Follow the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike to Spica

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Follow the arc to Arcturus, drive a spike to Spica
EarthSky in TONIGHT | April 5, 2020

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Follow the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike to Spica. Scouts learn this phrase. Grandparents teach it to kids. It was one of the first sky tools I learned to use in astronomy.

Although a bright moon lights up the sky these next several nights, these stars should be bright enough to withstand the onslaught of moonlight. After all, Spica serves as a perfect example of a 1st-magnitude star, whereas Arcturus beams brighter yet, shining one magnitude (2 1/2 times) brighter than Spica.

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The upcoming April full moon swings between the two bright springtime stars, Arcturus and Spica.​

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