Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio Delta College Public Radio

The moon is "new" this week, which keeps the night sky dark enough to see more stars and deep sky wonders. One distinctive little springtime constellation to look for in the south is called Corvus, the Crow.

Each season has that one constellation that serves as a signpost to the sky. In spring, many stargazers use the zodiacal constellation of Leo the Lion.

Mid-April to mid-May is a good time to see a collection of bright stars in the west called "The Arch of Spring."

As the phase of the moon grows steadily from Crescent to First Quarter to Full, it’s a good opportunity to explore the contrasts of light and dark on its surface.

This is the time of year when the Big Dipper climbs to its highest point in the north, appearing almost directly overhead by month’s end.

There's a fuzzy glow in the constellation of Cancer the Crab that's barely visible to the naked eye, but binoculars will reveal a pretty little star cluster called the Beehive.