I outlined it briefly in this morning's Weather Page commentary in the print editions of The Sun. You can also access the Weather Page commentaries from the MarylandWeather.com main page. Look on the bottom of the WeatherBlog box. For those who missed it, here's the scoop on Monday's morning's predawn spectacle of moon, stars, planets (Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury) and spaceships.

As for the International Space Station and the shuttle Discovery, look for the ISS to appear over the southwest horizon at 5:50 a.m. EST, climbing past the bright star Sirius, then brushing by the planet Saturn at 5:53 a.m. before winging off toward the northeast. Discovery's appearance will depend on the timing of its departure today from the ISS. But give yourself a few extra minutes on either side of ISS's flyover. You may need it for any timing slips, and to spot the shuttle flying just ahead (or behind) of the ISS. The shuttle will be the dimmer of the pair.

I slipped outside this morning for a preview. Venus and the moon were beautiful, but they will be better - closer together - Monday morning. Mars was also quite a sight - red and very obvious just west of straight up. Sure hope the weather holds up.