A celestial jewel box lies open above our heads this month, each star a subtly tinted gem. To the west, Betelgeuse is Orion is a ruby. Regulus and spica to the south and east are pale sapphires. Arcturus and Aldebaran are topaz, along with Pollux – its hue contrasting with its neighbour, Castor, which along with brilliant Sirius is a pure diamond. Finally, seek out Citrine Capella, a colour-match to the sun.
To the unaided eyes, these shades are understated. But you’ll see the tints in their full glory through binoculars. And a telescope reveals that fainter, apparently white, stars are also rich in colour.
