Arcturus at evening. Comet ISON, Mars, Regulus before dawn

Earthsky.org - 10/13/13

The brightest object in the west after sunset is Venus, and the red star Antares is near Venus. They’ll be closest on October 16. But there’s another reddish star you might notice as well, and this one is likely to be flashing colors. Many people comment at this time of year on the star Arcturus, which you can read more about below. Plus here’s a cool configuration in the predawn sky now: Comet ISON is lining up with the planet Mars and star Regulus in the east. You’ll need a telescope to see the comet, but, even without one, it’s fun to imagine it up there with Mars and Regulus, getting brighter. Hopefully, it’ll become bright enough that we can see the comet after its closest approach to the sun on November 28, 2013.

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