Stars of Spring – Londolozi Blog

As the warmth of spring settles in and the days grow longer, there’s a similar shift happening overhead. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, spring isn’t just about what’s happening on the ground—it’s about the celestial wonders that accompany the change. The constellations above us slowly reveal themselves, offering new sights, and, like the budding leaves on the trees, the stars seem to glow a little brighter.

While we might associate spring with new growth and warmer days, the stars, brighter and bolder, become a spectacle in themselves. As I’m sure many of you feel, stargazing is not just about identifying planets or constellations. It’s about reconnecting with something far beyond our immediate world. Spring, with its fresh breezes and crisp nights, seems to make that connection even more palpable.

The sounds of the wilderness at night can be incredibly loud if you stop to listen.

Orion Returns

One of the first constellations to make its reappearance in spring is Orion. Known as “The Hunter,” Orion rises in the east in the late evening as spring progresses, with its iconic three-star belt leading the way. What’s always fascinating about Orion in the Southern Hemisphere is how it appears upside down compared to its position in the north. Its sword points upward toward Rigel, while the bright star Betelgeuse shines prominently.

Orion and his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor are prominent features in the Southern hemisphere night sky, mostly during the Summer months

For me, as we start the mornings before sunrise – seeing Orion feels like the return of an old friend. Each year, its arrival signals the end of winter and the gradual shift into warmer times.

Taurus and the Pleiades

Following Orion is Taurus, another spring constellation that houses the Pleiades, a cluster of stars often called the “Seven Sisters.” Rising a little later in the night, Taurus and the Pleiades are some of the most striking sights in the spring sky. The Pleiades, in particular, never fail to evoke a sense of awe. Even with the naked eye, the tight-knit group of stars appears like tiny jewels scattered across the sky.

Ancient cultures saw the Pleiades as symbols of unity, family, and even the start of planting seasons—a fitting connection to the rebirth and growth that spring represents here.

The Southern Skies provide a breathtaking backdrop to this dead Leadwood tree near the Maxabene Riverbed.

Planets that Light the Way

Venus dazzles the night sky just after sunset as the bright evening star.  Venus can be observed near the stars of the constellation Virgo.

Spring also offers some of the best opportunities to see Jupiter and Saturn.  Saturn, the beautifully ringed planet, can also be seen in the evening on the opposite of Venus and is visible throughout the night.  Juipter conversely is viewed in the mornings, just before sunrise. These gas giants dominate the evening sky, with Jupiter’s brightness almost impossible to miss. Saturn, though slightly dimmer, reveals its own charm if you have a pair of binoculars handy—its iconic rings visible as a faint band of light around the planet.

An illustration of the planets of our solar system.

The Southern Cross: A Constant Companion

Of course, one constellation remains a steadfast companion throughout the seasons: the Southern Cross. Spring nights allow for some of the clearest views of this iconic constellation. Its position shifts slightly as the months progress, but it’s always there, a reminder of where we are in the world and our connection to the southern skies.

The mythology around the Southern Cross and the “Pointer Stars”—Alpha and Beta Centauri—always makes me pause. The stories passed down by indigenous peoples and early explorers remind us that the stars are not just celestial objects, but symbols rich in meaning and history.

As we move through spring and into the warmer months, I encourage you to take a moment to gaze upward, whether you’re here at Londolozi or elsewhere. Let the constellations, planets, and stars transport you beyond the immediate world, and reconnect with the vastness of the universe. In spring, as life renews itself around us, the sky reminds us of the cyclical nature of everything—from the stars above to the new growth at our feet.