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constellations of the Zodiac. Each year, the sun passes in front of Leo from about August 10 to September 15. The sun and Regulus are located along the same line of sight from Earth each year on or near August 23. On this date, Regulus rises with the sun, shines with the sun at midday, and sets with the sun. Six months later, in February, Regulus will be opposite the sun in our sky, lighting the nighttime from dusk until dawn.
What is the ecliptic?
Bottom line: Watch for the moon near the star Regulus and planet Mars on the evening of May 27, 2012. As seen from

EarthSky Facebook friend VegaStar Carpentier took this wonderful photo of Mars in the constellation Leo in April 2012, from the city of Paris. Mars is the brightest object in this photo, with the star Regulus in its backwards question mark pattern nearby. Tonight - May 27, 2012 - you'll find Mars still in front of Leo but a bit fainter and farther from Regulus. And the moon will also be nearby.

around the world, the moon will be closer to the planet Mars tomorrow, as it passes beneath the belly of mighty Leo the Lion in late May 2012!