Click here for a chart of the planets Mercury, Venus and Jupiter at dusk
One of my favorite constellations, little squarish Corvus the Crow, can be found in the south after sunset at this time of year. It’s not far from the bright star Spica – and, in 2013, the golden planet Saturn. Learn more about how to find Spica and Saturn here.
Once you find Spica and Saturn in sring 2013, you’ll recognize the constellation Corvus. It’s always near the star Spica on the sky’s dome. It’s recognizable for its compact, boxy shape.
Spica is a whirling double star
Corvus is an easy constellation to pick out in the sky. In Greek mythology, Corvus was seen as the cupbearer to Apollo, god of the sun. In ancient Israel, Corvus wasn’t a crow. Instead, it was seen as a raven. In China, this grouping of stars had more distinction as an Imperial Chariot, riding on the wind.
The three planets Mercury, Venus and Jupiter at evening dusk.
Photo of three planets at dusk taken by Ken Christison of North Carolina on May 29, 2013. Thank you Ken! Mercury at top, Jupiter at the very bottom and Venus in between. Jupiter is sinking toward the sunset day by day, whereas Mercury and Venus are still climbing away from the glare of evening twilight. It won’t be long before Jupiter leaves the evening sky. See more photos on the EarthSky Facebook page.
Corvus is a friendly sight in the heavens. Along with all the stars, Corvus’s stars will be found a bit farther west at nightfall in the coming weeks and months as Earth moves around the sun. Check it out now and watch for it in the next few months. The bright star Spica – near Corvus on our sky’s dome – will always be there to guide your eye.
Bottom line: Use the star Spica – and in 2013 the planet Saturn – to introduce yourself to the constelaltion Corvus the Crow.
