This is an update of the previous list showing some of the stars and planets that you can see in the night sky during the second quarter of 2012.
Like in the first quarter, during April you will still be able to see the winter circle stars: Sirius, Rigel, Procyon, Capella, Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, and Pollux. Also, Canopus, Anchernar and Castor. But, as days go by, they will start hiding in the horizon.
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| This is a projection of the stars that you will be able to see in May |
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| In June, only Procyon and Pollux will be seen during the early evening |
Likewise, Jupiter won't be visible anymore for a couple of months. But, Venus will still show up near the West early in the evening until the end of May.
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| Jupiter won't be seen for a while |
So, what's new for this quarter?. Well, these are some of the night-sky brightest stars that you can see:
- Arcturus: It's name derives from Greek and means "Guardian of the Bear". It's the fourth brightest star in the night sky, and consists in a Orange giant star, that's why it looks like yellow to the naked eye. You can see Arcturus near the East and all night long.
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- Rigil Kent: Also known as Alpha Centauri or Toliman, is part of the constellation of Centaurus, and although, it seems to be a single star, it is indeed a part of a binary star system. Alpha Centauri A is the fourth brightest start in the night sky. And, Alpha Centauri B, has been classified as the twenty-first brightest star in the sky. One interesting fact about this star system is its distance to our Sun becoming its nearest neighbor. In April, you can see it near south east after midnight, but as days go by it will show up earlier and move to a southern position.
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- Vega: It's located in the constellation of Lyra, and is the fifth brightest star in the night sky. During a long time it was known as the northern pole star. It can be located near the north-easth in the night sky. Like Rigil Kent during the beginning of the second quarter it can be seen after midnight, but as days go by it will show up earlier.
- Altair: It's the 12th brightest star in the night sky. It is located in the constellation of Cygnus. Like Vega, it can be seen near the North-East after midnight.
- Spica: Is the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo, and the 15th brightest star in the night sky. During April, you can see Spica early in the evening high in the night sky near Saturn in the South-East.
- Antares: Located in the constellation Scorpios, it is the 16th brightest star in the night sky. Antares is a red supergiant star. Like Rigil Kent or Vega, it can be seen in the South-East after midnight during early April, but this change as days go by showing up earlier.
- Deneb: Is a blue-white super giant, and the 19th brightest star. It is located in the constellation of Cygnus. You can see it near the North-East after midnight.
The Summer Triangle. Like the winter circle, and the winter triangle, it is an asterism. It's formed by three start Deneb, Vega and Altair. The winter triangle can be seen during the summer and part or autumn season.
In addition, you can also see Saturn and Mars early in the evening and all night long.
What else?, well you can also enjoy the following events:
By April 20th, the Lyrid meteors can be seen. The peek is expected after midnight and before dawn on April 21, and Sunday April 22.
On May 5, see the biggest and closest full moon of the year. This day the moon will be closest to the Earth. Although this happens every year, it won't be too close again until 2014.
Partial Lunar eclipse on June 4. It will be visible for the America's Western Hemisphere, Hawaii, far Eastern Asia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Both Americas and Hawaii will be able to see the eclipse sometime between late night and sunrise of June 4. While, countries like Philippines , Indonesia or Australia will see it sometime between sunset and midnight of June 4. For more information, visit Earth Sky - Tonight. There you will also find an eclipse calculator which gives you the eclipse time for your time zone.
Finally, If you live in the easter region of China or Japan, or the southwester of the United States, then you will be able to watch the Annular eclipse of the sun on May 20 or May 21. If you want more information, visit Earth Sky-Tonight.
Sources:
* Images generated with Stellarium
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