Sky ArchiveTonight

Extend Big Dipper’s handle to Spica


Tonight … follow the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike to Spica. First find the Big Dipper in the northeast in the evening sky, and then follow the curve in the Big Dipper’s handle to the star Arcturus in the constellation Bootes: follow the arc to Arcturus. Now extend the curve in the handle into the southeastern sky: drive a spike to Spica.

Spica in the constellation Virgo looks like one star, but this single point of light is really a multiple star system – with at least two member stars and possibly more – located an estimated distance of 262 light-years away.

In any year, you can follow this imaginary arc to Arcturus and Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden. But this year, 2017, is extra special because the dazzling planet Jupiter beams close to Spica all year long.

Spica’s constellation, Virgo, is so large and rambling and difficult to see that we haven’t marked it.

However, you can look for a little squarish figure even farther to the south than Spica. This square star pattern is the constellation Corvus the Crow (Raven). Check out the star chart below to see where Corvus is in relationship to Spica.

The little square star pattern near Spica is another constellation, Corvus the Crow.
The little square star pattern near Spica is another constellation, Corvus the Crow.

Bottom line: Use the Big Dipper to arc to the star Arcturus. Then drive a spike to the star Spica on these springtime evenings!

EarthSky astronomy kits are perfect for beginners. Order today from the EarthSky store

Donate: Your support means the world to us

Posted 
April 1, 2017
 in 
Sky Archive

Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.

Your email address will only be used for EarthSky content. Privacy Policy
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

More from 

Editors of EarthSky

View All