Northern Spring Constellations

Learn what's up in the night sky on today's episode of Astro Minute!

What is Astro Minute?

Welcome to the Astro Minute! I'm Lauren Smyth, and with the help of astronomer and teacher Kelli Smyth, I'll be your tour guide as we explore the secrets of the night sky sixty seconds at a time.

Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we’re exploring the universe sixty seconds at a time. I’m Lauren Smyth, and today we’re seeing signs of spring!

Spring constellations are finally joining prominent year-round constellations in the evening skies. Scan the sky just west of north to find queen Cassiopeia’s w-shaped asterism, and the fainter house-shaped king Cepheus on her right. A little further to the right is the Little Dipper in Ursa Minor, with the northern pole star Polaris at the end of its handle. To its right, find the Big Dipper in Ursa Major, then follow the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle to see the bright red star Arcturus making his spring debut on the northeast horizon. Winding between the Dippers is Draco the Dragon, with its little round head down toward the horizon. And roaring into the eastern spring sky, find Leo the Lion, with his prominent backwards question mark punctuated by the bright quadruple star system Regulus.

That’s your Astro Minute!