Spring Equinox, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, arrives on Monday, March 20. Our star, the Sun, rises due east along the horizon and the setting Sun marks due west. A new balance prevails: 12 hours of daylight, 12 hours darkness. Today, March 18, sunrise is 7:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time with sunset at 7:02 p.m.
Within half an hour of sunset, 20 degrees above the western horizon, be dazzled by the crystalline light of planet Venus, -4.01 magnitude. Venus sets circa 10 p.m. Close to the skyline below Venus, catch a glimpse of Jupiter, -2.05 magnitude, before the planet sets around 8 p.m. and earlier each evening.
As darkness gathers, skies light up with star patterns identified centuries ago. One of the most expansive and charming constellations is Leo the Lion, known as the harbinger of spring. Leo is easily recognized as a gentle lion climbing above the eastern horizon, then striding along the celestial dome all night and setting in the west at the crack of dawn.
The Lion’s brightest star, bluish-white Regulus, 1.35 magnitude, marks his heart. “Regulus” derived from Latin for rule, to ruler, to become “little king.” Regulus was also known by the Arabic name Qalb al-Asad, the Greek name Kardia Leontos, and Latin Cor Leonis, all meaning “heart of the Lion.” In the diagram, find Denebola, 2.12 magnitude, Arabic for lion’s tail.
Note the sign for beta “β” at Denebola and alpha “α” at Regulus in this drawing: Beta Leonis, the second brightest, and Alpha Leonis, the brightest stars in the constellation.
H.A. Rey’s diagram of Leo the Lion is uniquely expressive compared to the traditional figure. To see other of Rey’s renderings, go to Wikipedia and, even better, locate his books, such as “The Stars: A New Way to See Them” and “Find the Constellations,” published by Houghton Mifflin. Favorites in my library, Rey’s titles are to be shared with all ages. He might be best known for “Curious George,” his series especially for children. Check your local library and bookshop. In Great Barrington, I have found both star guides at The Bookloft.
Now, for the pièce de résistance. Around 9 o’clock, while gazing at Leo the Lion, turn to the left, north, to marvel at the enormity of the Big Dipper suspended above the skyline. At about that time, follow the arc of the Dipper’s handle to “arc to Arcturus”: a singular star will rise above the east-northeast skyline! The second brightest star in northern skies, Arcturus, 0.07 magnitude, is an orange giant. Akin to making occasions to witness our Sun rise and set, Arcturus’ spring rising is a wilderness gift to be celebrated with gratitude, solemnity, and rejoicing. Whereas the Lion is forerunner of spring, Arcturus rises with the advent of the Vernal Equinox.
