Early morning risers: Look for triangle of Venus, Saturn, Regulus

William Atkins
Thursday, 11 October 2007 18:49

Science - Space

The mornings of October 11 through 15, 2007, early morning risers in the northern latitudes will be able to see the planets Venus and Saturn and the star Regulus positioned at the three corners of an imaginary triangle.       

Just before dawn in the northern hemisphere, the three celestial bodies will be easily seen high in the eastern sky, assuming a clear sky. They will also be seen after these dates, but these five dates are expected to produce the best display.

The Moon will be positioned above the bright planet Venus, now informally called “the morning star”. The star Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, will be seen above and just to the left of Venus, however, less bright but with a sparkling bluish-white color. The planet Saturn will be below and to the left of Regulus, being seen as a pale yellowish point of light.

For star charts of the threesome, go to SpaceWeather.com: http://spaceweather.com/.