Last night I think it was too cloudy, but Tues night Mars was only a thin index finger west of faint Acrab. Acrab is not terribly faint, but Antares a bit lower under the ecliptic is much brighter. i can see all three from dowtown Raleigh at first dark, as well as Saturn.
You can see in the chart that Saturn is east of Mars- it is also east of Acrab.
They are all on the midheaven at sunset, just face south and you can see Saturn, then faint Acrab and bright Mars. Bright Antares is below the others.
I haven't looked at any astronomy sites, so I'm not sure, but i think Mars should pass a few degrees under Acrab tonight or tomorrow.
Mars went direct at the very end of June and is really picking up speed- it is up to 23 minutes a day and gaining steadily.
I have been run ragged with emergency projects and worry but still there is something exciting about the sense of accomplishment, both in mundane affairs and friendships. It isalso a real thrill to see Mar's movement so clearly from one night to the next because of that fixed star as a reference so near the ecliptic.
Though Mars is really moving, and Saturn is still retro, the hero will not catch up to the authoirty figure till Aug 24.
Somehow i expect time will continue to fly as Mars keeps chugging away. i can't see more projects in my life now, so it is hard to imagine. i just look at that bright red light setting earlier and earlier each night and think of dying will. can Mars go gently? as we swing around toward the far side of the Sun from the red planet what urges will drive us on while the competitor is still, for just awhile longer, near?
