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The constellation of Scorpius, the signature of our winter skies,
is almost high overhead, it 'tail' set against the backdrop of the
Milky Way. This diffuse band of light is the Galaxy in which we dwell;
this part of the sky is where we look towards the centre of the
Galaxy. Following the Milky Way southwards brings one to the Southern
Cross region, along a stretch of sky that holds great beauty,
particular when viewed from a dark site in the absence of moonlight.
Well below Scorpius, but nowhere as distant, is planet Jupiter,
currently the brightest object in the night sky (after the Moon).
During the first half of this month, it is also worthwhile following
the 'action' above the western horizon in the early evening: On July
1, planet Mars (reddish) will pass very close to the bright star
Regulus. Not far above will be planet Saturn (yellowish). After this,
Mars will move towards Saturn, passing closest to its fellow planet on
July 10. Prior to that, however, the Moon will accompany the trio on
July 6.
The Moon is in the evening sky July 4-20.
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