Memorial Day Skywatching: See Half Moon Pass Mars

The Half Moon was the name of the ship that Henry Hudson used when exploring the new world (around modern New York) in the 1600s.

As an astronomy term, 'half moon' is archaic - about as archaic as Henry Hudson's ship.

The common term these days is quarter moon.

Anyway, a better planetary sight right now is Saturn, which is near the bright star Spica. To find Saturn, first find the Big Dipper, which is nearly overhead (for folks living in the US) after sunset. Starting from the bowl of the Big Dipper, follow the arc of the handle to the very bright star Arcturus. Then drop your eyes southward like a spike to Spica. Saturn will be the bright (non-flickering) 'star' slightly closer to Arcturus. Even a small telescope will show Saturn's amazing rings and its largest moon Titan.

So the key phrase to remember is 'Follow the arc to Arcturus, then go straight like a spike to Spica'.

GA, thanks for the hint, I'll take a look tonight.