Speeding Up for Spica.

The article focuses on Spica, the first-magnitude star that is closest to the meridian at the sidereal time called the Spica Hour. The Spica Hour, based on the Heavens by Hours system created by Guy Ottewell, occurs at different clock times as the week and months of spring pass by. Astronomers can experience Spica at 1 a.m. in early April, midnight in late April, 11 p.m. in early May, and at dusk in late May. Stars and star patterns near the meridian at Spica Hour include Corvus, Arcturus and the handle of Big Dipper.