of the Sickle’s form?
The view from the Southern Hemisphere
Should you’re south of the equator, the Sickle appears to be like like an the wrong way up and backward query mark. As you possibly can see, relying in your location on Earth, the view of the evening sky adjustments barely. So, in the event you’re within the Southern Hemisphere, flip our maps the wrong way up for a extra correct view. Or attempt Stellarium for a exact star chart out of your location.
Backside line: You’ll be able to spot the waning gibbous moon close to the Sickle of Leo the Lion and its brightest star, Regulus, on the morning of January 10, 2023.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide
