THE STARS THIS WEEK

Chart Time 8 p.m.

Sunday

The moon is near its new phase, a chance to search for fainter constellations such as Ursa Minor the Little Bear, Cancer the Crab, Cetus the Sea Monster and Eridanus the River.

Monday

A wave of constellations — such as Orion the Hunter, Auriga the Charioteer, and twins Castor and Pollux of Gemini — are wellplaced for exploring during the early evening hours.

Tuesday

Highlighed by the bright star Procyon, Canis Minor, the Little Dog, can be seen after sundown. Below and to the right of Procyon sparkles Canis Major, the Big Dog.

Wednesday

Good views depends on many things, especially the stillness of the atmosphere. The greater the air disturbance, the more violent the twinkling. Still air results in stars shining with fairly steady light, and good images in telescopes.

Thursday

Blue-white Venus dominates the southeastern twilight morning skies. The planet’s featureless phase shape can be seen even in small telescopes.

Weekend

Dwarf planet Pluto reaches conjunction with the sun on Friday. The distant world moves into the morning sky, where it will appear before sunrise late in the month.