Bright Moon near Regulus (all night)

Once the sky begins to darken on Tuesday, March 11, the bright, white star Regulus, which marks the heart of Leo, the Lion will appear several finger widths below the bright, waxing gibbous moon – close enough for them to share the view in binoculars (orange circle). Early risers on Wednesday morning can look above the western horizon to see the moon shining much closer to the star. Also designated Alpha Leonis, Regulus’ position less than one degree north of the ecliptic (green line) causes it to be occasionally occulted by the moon and planets. The white, B-class star is located 79 light-years away from our sun.