Mars and Saturn in the Scorpion's Claws

This spring and into the summer, Mars and Saturn make a beautiful pair near the claws of Scorpius the Scorpion. Right now, you have to stay awake until 1:30 AM to see them, but they will be rising earlier as the year moves on. 

Mars and Saturn rise at about 1:30 AM. The red star Antares is nearby - don't confuse it with Mars! Image Credit: Stellarium and Me.

If you are a true night owl and up at about 3:30, you can see the whole constellation of Scorpius, looking like a fishing hook on the southern horizon. 

Can you spot the Scorpion's fishing hook? Image Credit: Stellarium and Me

The two planets will be easy to spot. Look for two bright objects close together. Mars is noticeably orange/red. Saturn looks like a bright star. The imposter Antares is nearby, so if you get confused, remember that Mars is brighter and higher. 

As the year moves on, Saturn and Mars rise earlier and earlier. A month from now they will be visible at about 11 PM, and in June they will rise as the sun sets. Mars is still in Scorpius, but Saturn is technically in Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, the 13th zodiac constellation (the constellations along the path of the Sun and planets). In the picture above, Ophiuchus is the large boxy constellation above and east of Scorpius. 

Ophiuchus is holding a snake wrapped around his waist - the "Serpent Bearer". Image Credit: Stellarium and Me.

Look for Saturn and Mars next time you are out late, and as the season progresses. And remember they are not just specks of light in the sky, but worlds we humans are exploring with our robotic emissaries! Here is one of the latest images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. There are seven mission at Mars now and one more on the way!

Salt deposits make beautiful colors on Martian landscapes. Image Credit

And one of the latest images from the fantastic Cassini mission at Saturn: 

Can you spot tiny Dione? Image Credit

Watch Mars and Saturn as the season progresses. Watching the planets can be a pleasant way to mark the passage of time - day by day, they continue through the constellations. You can always learn what's up in the night sky at the Dome Planetarium at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates!  

Relax with us this Wednesday!