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 path of the Sickle of Leo the Lion. The moon’s brilliant, glowing presence will make it tougher to identify the dimmer Sickle stars. So begin by searching for Regulus, Leo’s brightest star, which ought to be seen shining within the moon’s glare.
Observe 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 reality, Regulus is the one 1st-magnitude star that sits nearly proper on the ecliptic, the trail the sun follows by way of the sky. So Regulus is commonly close to a brilliant planet and might even be occulted (coated over) by the moon.
The moon will likely 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 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 modifications barely. So, in case you’re within the Southern Hemisphere, flip our maps the wrong way up for a extra correct view. Or strive Stellarium for a exact star chart out of your location.
Backside line: You may 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
