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Published By : Penguin Random Publication House (507) 373-7119 1610 S Broadway Ave Albert Lea, Minnesota(MN), 56007 Content are mostly written by the author and most images are taken from sources like Google Images and freepik All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. First impression 2020 09 8 7 6 The moral right of author has been asserted. This book is sold subject to condition that it shall not, by way of trade or therwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover than that in which it is published.
Preface This book is an elusive guide to the most major constelltions that are defined by the International Astronomical Union. It is based on the 48 Greek constellations and a few which were added later on to the list. Originally the constellations were defined informally by the shapes made by their star patterns, but, as the pace of celestial discoveries quickened in the early 20th century, astronomers decided it would be helpful to have an official set of constellation boundaries. One reason was to aid in the naming of new variable stars, which brighten and fade rather than shine steadily. Such stars are named for the constellation in which they reside, so it is important to agree where one constellation ends and the next begins. Eugène Delporte originally listed the 88 “modern” constellations on behalf of the IAU Commission 3 (Astronomical Notations), in Délimitation scientifique des constellations. (Delporte, 1930) In star maps it is common to mark line “patterns” that represent the shapes that give the name to the constellations. However, the IAU defines a constellation by its boundary (indicated by sky coordinates) and not by its pattern and the same constellation may have several variants in its representation.
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GUIDE TO THE IAU DEFINED CONSTELLATIONS PETER PILE
BEACON PUBLICATION
“ Und wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein -Friedrich Nietzsche
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Celestial Planisphere
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Contents January
February
March
o1
02
03
01-06
08-13
14-20
July
August
September
07
08
09
34-39
40-42
43-49
April
04 15-25
October
10 50-54
May
June
05
06
26-29
30-33
November
11
55-59
December
12
60-65
01
January
The six January constellations include such notable groups as Orion, the hunter, and Taurus, the bull. Hidden among these stellar groupings can be found the famous Orion Nebula, one of the brightest nebulae in the sky.
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Caelum
The Sculptors Chisel 3. Beta Caeli
2. Gamma-1 Caeli Pronunciation: (SEE-lum) Abbreviation: Cae Genitive: Caeli Right Ascension: 5 hours Declination: -40 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 125 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
1. Alpha Caeli
4. Delta Caeli
Caelum is an extremely dim and insignificant constellation. The brightest star in the constellation is Alpha Caeli with a visual magnitude of only 4.46. It is a binary star system located approximately 66 light years from Earth. The second brightest star is Gamma-1 Caeli with a magnitude of 4.58. It is one of a pair of binary star systems separated by only 0.22 degrees in the sky. Its twin, Gamma-2 Caeli has a combined magnitude of only 6.34. Gamma-1 Caeli is located about 185 light years from Earth while Gamma-2 Caeli is over 334 light years away. The third brightest star in Caelum is Beta Caeli with a magnitude of only 5.04. It is a yellow-white dwarf star that lies about 90 light years from our solar system.Caelum contains no Messier objects. Due to its small size and location away from the plane of the Milky Way, it is mostly devoid of deep-sky objects. The only notable object to be found here is HE0450-2958. It is an unusual Seyfert galaxy, also known as a quasar, with hot jets of plasma from a supermassive black hole at its center. It is extremely dim and can only be seen with the largest of telescopes.
THE SCULPTOR'S CHISEL Designation
Object/Meaning
V Mag
Alpha Caeli
Binary Star System
4.46
Gamma-1 Caeli
Binary Star System
4.48
Beta Caeli
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
5.04
Delta Caeli
Blue-White Subgiant Star
5.07
01
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Dorado The Dolphinfish
Pronunciation: (doh-RAH-doh) Abbreviation: Dor Genitive: Doradus Right Ascension: 5 hours Declination: -65 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 179 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
4. Gamma Doradus
6. Zeta Doradus
3. Beta Doradus
5. Delta Doradus 1. Large Magellanic Cloud
2. Alpha Doradus
Dorado is composed mainly of dim stars. The brightest star is Alpha Doradus with a visual magnitude of 3.30. It is a binary star system located approximately 169 light years from Earth. The second brightest star is Beta Doradus. It is a Cepheid variable star with an average magnitude of 3.63. This star varies in brightness from magnitude 3.45 to 4.05. It lies about 1,050 light years away. The third brightest star in Dorado is Gamma Doradus. It is also a variable star with an average magnitude of 4.25. It is a white dwarf star located 66 light years from our solar system. Dorado contains no Messier objects but does contain one of the most famous deep-sky objects in the southern hemisphere, the Large Magellanic Cloud, or LMC. The LMC is an irregular galaxy located just outside our own Milky Way. It is the third closest galaxy to our own and is one of the few galaxies that can be seen with the naked eye. The LMC contains a few notable deep-sky objects of its own.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Meaning
V Mag
Large Magellanic Cloud
Irregular Galaxy
0.90
Alpha Doradus
Binary Star System
3.30
Beta Doradus
Cepheid Variable Star
3.63
Gamma Doradus
Variable Star
4.25
Delta Doradus
White Dwarf Star
4.34
Zeta Doradus
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.68
02
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Mensa
The Table Mountain
Pronunciation: (MEN-suh) Abbreviation: Men Genitive: Mensae Right Ascension: 5 hours Declination: -80 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 153 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 0 and -90 degrees
2. Beta Mensae
1. Alpha Mensae
4. Eta Mensae 3. GammaMensae
The constellation Mensa, the table mountain, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is the second southernmost constellation and cannot be seen in most of the northern hemisphere. It is visible at latitudes south of 5 degrees from May through July. It can best be seen in northern latitudes in January. It is a small constellation that covers an area of only 153 square degrees. It ranks 75th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Dorado to the north, Hydrus to the northwest and west, Octans to the south, Chamaeleon to the east, and Volans to the northeast. There are no myths associated with Mensa. It is one of 14 southern constellations named by the French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century. The name means “the table” in Latin. Lacaille named it to commemorate the table mountain near his observatory in Cape Town, South Africa. Lacaille originally named the constellation Montagne de la Table on his planisphere in 1756. He later Latinized it to Mons Mensae for the second edition in 1763. The name was later shortened to Mensa by British astronomer Francis Baily at the suggestion of John Herschel. The constellation is depicted as a mountain with a flattened top.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Mensae
Yellow Dwarf Star
5.09
Beta Mensae
Yellow Dwarf Star
5.30
Gamma Mensae
Orange Giant Star
5.17
Eta Mensae
Orange Giant Star
5.47
03
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Orion
The Great Hunter
3. GammaMensae
6. Bellatrix
Pronunciation: (oh-RY-un) Abbreviation: Ori Genitive: Orionis Right Ascension: 5 hours 7. Alnilam Declination: 5 Degrees 8. Alnitak Area in Square Degrees: 594 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 85 and -75 degrees
10. Mintaka
1,2. M42, M43 11. Nair al Saif
9. Saif
4. Rigel
It is a large constellation filling an area 594 square degrees. It ranks 26th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Taurus to the northwest, Eridanus to the southwest, Lepus to the south, Monoceros to the east, and Gemini to the northeast. It contains an asterism of three stars in a straight line known as Orion’s Belt. This is one of the most recognizable groupings of stars in the night sky. It was named after the hero of Greek mythology who was killed by Scorpius, the scorpion. It is one of the oldest constellations with roots in many ancient cultures. It has been depicted on ivory carvings that are believed to have been fashioned over 32,000 years ago. The ancient Babylonians saw it as the Heavenly Shepherd. To the Egyptians, it represented a god called Sah. In Greek mythology, the stars represent the great hunter Orion. He was the son of the sea god Poseidon and Euryale, the daughter of King Minos of Crete. Orion boasted that he would kill every animal on Earth. This angered the goddess Gaia so she sent a scorpion to kill him. The gods felt sorry for Orion, so they put him and his dogs in the sky as constellations, along with all of the animals he hunted. Scorpius, the scorpion, was placed on the opposite side of the sky so that Orion would never be hurt by it again. To this day, Orion is never seen in the sky at the same time as Scorpius.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Betelgeuse
Red Supergiant Star
0.50
Bellatrix
Blue-White Giant Star
1.64
Alnilam
Middle of the Belt
1.69
Alnitak
Blue Supergiant Star
1.77
Saif
Blue Supergiant Star
2.09
Mintaka
Binary Star System
2.23
Nair al Saif
Blue Giant Star
2.77
Meissa
Blue-White Giant Star
3.54
04
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Reticulum The Reticle
3. Epsilon Reticuli
7. Iota Reticuli
5. Delta Reticuli 4. Gamma Reticuli 3. Epsilon Reticuli Pronunciation: (ree-TIK-u-lum) Abbreviation: Ret Genitive: Reticuli Right Ascension: 4 hours Declination: -60 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 114 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
3. Beta Reticuli
The constellation Reticulum, the reticle, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is completely visible at latitudes south of 23 degrees north from October through December. It is best seen in northern latitudes in January. It is a very small constellation filling an area of only 114 square degrees. This makes it the seventh smallest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Dorado, Horologium and Hydrus. There are no myths associated with Reticulum. It is one of 14 southern constellations named by the French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century. Its name means “the reticle” in Latin. It represents a small net of corsshairs on the eyepiece of a telescope that is used to measure the positions of stars. The constellation was originally introduced by the German astronomer Isaac Habrecht II on a celestial globe he published in 1621. He originally named the constellation Rhombus. Lacaille renamed it to le Réticule Rhomboide to commemorate the reticle in his telescope eyepiece. The name was later Latinized to Reticulum when Lacaille published his star catalog.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Reticuli
Yellow Giant Star
3.32
Beta Reticuli
Triple Star System
3.84
Epsilon Reticuli
Double Star
4.44
Gamma Reticuli
Red Giant Star
4.48
Delta Reticuli
Red Giant Star
4.56
Kappa Reticuli
Binary Star System
4.71
05
CHAPTER 1 - JANUARY
Taurus The Bull
4. Elnath
6. Zeta Tauri 14. Tau Tauri
8. Ain 3. Aldebaran
11. Hyadum II
12. Theta Tauri Pronunciation: (ree-TIK-u-lum) Abbreviation: Ret Genitive: Reticuli Right Ascension: 4 hours Declination: -60 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 114 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
9. Hyadum I 7. Lambda Tauri
7. Lambda Tauri 10. Xi Tauri
13. Nu Tauri
16. Omicron Tauri
The constellation Taurus, the bull ranks 17th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Aries to the west, Gemini to the east, Perseus and Auriga to the north, Orion to the southeast, Eridanus to the south, and Cetus to the southwest. It is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. Its importance to agriculture influenced the mythology of many ancient civilizations including Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Depictions of the constellation have been found in cave paintings dating back to 15,000 BC. In Greek mythology it is believed to represent the story of Europa and the bull. The story tells of Europa, daughter of Agenor, who was King of Phoenica. One day Europa saw a majestic white bull grazing near her father's herd. The bull was actually Zeus in disguise. After allowing Europa to climb on its back, the bull whisked her off to Crete where he made her his mistress.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M1
Supernova Remnant
3.32
M45
Open Star Cluster
3.84
Aldebaran
Orange Giant Star
4.44
Elnath
Blue-White Giant Star
4.48
Alcyone
Binary Star System
4.56
Zeta Tauri
Binary Star System
4.71
Ain
Orange Giant Star
3.53
Hyadum I
Yellow Giant Star
3.65
06
02
February The February constellations include a few well-known groups such as Gemini, the Twins, and Canis Major, the Great Dog. Located in these constellations are seven Messier objects. All of these are open star clusters except for M79, which is a beautiful globular cluster located in the constellation of Lepus, the rabbit.
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Auriga
The Charioteer
Pronunciation: (ah-RY-guh) Abbreviation: Aur Genitive: Aurigae Right Ascension: 6 hours Declination: 40 Degrees 7. Hassaleh Area in Square Degrees: 114 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
16. Omicron Tauri
11. Haedus 8. Almaaz
4. Capella 12. Nu Aurigae
5. Menkalinan
10. Omicron Tauri
The constellation Auriga, the charioteer, can be seen most of the year in northern latitudes due to its circumpolar nature. It is bordered by the constellations Camelopardalis, Gemini, Lynx, Perseus, and Taurus. Auriga is the site of the galactic anticenter, a theoretical point in the sky that lies directly opposite the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. The name means “the charioteer� in Latin. It is an ancient constellation with roots in many cultures. It was first recognized in Mesopotamia as a scimitar or crook. The crook stood for a goat-herd or shepherd. To the ancient Bedouin astronomers, the constellation represented a herd of goats. The Chinese saw it as Wuche, the five chariots of the celestial emperors and the representation of the grain harvest. In Greek mythology, it represented the charioteer Erechtheus, who is seen carrying his children in his arm. This constellation is believed to have originated with the Babylonians. In some references, the charioteer carries a goat along with the two children. His other hand holds the reins to the chariot.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Capella
Double Binary Star System
3.32
Menkalinan
Binary Star System
3.84
Mahasim
Binary Star System
4.44
Hassaleh
Orange Giant Star
4.48
Almaaz
Eclipsing Binary Star System
4.56
Haedus II
Blue Subgiant Star
4.71
Prijipati
Binary Star System
3.53
Haedus
Yellow Giant Star
3.65
08
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Camelopardalis The Giraffe
Pronunciation: (ka-MEL-oh-POR-duh-lis) Abbreviation: Cam Genitive: Camelopardalis Right Ascension: 6 hours Declination: 70 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 757 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, February 1 Visible Between Latitudes: -90 and -10 degrees
3. Alpha Camelopardalis
1. Beta Camelopardalis
2. CS Camelopardalis
Camelopardalis is a circumpolar constellation which means it is visible all night as it rotates around the north celestial pole. It contains a star formation known as Kemble’s Cascade. This asterism forms a cascade of about 20 dim stars spread out in a straight line.There are no myths associated with Camelopardalis. The ancient Greeks thought that this region of the sky was empty. Camelopardalis is one of 12 constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Plancius included it on his celestial globe and a year later, in 1624, it was featured in a star atlas created by German astronomer Jakob Bartsch. This constellation was first observed to look like a camel. Bartsch originally described it as the animal Rebecca rode to marry Isaac in the Bible. The name was eventually changed to camelopardalis, which is Latin for giraffe. When dark conditions allow most of the stars to be seen, the constellation does resemble a giraffe.Camelopardalis is an extremely faint constellation with no stars brighter than magnitude 4. The brightest star in the constellation is Beta Camelopardalis with a visual magnitude of only 4.02. It is a yellow supergiant star located about 1,000 light years from Earth. The second brightest star is known as CS Camelopardalis. It is a binary star system with a combined magnitude of 4.21. It lies approximately 3,000 light years away. The third brightest star is Alpha Camelopardalis with a magnitude of only 4.29. It is a blue supergiant star located about 6,000 light years from Earth.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Mensae
Yellow Dwarf Star
5.09
Beta Mensae
Yellow Dwarf Star
5.30
Gamma Mensae
Orange Giant Star
5.17
Eta Mensae
Orange Giant Star
5.47
09
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Canis Major The Great Dog
9. Theta Canis Majoris
10. Muliphen Pronunciation: (KAY-nis MAY-jur) Abbreviation: CMa Genitive: Canis Majoris Right Ascension: 7 hours Declination: -20 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 380 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, February 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
9. Theta Canis Majoris 2. Sirius
4. Wezen
6. Aludra
7. Furud
The constellation Canis Major, the great dog, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is visible in the northern hemisphere from December through March. It can be seen at latitudes between 60 degrees and -90 degrees. It is a small to mid-sized constellation covering an area of 380 square degrees. It ranks 43rd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. Canis Major is one of the 48 constellations originally cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the greater dog� in Latin. It represents the larger of Orion's two hunting dogs who accompany him as he hunts Lepus, the rabbit. It is an ancient constellation with many different meanings to many different cultures. The ancient Babylonians saw it as an arrow aiming towards Orion. Part of the stars from Puppis formed the bow. To the Chinese, the stars in Canis Major were part of the Vermillion Bird. In Greek mythology, the constellation represented the dog Laelaps, a gift from Zeus to Europa. The dog was famous for being the fastest in the world. Zeus eventually placed the dog into the night sky. If you connect the stars with lines, this constellation does somewhat resemble a dog.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M41
Open Star Cluster
4.60
Sirius
Binary Star System
-1.46
Adhara
Binary Star System
1.50
Wezen
Yellow-White Supergiant Star
1.83
Mirzam
Beta Cephei Variable Star
-1.46
Aludra
Blue-White Supergiant Star
2.45
Furud
Binary Star System
3.02
Muliphen
Blue-White Giant Star
4.10
10
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Columba The Dove
3. Ghusn al Zaitun 8. Lambda Columbae 1. Phact 6. Gamma Columbae 2. Wezn
4. Epsilon Columbae
Pronunciation: (koh-LUM-buh) Abbreviation: Col Genitive: Columbae Right Ascension: 6 hours Declination: -35 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 270 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, Jnauary 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
5. Eta Columbae
There is no mythology associated with Columba. It is one of 12 fairly recent constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Plancius included it on his celestial globe in 1592. Plancius originally named the constellation Columba Noachi, which means Noah’s dove. It refers to the dove that brought an olive branch to Noah to show that the great flood was receding. In some other interpretations, the dove represents the bird the Argonauts sent out ahead to help them navigate the narrow passage at the mouth of the Black Sea. The German astronomer Johann Bayer included this constellation in his star atlas in 1603 and the name was eventually shortened to Columba. Columba consists of mainly dim stars. The brightest star is Phact, a double star with a combined visual magnitude of 2.64. It is located approximately 270 light years from Earth. The second brightest star is Wezn with a magnitude of 3.12. Wezn is an orange giant star located about 86 light years from our solar system. Ghusn al Zaitun is the third brightest star with a magnitude of 3.85. It is a yellow giant star that lies some 237 light years away
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Phact
Double Star
2.64
Wezn
Orange Giant Star
3.12
Ghusn al Zaitun
Yellow Giant Star
3.85
Epsilon Columbae
Orange Giant Star
3.88
Eta Columbae
Orange Giant Star
3.95
Gamma Columbae
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.35
Kappa Columbae
Orange Giant Star
4.37
Lambda Columbae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
4.86
11
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Lepus The Hare
5. Neshmet 4. Sasin
Pronunciation: (koh-LUM-buh) Abbreviation: Col Genitive: Columbae Right Ascension: 6 hours Declination: -35 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 270 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, Jnauary 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
2. Arneb 8. Nihal
7. Zeta Leporus 8. Gamma Leporus 9. Eta Leporus
6. Theta Leporus
10. Delta Leporus
Lepus is a small constellation occupying an area of 290 square degrees. It ranks 51st in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Caelum, Canis Major, Columba, Eridanus, Monoceros and Orion.Lepus is one of the 48 constellations identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Is name means “the hare” in Latin. It is represented as a rabbit that is being hunted by Orion and his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. The mythology behind Lepus is uncertain. It is, however, an ancient constellation known at least since the time of the Greeks. Lepus is sometimes confused with the constellation Lupus, the wolf. Lepus contains a number of bright stars. The brightest is Arneb with a visual magnitude of 2.58. Its name means “the hare” in Arabic. It is a white supergiant star located approximately 2,218 light years from Earth. The second brightest star is Nihal with a magnitude of 2.84. Nihal is a yellow giant star that lies 160 light years from our solar system. Sasin is the third brightest star with a magnitude of 3.16. It is an orange giant star located about 213 light years away.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M79
Globular Star Cluster
2.64
Arneb
White Supergiant Star
3.12
Nihal
Yellow Giant Star
3.85
Sasin
Orange Giant Star
3.88
Neshmet
Blue Subgiant Star
3.95
Theta Leporus
White Dwarf Star
4.35
Zeta Leporus
White Dwarf Star
4.37
Gamma Leporus
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.86
11
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Monoceros The Unicorn
4. Gamma Monocerotis Pronunciation: (moh-NOS-er-us) Abbreviation: Mon Genitive: Monocerotis Right Ascension: 7 hours Declination: -5 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 482 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, February 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 75 and -85 degrees
6. Beta Monocerotis
4. Delta Monocerotis
2. Alpha Monocerotis 5. Zeta Monocerotis
There are no myths associated with Monoceros. It is one of 12 constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Plancius included it on a celestial globe in 1612. He originally called it Monoceros Unicornis. It was created to fill a large gap between the constellations Orion and Hydra. The German astronomer Jakob Bartsch named it Unicornu in his star chart published in 1624. It represents a classic unicorn, a horse with a single horn protruding from its forehead. The faint stars of Monoceros make its shape difficult to discern. It is often overlooked since it is surrounded on all sides by the much brighter constellations Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, and Gemini. Monoceros contains one Messier object, M50. It is an open cluster of about 200 stars. In addition, this constellation contains a large number of fascinating deep-sky objects. The Rosette Nebula is an emission nebula known for its beautiful colors and patterns. NGC 2244 is an open star cluster located within the Rosette Nebula.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M50
Open Star Cluster
4.00
Alpha Monocerotis
Orange Giant Star
3.94
Gamma Monocerotis
Orange Giant Star
3.98
Delta Monocerotis
White Dwarf Star
4.15
Zeta Monocerotis
Yellow Supergiant Star
4.36
Beta Monocerotis
Triple Star System
4.60
12
CHAPTER 2 - FEBRUARY
Pictor
The Painter's Easel 2. Beta Pictoris
Pronunciation: (PIK-ter) Abbreviation: Pic Genitive: Pictoris Right Ascension: 6 hours Declination: -55 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 247 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
3. Gamma Pictoris
4. Delta Pictoris
2. Alpha Monocerotis
Pictor is not associated with any mythology. It is one of 14 southern constellations named by Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his trip to the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa. Its name means “painter” in Latin, but it was actually named for a painter’s easel. Lacaille originally named the constellation "Le Chevalet et la Palette" in 1756, which means "The Painter's Easel and Palette". Its shape resembles that of a painting easel. He changed the name to Equuleus Pictoris on his planishpere in 1763. The name was later shortened to Pictor by the English astronomer Francis Baily based on a suggestion by John Herschel. Pictor contains no Messier objects and very few deep-sky objects. NGC 1705 is an irregular dwarf galaxy located about 17 million light years from Earth. It is one of the most active star forming galaxies in our corner of the universe. Pictor A is a double-lobed radio galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its center.The black hole shoots a jet of plasma over 800,000 light years out into space. SPT-CL J0546-5345 is a massive galaxy cluster located approximately seven billion light years away. It is one of the most massive galaxy clusters yet discovered and contains hundreds of individual galaxies. These objects are extremely dim an can only be seen with large telescopes.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M50
Open Star Cluster
4.00
Alpha Monocerotis
Orange Giant Star
3.94
Gamma Monocerotis
Orange Giant Star
3.98
Delta Monocerotis
White Dwarf Star
4.15
13
03
March
The March constellations include many notable groups the most famous of which is Cancer, the crab. Cancer is home to two Messier objects, both open star clusters. The remainders of objects worth noting are found in the constellation Puppis. Puppis contains three Messier open star clusters
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Cancer The Crab
2. Beta Pictoris
Pronunciation: (KAN-ser) Abbreviation: Cnc Genitive: Cancri Right Ascension: 9 hours Declination: 20Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 506 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
3. Gamma Pictoris
4. Asellus Australis
5. Acubens
2. M67
The constellation Cancer, the crab, is visible in the northern hemisphere in the early spring. It ranks 31st in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Gemini to the west, Lynx to the north, Leo Minor to the northeast, Leo to the east, Hydra to the south, and Canis Minor to the southwest. It is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. Cancer is one of the 48 constellations originally listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the crab” in Latin. It is believed to represent the crab in the story of the twelve labors of Hercules. It was sent by the goddess Hera to distract Hercules while he is fighting the Hydra. When the crab tries to kill Hercules, he kicks it so hard that it is propelled into the sky among the stars. In another version, the crab tried to grab Hercules’ toe, but Hercules crushed it under his foot. In some ancient cultures this constellation was believed to be the gate through which souls passed from Heaven to Earth as they were born into human bodies. Cancer is not a particularly bright constellation. The brightest star is Altarf with a visual magnitude of only 3.54. It is an orange giant star located 290 light years from earth.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M44
Open Star Cluster
3.70
M67
Open Star Cluster
6.10
Altarf
Orange Giant Star
3.54
Asellus Australis
Orange Giant Star
3.94
Acubens
Multiple Star System
4.26
Asellus Borealis
Blue Subgiant Star
4.66
14
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Canis Minor The Little Dog
Pronunciation: (KAN-ser) Abbreviation: Cnc Genitive: Cancri Right Ascension: 9 hours Declination: 20Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 506 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
4. Epsilon Canis Minoris
3. Gamma Canis Minoris 2. Gomeisa
1. Procyon
The constellation Canis Minor, the little dog, is visible in the northern hemisphere from December until April. It is bordered by Monoceros to the south, Gemini to the north, Cancer to the northeast, and Hydra to the east. Canis Minor is one of the 48 constellations first cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “lesser dog� in Latin. It represents the smaller of Orion's two hunting dogs along with its larger neighbor, Canis Major. In another legend, this constellation represents Maere, the dog of the wine-maker Icarius, who was killed by his friends after they mistakenly thought that Icarius was trying to poison them. Canis Minor was sometimes associated with the Teumessian Fox, the beast that could not be outrun. Zeus turned the fox to stone along with its hunter, the dog Laelaps. Zeus then placed the two of them in the heavens as Canis Minor and Canis Major. Canis Minor is usually depicted on charts as a small dog standing on the back of Monoceros, the unicorn. Canis Minor is famous for the bright star Procyon. It is the brightest star in the constellation and the 8th brightest star in the night sky with a visual magnitude of 0.38. It is a binary star system located only 11.4 light years from Earth. The name Procyon means "before the dog".
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Procyon
Binary Star System
0.38
Gomeisa
Blue Subgiant Star
2.89
Gamma Canis Minoris
Binary Star System
4.33
Epsilon Canis Minoris
Yellow Giant Star
4.99
15
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Carina The Keel
1. Canopis
Pronunciation: (kuh-REE-nuh) Abbreviation: Car Genitive: Carinae Right Ascension: 9 hours Declination: -60Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 494 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
9. Chi Carinae
3. Avior
4. Aspidiske
4. Aspidiske
2. Miaplacidus
8. Foramen 5. Theta Carinae
7. Omega Carinae
The constellation Carina, the keel, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is visible at latitudes south of 15 degrees and is completely below the horizon for latitudes north of 39 degrees. It is a medium-sized constellation occupying an area of 494 square degrees. It ranks 34th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor, Puppis, Vela, and Volans. Carina was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis. This larger constellation represented the great ship of Jason and the Argonauts on their voyage to find the golden fleece. Argo Navis was one of the 48 constellations first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. This constellation was later divided by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille into three smaller parts. Carina became the Keel, Puppis the Stern, and Vela the Sails. These three smaller constellations were added to the official list of modern constellations in the early 20th century by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Canopis
Blue-White Supergiant Star
-0.74
Miaplacidus
Blue Subdwarf Star
1.68
Avior
Binary Star System
1.86
Aspidiske
Blue Supergiant Star
2.21
Theta Carinae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
2.76
Upsilon Carinae
Double Star
2.97
Omega Carinae
Blue-White Giant Star
3.29
Chi Carinae
Blue Subgiant Star
3.30
16
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Lynx
The Lynx
4. 2 Lyncis
Pronunciation: (LINKS) Abbreviation: Lyn Genitive: Lyncis Right Ascension: 8 hours Declination: 45 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 545 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
3. Alsciaukat
3. 38 Lyncis 1. Alpha Lyncis
The constellation Lynx, the lynx, can be seen in the northern hemisphere in February. It ranks 28th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Camelopardalis to the north, Auriga to the west, Gemini to the southwest, Cancer to the south, Leo to the east and Ursa Major to the northeast. Lynx was created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century to fill a large gap between the constellations Auriga and Ursa Major. It was named Lynx because the stars were so dim one would have to have the eyes of a lynx to see them. Lynx appears as a dim, bumpy line running just north of Leo and Cancer. It is not known if Hevelius intended to associate any mythology with the constellation, but there is one story that could be linked to the name. A sailor named Lynceus, who sailed with Jason and the Argonauts, was said to have extremely keen eyesight. It was even said he could see things underground. He was part of the expedition to recover the legendary Golden Fleece. Lynx contains no Messier objects but there are a few notable deep-sky objects worth mentioning. NGC 2419, also known as the Intergalactic Wanderer, is a globular star cluster containing thousands of individual stars. It received its name because when it was first discovered, it was believed that it was not in orbit around our Milky Way galaxy. This has since been proven false. The UFO Galaxy (NGC 2683) is a spiral galaxy seen edge-on from out line of sight.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Lyncis
Red Giant Star
3.14
38 Lyncis
Binary Star System
3.82
Alsciaukat
Orange Giant Star
4.25
2 Lyncis
White Dwarf Star
4.45
17
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Puppis The Stern
6. Turais
1. Azmidiske
Pronunciation: (PUP-is) Abbreviation: Pup Genitive: Puppis Right Ascension: 8 hours Declination: -40 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 673 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, February 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
8. Tureis
4. Naos
9. Hadir
8. Nu Puppis
7. Tau Puppis
The constellation Puppis, the stern, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a medium-sized constellation with a total area of 673 degrees. It ranks 20th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Carina, Canis Major, Columba, Hydra, Monoceros, Pictor, Pyxis and Vela. Puppis was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis. This large constellation represented the ship that Jason and the Argonauts sailed on their voyage to find the legendary golden fleece. Argo Navis was one of the 48 constellations first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. This constellation was later divided by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille into three smaller parts. Puppis became the Stern, Carina the Keel, and Vela the Sails. These three smaller constellations were added to the official list of modern constellations in the early 20th century by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Puppis contains three Messier objects, all of which are open star clusters. M46 is an open cluster of about 150 stars. It is believed to be about 300 million years old and is located nearly 5,500 light years from our solar system. M47 is a cluster of about 50 stars located approximately 1,600 light years from Earth. It is believed to be more than 78 million years old.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Tureis
Blue Supergiant Star
2.25
Turais
Double Star System
2.73
Naos
Yellow-White Giant Star
2.78
Tau Puppis
Binary Star System
2.95
Hadir
Blue-White Giant Star
3.17
Azmidiske
Orange Giant Star
3.25
18
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Vela The Sails
Pronunciation: (VEE-luh) Abbreviation: Vel Genitive: Velorum Right Ascension: 9 hours Declination: -50 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 500 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
1. Suhail al Muhlif
3. Suhail 7. Psi Velorum
2. Koo She
4. Markeb 6. Tseen Kee
5. Mu Velorum
The constellation Vela, the sails, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is completely visible at latitudes south of 30 degrees from January through March. It ranks 32nd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Antlia and Pyxis to the north, Puppis to the northwest, Carina to the south and southwest, and Centaurus to the east. Vela means “the sails� in Latin. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis. This large constellation represented the great ship that Jason and the Argonauts sailed during their voyage to find the golden fleece. Argo Navis was one of the 48 constellations first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. This constellation was later divided by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille into three smaller parts. Vela became the Sails, Carina the Keel, and Puppis the Stern. These three smaller constellations were added to the official list of modern constellations in the early 20th century by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Vela contains no Messier objects, but it does contain a number of notable deep-sky objects. The Eight-Burst Nebula, also known as the Southern Ring Nebula, is a bright, rainbow-colored planetary nebula that bears a strong resemblance to the Ring Nebula in the constellation Lyra.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Suhail al Muhlif
Multiple Star System
1.83
Koo She
Triple Star System
1.99
Suhail
Orange Supergiant Star
2.21
Markeb
Binary Star System
2.48
Mu Velorum
Binary Star System
2.69
Tseen Kee
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.52
19
CHAPTER 3 - MARCH
Volans
The Flying Fish
Pronunciation: (VOH-lanz) Abbreviation: Vol Genitive: Volantis Right Ascension: 8 hours Declination: -70 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 141 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, March 1 Visible Between Latitudes: 10 and -90 degrees
6. Epsilon Volantis 1. Beta Volantis
6. Epsilon Volantis
6. Epsilon Volantis
5. Alpha Volantis
3. Zeta Volantis
The constellation Volans, the flying fish, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is completely visible at latitudes south of 15 degrees from December through February. It is a small constellation that occupies an area of only 141 square degrees. It ranks 76th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. There are no myths associated with Volans. It is one of 12 constellations named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Plancius originally named it Vliegendenvis and included it on his celestial globe in 1598. The German astronomer Johann Bayer included it in his star atlas in 1603. He called it Piscis Volans, the flying fish. The name was later shortened to Volans. It represents a type of fish that can jump out of the water and glide through the air on specially enhanced fins that resemble wings. It is often depicted on charts as being chased by the dolphin fish in the constellation Dorado. Volans contains no Messier objects. It does, however contain a few interesting deep-sky objects that are worth mentioning. NGC 2397 is a spiral galaxy located approximately 60 million light years from Earth. Its nucleus contains older yellow and red stars while its spiral arms contain younger blue and white stars.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Suhail al Muhlif
Multiple Star System
1.83
Koo She
Triple Star System
1.99
Suhail
Orange Supergiant Star
2.21
Markeb
Binary Star System
2.48
Mu Velorum
Binary Star System
2.69
Tseen Kee
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.52
20
04
April The March constellations include many notable groups the most famous of which is Cancer, the crab. Cancer is home to two Messier objects, both open star clusters. The remainders of objects worth noting are found in the constellation Puppis. Puppis contains three Messier open star clusters
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Antlia
The Air Pump
Pronunciation: (ANT-lee-uh) Abbreviation: Ant Genitive: Antliae Right Ascension: 10 hours Declination: -35 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 239 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
4. Theta Antilae
1. Alpha Antilae
2. Epsilon Antilae
3. Iota Antilae
The constellation Antlia, the air pump, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It can be seen at latitudes between 45 degrees and -90 degrees from January through March. It ranks 62nd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Centaurus, Hydra, Pyxis, and Vela. Antlia occupies a mostly empty region of the sky and contains only faint stars. It requires a lot of imagination to see an air pump in this area. There is no mythology associated with Antlia. It was too far south and too faint to be noticed by the ancient Greeks. It is one of the 14 constellations named by French astronomer AbbÊ Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century to fill in empty spaces in the southern hemisphere. It was originally named "Antlia Pneumatica" to commemorate the invention of the air pump by French physicist Denis Papin. Lacaille depicted it as a single-cylinder vacuum pump used in Papin’s experiments. Later, German astronomer Johann Bode depicted the constellation as a more advanced double-cylinder pump. It was officially adopted as one of the 88 modern constellations by the International Astronomical Union in 1922.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Antilae
Orange Giant Star
4.28
Epsilon Antilae
Orange Giant Star
4.51
Iota Antilae
Orange Giant Star
4.60
Theta Antilae
Binary Star System
4.79
21
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Crater The Cup
Pronunciation: (KRAY-ter) Abbreviation: Crt Genitive: Crateris Right Ascension: 11 hours Declination: -15 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 282 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
5. Theta Crateris
7. Epsilon Crateris
8. Eta Crateris 1. Labrum
6. Zeta Crateris 3. Gamma Crateris
2. Alkes
4. Al Sharas
The constellation Crater, the cup, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky.It is a small constellation covering an area of 282 square degrees. It ranks 53rd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Corvus, Hydra, Leo, Sextans, and Virgo. The shape of this constellation does indeed resemble a cup. Crater is one of the 48 constellations identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the cup� in Latin. It represents the goblet of the Greek god Apollo and is usually depicted as a two-handed chalice. It is associated with the story of Apollo and his sacred bird, the crow, represented by the constellation Corvus. In the story, Apollo sends the crow to fetch some water with the cup. The crow gets distracted by a fig tree and spends a few days waiting for the figs to ripen. He finally brings the water-filled cup to Apollo along with a water snake as an excuse for being late. Apollo sees through his lies and in a fit of anger casts all three, the cup, the crow, and the snake, into the sky to become the constellations Crater, Corvus, and Hydra.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Labrum
Orange Giant Star
3.56
Alkes
Orange Giant Star
4.07
Gamma Crateris
Double Star
4.08
Al Sharas
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.48
Theta Crateris
Blue-White Dwarf Star
4.68
Zeta Crateris
Yellow Giant Star
4.72
Epsilon Crateris
Orange Giant Star
4.82
Eta Crateris
Giant Star
5.17
21
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Hydra
The Sea Serpent 9. Ashlesha
16. Delta Hydrae 19. Minchir
6. Hydrobius
18. Eta Hydrae
Pronunciation: (HYD-ruh) Abbreviation: Hya Genitive: Hydrae Right Ascension: 10 hours 14. Iota Hydrae Declination: -25 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1303 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
11. Lambda Hydrae
4. Alphard 15. Upsilon-1 Hydrae 12. Mu Hydrae 7. Nu Hydrae
10. Xi Hydrae 5. Gamma Hydrae
8. Pi Hydrae
17. Beta Hydrae
The constellation Hydra, the sea serpent, is best seen from the southern hemisphere, but can be observed in the north between January and May. It is the largest constellation in the night sky, covering an area of 1,303 square degrees. It is also one of the longest constellations with a length of over 100 degrees. Its southern end borders Libra and Centaurus and its northern end borders Cancer. Hydra is one of the 48 constellations first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is an ancient constellation with roots in many cultures. In Hindu mythology, it represented Ashlesha, one of the Nakshatras of Hindu astrology. The Chinese saw it as the Vermilion Bird and the Azure Dragon. In Greek mythology, it represents the water snake brought to the god Apollo by the crow, Corvus, as an excuse for being late from his errand to fetch water. It may also represent the hydra from the myth of Hercules and his twelve labors. The Hydra was a giant beast with the body of a dog and many snake-like heads. It was slain by Hercules on the second of his twelve labors for the king of Mycenae. As each head was cut off, two more would grow in its place. Hercules burned the roots of the heads to prevent them from growing back. This constellation was once much larger, but was later split into Sextans, Crater, Corvus, and a slightly smaller Hydra.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M83
Open Star Cluster
7.80
Alphard
Globular Star Cluster
4.07
Hydrobius
Spiral Galaxy
4.08
Ashlesha
Binary Star System
3.38
Minchir
Yellow Giant Star
4.68
Upsilon-1 Hydrae
Yellow-White Subdwarf Star
4.72
Iota Hydrae
Orange Giant Sta
4.82
M68
Binary Star System
7.60
22
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Leo
The Lion 20. Al Minliar al Asad
Pronunciation: (LEE-oh) 16. Ras Elased Borealis Abbreviation: Leo Genitive: Leonis Right Ascension: 11 hours Declination: -15 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 947 12. Adhafera Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -65 degrees
11. Lambda Hydrae
7. Algiebra
6. Regulus
14. Subra
22. Pi Leonis
8. Denebola
17. Iota Leonis 21. Chi Leonis 18. Sigma Leonis
15. Rho Leonis
The constellation Leo, the lion, can be seen in the northern hemisphere in the spring. It is a large constellation covering an area of 947 square degrees. This makes it the 12th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Cancer, Coma Berenices, Crater, Hydra, Leo Minor, Lynx, Sextans, Ursa Major and Virgo. Leo is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. It is easily recognizable in the night sky due to its many bright stars and distinctive shape. Leo is one of the 48 constellation first identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “lion� in Latin. The ancient Mesopotamians may have had a constellation similar to Leo as early as 4,000 BC. The ancient Egyptians worshiped Leo as the place where the Sun rose after creation. It appearance in the night sky coincided with the summer solstice and the flooding of the Nile river. In Greek mythology, it was named after the Nemean lion, which was killed by Hercules on the first of his twelve labors for the king of Mycenae. According to legend, the lion had a hide that could not be pierced by iron, bronze, or stone. Hercules strangled the great beast after unsuccessfully trying to reason with it.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Regulus
Multiple Star System
1.36 2.08
Algiebra
Binary Star System
Denebola
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.14
Ras Elased Australis
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.56
Chertan
Yellow Giant Star
2.98
Adhafera
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.32
Subra
Blue-White Giant Star
3.44
Ras Elased Borealis
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.49
Alterf
Orange Giant Star
3.52
23
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Sextans The Sextant
4. Delta Sextantis
2. Beta Sextantis
Pronunciation: (SEKS-tunz) Abbreviation: Sex Genitive: Sextantis Right Ascension: 10 hours Declination: 0 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 314 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
1.Alpha Sextantis
4. Gamma Sextantis
The constellation Sextans, the sextant, is best seen from the southern hemisphere from January through May and is completely visible at latitudes between 80 degrees and -90 degrees.It is a mid-sized constellation covering an area of 314 square degrees. It ranks 47th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is located near the celestial equator and is bordered by the constellations Crater, Hydra and Leo. It is a dim constellation that can be challenging to find even under ideal conditions. There are no myths associated with Sextans. It was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1687. Its name is Latin for the astronomical sextant, an instrument made by Hevelius to help measure the positions of the stars. The constellation was originally named Sextans Uraniae after the instrument he used until it was destroyed by a fire in his observatory in 1679. Hevelius preferred the sextant instead of the telescope when making his observations of the stars.Sextans contains no Messier objects but does contain a few notable deep-sky objects. NGC 3115 is a lenticular galaxy that appears nearly edge-on to our line of sight. Sometimes referred to as the Spindle Galaxy, it is located only 31.6 million light years away from Earth. It is also the nearest galaxy believed to contain a supermassive black hole at its center. NGC 3169 and NGC 3166 are a pair of spiral galaxies that appear very close together. They are only 50,000 light years apart and will eventually merge to form a single larger galaxy. Sextans A and Sextans B are both irregular galaxies. Sextans B is one of the smallest irregular galaxies known to contain planetary nebulas.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Sextantis
Blue-White Giant Star
4.48
Beta Sextantis
Blue-White Dwarf Star
5.00
Gamma Sextantis
Triple Star System
5.07
Delta Sextantis
Blue-White Dwarf Star
5.19
24
CHAPTER 4 - APRIL
Ursa Major
The Great Bear 10. Alkaid
Pronunciation: (ER-suh MAY-jer) Abbreviation: UMa Genitive: Ursae Majoris Right Ascension: 11 hours Declination: 50 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1280 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, April 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -30 degrees
11. Mizar 8. Alioth 17.Megrez
13. Phad 9.Dubhe
23. Chi Ursae Majoris
12. Merak
16. Theta Ursae Majoris 25. Aula Australis 4. Gamma Sextantis 4. Gamma Sextantis 4. Gamma Sextantis
12. Merak
The constellation Ursa Major, the great bear, is visible in the northern hemisphere all year long. It is a large constellation occupying an area of 1,280 square degrees. This makes it the third largest constellation in the night sky. It is one of the best-known constellations and is famous for containing an asterism known as the Big Dipper. Ursa Major is one of the 48 constellations cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the great bear� in Latin. It is one of the oldest constellations in the night sky, dating back as far as 13,000 years. It is mentioned in the Bible and in the works of the Greek author Homer. It is associated with several Greek and Roman myths. In Greek mythology, it is often associated with Callisto, a nymph who was turned into a bear by Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus. It has taken different forms in different cultures including an ox, camel, shark, skunk, sickle, bushel, and canoe. In Hindu legend the brightest stars represent the Seven Sages and the constellation is known as Saptarshi. The Chinese believed the seven bright stars represented Tseih Sing, the Government, or Pih Tow, the Northern Measure. In some Native American stories, the three stars in the handle of the dipper represented three warriors chasing a great bear. In South Korea, the constellation is referred to as the Seven Stars of the North.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alioth
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
1.77
Dubhe
Blue-White Subgiant Star
1.79
Alkaid
Blue Subgiant Star
1.86
Mizar
Blue Subgiant Star
2.27
Merak
Blue Subgiant Star
2.37
Phad
Blue Subgiant Star
2.44
Alkaid
Blue Subgiant Star
3.14
Talitha
Blue Subdwarf Star
3.31
Megrez
Blue Subgiant Star
3.14
25
05
May
The seven May constellations feature such well-known groups as Centaurus, the centaur, and Virgo, the maiden. These constellations contain a large number of interesting Messier objects including galaxies and star clusters.
CHAPTER 5 - MAY
Centaurus The Centaur 10. Ke Kwan 12. Mu Centauri Pronunciation: (sen-TAHR-us) Abbreviation: UMa Genitive: Centauri Right Ascension: 13 hours Declination: -50 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1060 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
11. Nu Centauri
12. Mu Centauri
12. Mu Centauri 1. Rigel Kentaurus 2.Hadar
5.Epsilon Centauri 4.Muhlifain 14.Sigma Centauri
8. Ma Wei
8. Pi Centauri
The constellation Centaurus, the centaur, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a large constellation that covers an area of 1,060 square degrees. This makes it the ninth largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Libra, Lupus, Musca, and Vela. Centaurus is one of the 48 constellations first identified by the second century Greek astronomer Ptolemy. It represents a centaur, a half man half horse creature from Greek mythology. It is an old constellation that dates back to the ancient Babylonians. They knew it as the Bison-man. It was depicted as a four-legged bison with the head of a man. The ancient Greeks identified it as a centaur, but it is not clear exactly which centaur it represents. It may represent Chiron who was accidentally wounded by Hercules. After his death, Hercules honored him by giving him a place in the stars. Under a dark sky, the outline of the constellation does indeed resemble a centaur. It is usually depicted as a centaur sacrificing an animal which is represented by the constellation Lupus, the wolf.Centaurus contains no Messier objects but does have a few notable deep-sky objects. Centaurus A is the fifth brightest galaxy in the sky and one of the closest radio galaxies to our solar system.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Rigel Kentaurus
Triple Star System
-0.01
Hadar
Blue Giant Star
0.61
Menkent
Orange Giant Star
2.06
Muhlifain
Double Blue Subdwarf Star
2.20
Alnair
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.55
Ma Wei
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
2.57
Alhakim
Blue Subdwarf Star
2.73
Ke Kwan
Blue Subdwarf Star
3.14
26
CHAPTER 5 - MAY
Corvus The Crow
Pronunciation: (KOR-vus) Abbreviation: Crv Genitive: Corvi Right Ascension: 12 hours Declination: -20 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 184 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
1. Algorab
3. Kraz
1. Gienah 5.Alchiba
4.Minkar
The constellation Corvus, the crow, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky.It is a small constellation, covering an area of only 184 degrees. It ranks 70th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Virgo to the north and east, Hydra to the south, and Crater to the west. The four brightest stars in this constellation form a square asterism known as the Sail, or the Spica’s Spanker, because two of the stars point the way to Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Corvus is one of the 48 constellations identified by the astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “crow” in Latin. It is an ancient constellation that was known since the time of the Babylonians. They saw it as a raven, and it was sacred to Adad, the god of rain and storm. To the ancient Greeks, it was a crow sent by Apollo to fetch water. The raven wasted his time eating figs. After returning late, Apollo punished him by throwing him into the heavens. He was also condemned to endure eternal thirst. This is why the crow caws instead of singing like other birds.Corvus contains no Messier objects. It does, however, contain a few interesting deep-sky objects. NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 are a pair of interacting galaxies known as the Antennae Galaxies and the Ringtail Galaxy.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Gienah
Blue Giant Star
2.59
Kraz
Yellow-White Giant Star
2.65
Algorab
Blue Subgiant Star
2.96
Minkar
Red Giant Star
3.02
Alchiba
Orange Giant Star
4.03
Ma Wei
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
2.57
27
CHAPTER 5 - MAY
Musca The Fly
Pronunciation: (MUS-kuh) Abbreviation: Mus Genitive: Muscae Right Ascension: 12 hours Declination: -70 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 138 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 10 and -90 degrees
4. Lambda Muscae
6. Epsilon Muscae
2.Beta Muscae
1. Alpha Muscae
5. Gamma Muscae 3.Delta Muscae
The constellation Musca, the fly, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is completely visible in latitudes south of 15 degrees between February and April.It is a small constellation covering an area of only 138 square degrees. This ranks it 77th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Crux to the north, Carina to the west, Chamaeleon to the south, Apus and Circinus to the east and Centaurus to the northeast. It can be found just south of the Southern Cross. There are no myths associated with Musca. It is one of 12 constellations created by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on observations from Dutch navigators. It was named for its shape, which resembles that of a housefly. Musca was first depicted in Johann Bayer’s star atlas in 1603. It was originally called De Vlieghe, which is Dutch for “the fly.” It has since had many names. Johann Bayer listed it as Apis, the Bee in his star catalog. French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille called it la Mouche. It was later changed to Musca Australis, the Southern Fly, and was eventually shortened to Musca as we know it today.Musca contains no Messier objects but does have a few notable deep-sky objects. NGC 5198, also known as the Spiral Planetary Nebula, is a planetary nebula with an unusual S-shape. The Engraved Hourglass Nebula is another planetary nebula with an unusual double circle shape. NGC 4822 is a globular star cluster containing thousands of stars.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Muscae
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
2.69
Beta Muscae
Binary Star System
3.05
Delta Muscae
Orange Giant Star
3.61
Lambda Muscae
White Giant Star
3.68
Gamma Muscae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
3.84
Epsilon Muscae
Orange Giant Star
4.06
28
CHAPTER 5 - MAY
Virgo
The Maiden
Pronunciation: (VER-goh) Abbreviation: Vir Genitive: Virginis Right Ascension: 13 hours Declination: 0 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1294 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
14. Vindemiatrix 19. Zaniah 16. Auva
13. Porrima
15. Heze
12. Spica 20. Syrma 18. Rijl al Awwa
The constellation Virgo, the maiden, can be seen in spring and summer in the northern hemisphere and in autumn and winter in the southern hemisphere. It is a very large constellation covering a total area of 1,294 square degrees. This makes it the second largest constellation in the night sky. It is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. The September equinox is currently located in Virgo. This means that the Sun will be in the constellation Virgo on that date. Since the Sun passes through Virgo in mid-September, this makes it the constellation that announces the harvest. Virgo is one of the 48 constellations first cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “virgin” in Latin. It is an ancient constellation. The Babylonians knew it as “The Furrow”, representing the goddess Shala’s ear of grain. In Roman times she was represented by the goddess Ceres, who was the mother of Prosperina. Her festival was in the second week of April, the same time that the constellation appears in the spring skies. She was also sometimes identified as the virgin goddess Astraea, holding the scales of justice represented by the constellation Libra. Virgo is usually depicted on charts as a maiden with angelic wings holding two ears of wheat, one of which is marked by the bright star Spica.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M104
Spiral Galaxy
8.00
Spica
Blue Giant Star
2.74
Porrima
Binary Star System
2.83
Vindemiatrix
Yellow-White Giant Star
3.38
Heze
Blue Subgiant Star
3.40
Auva
Red Giant Star
3.61
Zavijava
White Giant Star
3.88
Rijl al Awwa
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
3.89
Zaniah
Blue-White Giant Star
4.07
29
06
June
The June constellations include such popular groups as Boรถtes, the bear driver, Libra, the scales, and Ursa Minor, the little bear. Ursa Minor is home to two of the most well known objects in the night sky: the Little Dipper and Polaris, the North Star.
CHAPTER 6 - JUNE
Boötes
The Herdsman
Pronunciation: (boo-OH-teez) Abbreviation: Boo Genitive: Boötis Right Ascension: 15 hours Declination: 30 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 907 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
10. Asellus Primus
12. Lambda Boötis 6. Nekkar
4. Seginus 14. Tau Boötis
13. Alkalurops
15. Nadlat 2. Izar
17. Xi Boötis
1. Arcturus
3. Muphrid 14. Tau Boötis 9. Zeta Boötis 11. Upsilon Boötis
The constellation Boรถtes, the herdsman, is visible in the northern hemisphere from spring through the summer.It is a large constellation covering an area of 907 square degrees. This makes it the 13th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Virgo to the south, Coma Berenices and Canes Venatici to the west, Ursa Major to the northwest, Draco to the northeast, and Hercules, Corona Borealis and Serpens Caput to the east. Boรถtes is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name comes from a Greek word that means "ox driver, plowman, or herdsman". It is typically depicted as a herdsman. Along with his faithful hounds, Canes Venatici, he follows the two bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, around the pole. Boรถtes is an ancient constellation that has been known since the time of the Babylonians. They depicted it as their god Enlil, who was the leader of the Babylonian pantheon and the patron of farmers. The ancient Greeks once called this constellation Arctophylax, which means "the protector of the Bear". The Romans called it Venator Ursae, "the Bear Hunter". The name Boรถtes first appeared in The Odyssey, written by the Greek author Homer almost three thousand years ago.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Arcturus
Orange Giant Star
-0.04
Izar
Binary Star System
2.37
Muphrid
Yellow-White Subdwarf Star
2.68
Nekkar
Yellow-White Giant Star
3.03
Alkalurops
Triple Star System
3.48
Nadlat
Red Giant Star
3.49
Asellus Tertius
Orange Giant Star
4.54
Asellus Secondus
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.75
Merga
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
5.76
30
CHAPTER 6 - JUNE
Libra
The Scales
Pronunciation: (LEE-bruh) Abbreviation: Lib Genitive: Librae Right Ascension: 15 hours Declination: -15 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 538 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, May 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
1. Zuben Elschemali
6. Zuben Elakrab
2. Zuben Elgenubi
3. Brachium 4. Upsilon Librae 5. Tau Librae
It is a medium-sized constellation occupying an area of 538 square degrees. It ranks 29th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the head of Serpens to the north, Virgo to the northwest, Hydra to the southwest, the corner of Centaurus to the southwest, Lupus to the south, Scorpius to the east and Ophiuchus to the northeast. It is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. It is the only constellation of the zodiac that represents an object instead of an animal or a person from mythology. Libra is one of the 48 constellations first cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the weighing scales� in Latin. It is usually depicted as the scales held by the Greek goddess of justice Astrea, which is represented by the neighboring constellation Virgo. Virgo is an ancient constellation with its roots in many early cultures. The ancient Babylonians saw it as the Balance of Heaven. In ancient Greece, it represented the claws of the scorpion, and was considered to be part of the constellation Scorpius. In ancient Egypt the three brightest stars formed a constellation that was viewed as a boat. To the early Romans, it was the golden chariot of Pluto, god of the Underworld. It eventually came to be associated with the scales. Today it is seen as a universal symbol of balance, harmony, and justice.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Zuben Elschemali
Blue-White Dwarf Star
2.61
Zuben Elgenubi
Multiple Star System
2.75
Brachium
Red Giant Star
3.29
Upsilon Librae
Orange Giant Star
3.60
Tau Librae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
3.66
Zuben Elakrab
Orange Giant Star
3.49
Theta Librae
Orange Giant Star
3.91
Zuben Elakribi
Blue-White Dwarf Star
4.14
31
CHAPTER 6 - JUNE
Lupus The Wolf
Pronunciation: (LOO-pus) Abbreviation: Lup Genitive: Lupi Right Ascension: 15 hours Declination: -45 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 334 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, June 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 35 and -90 degrees
6. Zuben Elakrab
1. Zuben Elschemali
6. Zuben Elakrab
3. Gamma Lupi 4. Delta Lupi
1. Zuben Elschemali 5. Epsilon Lupi
1. Men
6. Zeta Lupi
The constellation Lupus, the wolf, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. Lupus is a mid-sized constellation filling 334 square degrees of the sky. It ranks 46th in size among the 88 constellations of the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Hydra, Scorpius, Norma, Circinus, Libra, and Centaurus. It is sometimes confused with the constellation Lepus, the rabbit. Lupus is one of the 48 constellations first identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the wolf” in Latin. Even though it is one of the older constellations, it is not associated with any mythology. The stars that make up this constellation were originally part of the constellation Centaurus. They represented an animal that had been killed by the centaur. The stars of Lupus was separated from Centaurus by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus in the third century BC. No particular animal was associated with it at the time. The ancient Greeks knew it as Therium, a wild animal. The Romans called it Bestia, the beast. A later Latin translation of Ptolemy’s work finally identified it as a wolf. Lupus contains no Messier objects but it does contain a few notable deep-sky objects. NGC 5986 is a globular star cluster that contains thousands of individual stars. It is located approximately 33,900 light years from Earth. The Retina Nebula is a planetary nebula with a rainbow of colors.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Men
Blue-White Giant Star
2.30
Kekouan
Blue-White Giant Star
2.68
Gamma Lupi
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.77
Delta Lupi
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.22
Epsilon Lupi
Multiple Star System
3.41
Zeta Lupi
Yellow Giant Star
3.41
Eta Lupi
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.41
Iota Lupi
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.54
32
CHAPTER 6 - JUNE
Ursa Minor The Little Bear
1. Polaris Pronunciation: (ER-suh MY-ner) Abbreviation: UMi Genitive: Ursae Minoris Right Ascension: 15 hours Declination: 70 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 256 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, June 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 90and -10 degrees
6. Yildun
4. Epsilon Ursae Minoris
5. Akhfa al Farkadain
7. Anwar al Farkadain
2. Kocab
6. Pherkad
The constellation Ursa Minor, the little bear, is visible in the northern hemisphere all year long. It is a circumpolar constellation, which means it is visible all night as it rotates around the north celestial pole.It is a small constellation covering an area of 256 square degrees. It ranks 56th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is famous for a group of stars known as the Little Dipper and for Polaris, the North Star, which is located at the tip of the dipper's handle. Polaris is called the North Star because it is the closest star to the north celestial pole. This means that as the Earth rotates, Polaris appears to remain stationary in the sky while all of the other stars rotate around it. Because the Earth wobbles slightly as it rotates on its axis, Polaris will not always be the North Star. In about 14,000 years the north celestial pole will point away from Polaris and toward Vega. This process is known as procession. Polaris is an important star for navigation, allowing mariners to easily identify their latitude. Its name means “lesser bear� in Latin. It is an ancient constellation with roots in many cultures. In Greek mythology, this constellation was associated with two different myths. In one, it represented Ida and her sister Adrasteia, the nymphs who took care of Zeus on the island of Crete when he was small. Zeus rewarded them by placing them in the heavens. In another story, it represented Arcas, who was the son of Zeus and the nymph Callisto. Arcas and his mother were transformed into bears and placed in the night sky.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Polaris
Multiple Star System
1.98
Kocab
Orange Giant Star
2.08
Pherkad
Yellow-White Giant Star
3.05
Epsilon Ursae Minoris
Triple Star System
4.21
Akhfa al Farkadain
White Dwarf Star
4.32
Yildun
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.35
Anwar al Farkadain
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.95
33
07
July
The July constellations contain many well-known groups such as Draco, the dragon, Hercules, the strongman, and Scorpius, the scorpion. These groups are famous for their large number of globular star clusters.
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Ara
The Altar
Pronunciation: (AY-ruh) Abbreviation: Ara Genitive: Arae Right Ascension: 17 hours Declination: -55 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 237 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, July 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
6. Theta Arae
2. Alpha Arae
1. Beta Arae 4. Gamma Arae 8. Epsilon-1 Arae
3. Zeta Arae 5. Delta Arae
7. Eta Arae
The constellation Ara, the altar, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is best observed during the month of July. It is a small constellation occupying an area of 237 square degrees. It ranks 63rd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Apus, Corona Australis, Norma, Pavo, Scorpius, Telescopium, and Triangulum Australe. Apus is one of the 48 constellations introduced by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “The Altar� in Latin. It is usually depicted as an altar with its smoke rising to the south. It is an ancient constellation that has existed since the time of the Babylonians. In Greek mythology, it represents the altar where the gods made offerings and alliances before defeating the Titans. The altar was believed to have been built by the Cyclopes as a place of sacrifice to the Olympian gods. It may also represent the altar where Centaurus the centaur sacrificed Lupus the wolf. Ara contains no Messier objects but does contain a few notable deep-sky objects. The Stingray Nebula is a planetary nebula approximately 18,000 light years from Earth. It is illuminated by a white dwarf star at its center. NGC 6397 is a globular star cluster that contains about 400,000 stars.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Beta Arae
Orange Giant Star
2.84
Alpha Arae
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.93
Zeta Arae
Orange Giant Star
3.13
Gamma Arae
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.34
Delta Arae
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.62
Theta Arae
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.67
Eta Arae
Orange Giant Star
3.76
34
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Corona Borealis The Northern Crown
Pronunciation: (koh-ROH-nuh BOR-ee-AL-is) Abbreviation: CrB Genitive: Coronae Borealis Right Ascension: 16 hours Declination: 30 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 179 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, June 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
5. Theta Coronae Borealis
2. Nusakan 7. Iota Coronae Borealis
4. Epsilon Coronae Borealis
1. Alphecca
3. Gamma Coronae Borealis 6. Delta Coronae Borealis
The constellation Corona Borealis, the northern crown, is visible in the northern hemisphere in the spring and summer. It can be seen at latitudes between 90 degrees and -50 degrees. It is a small constellation covering 179 square degrees of the sky. It ranks 73rd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Boötes to the north and west, Serpens Caput to the south, and Hercules to the east. Corona Borealis is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “northern crown” in Latin. This is an ancient constellation that has its roots in many cultures. It has been depicted as a circle of elders, an eagle’s nest, and a bear’s den. In Celtic mythology, it was known as Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of Arianrhod. It represented the home of the Lady Arianrhod. In Greek mythology, it represented the crown that Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, wore at her wedding. Her ball of thread helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur and find his way out of the labyrinth. Theseus gave her the crown when they married. The crown was created by the supreme goldsmith of the gods, Hephaestus.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alphecca
Binary Star System
2.23
Nusakan
Binary Star System
3.68
Gamma Coronae Borealis
Binary Star System
3.84
Epsilon Coronae Borealis
Multiple Star System
4.13
Theta Coronae Borealis
Binary Star System
4.13
Delta Coronae Borealis
Yellow Giant Star
4.63
Iota Coronae Borealis
Binary Star System
4.98
35
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Draco
The Dragon
6. Aldhibah
2. Etamin
12. Tyl 5. Altais
2. Nusakan 18. Upsilon Draconis
4. Rastaban
15. Phi Draconis
19. Kuma
8. Batentaban Borealis 6. Aldhibah Pronunciation: (DRAY-koh) Abbreviation: Dra Genitive: Draconis Right Ascension: 17 hours Declination: 65 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1083 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, July 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -15 degrees
3. Aldibain 14. Theta Draconis
7. Ed Asich
9. Thuban 11. Kappa Draconis 13. Gianfar
The constellation Draco, the dragon, is a northern circumpolar constellation. It is a large constellation covering 1,083 square degrees of the sky. This makes it the eighth largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Boötes, Camelopardalis, Cepheus, Cygnus, Hercules, Lyra, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor. Draco held special significance in the past. About 4,000 years ago, it was the location of the northern pole star, as Ursa Minor is today. Due to the Earth's wobble, or precession, the pole has now shifted to the star Polaris. Draco is also the origin point for the annual Draconids meteor shower. Draco is one of the 48 constellations cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the dragon” in Latin. It was the guardian of the star that never moves, the celestial pole. In ancient times, the pole star was believed to be the doorway between the mortal world and eternity.In Greek mythology, the dragon was Laden, a monstrous beast with a hundred heads chosen by Hera to guard the golden apples of immortality.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M102
Lenticular Galaxy
9.90
Etamin
Orange Giant Star
2.23
Aldibain
Yellow-White Giant Star
2.73
Rastaban
Binary Star System
2.79
Altais
Yellow Giant Star
3.07
Aldhibah
Blue Giant Star
3.17
Ed Asich
Orange Giant Star
3.29
Batentaban Borealis
Binary Star System
3.57
Thuban
White Giant Star
3.65
Grumium
Orange Giant Star
4.63
Dsiban
Blue Giant Star
4.98
36
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Hercules The Strongman
15. Rukbalgethi Shemali
12. Iota Herculis 18. Sigma Herculis
14. Rukbalgethi Genubi
9. Sophian 13. Atia 10. Xi Herculis 16. Epsilon Herculis
4. Zeta Herculis
20. Maasym 5. Sarin 3. Kornephoros 11. Gamma Herculis Pronunciation: (HER-ku-leez) Abbreviation: Her Genitive: Herculis Right Ascension: 17 hours Declination: 30 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1225 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, July 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
21. Kajam
The constellation Hercules, the strongman, is best seen during the summer in the northern hemisphere. It is visible in the southern hemisphere from May until August.It is a large constellation filling 1,225 square degrees of the sky. It the fifth largest constellation in the sky, but can be difficult to locate because of its dim stars. It can be found by looking between Draco and Ophiuchus.The constellation is bordered by Draco to the north; BoÜtes, Corona Borealis, and Serpens Caput to the east; Ophiuchus to the south; Aquila to the southwest; and Sagitta, Vulpecula, and Lyra to the west. Hercules contains a famous grouping of stars known as an asterism. Four stars form a square shape known as the Keystone. The Keystone represents the hero’s torso in the constellation. Hercules is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is a very old constellation that was celebrated by a number of ancient cultures. In Greek mythology, it was named after the famous son of Zeus, who defeated the Nemean Lion, Leo, and the many-headed beast called Hydra. While fighting Hydra, Hercules also killed the little crab, Cancer. The Greeks called him Heracles, but the Romans changed his name to Hercules.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Kornephoros
Yellow-White Giant Star
9.90
Sarin
Multiple Star System
2.23
Marfak Al Jathih Aisr
Multiple Star System
2.73
Rasalgethi
Multiple Star System
2.79
Sophian
White Subdwarf Star
3.07
Atia
Multiple Star System
3.17
Rukbalgethi Genubi
Orange Giant Star
3.29
Rukbalgethi Shemali
Blue Subgiant Star
3.57
Kajam
Blue Giant Star
3.65
37
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Scorpius
11. Acrab
The Scorpion
8. Dschubba 21. Kajam
Pronunciation: (SKOR-pee-us) Abbreviation: Sco Genitive: Scorpii Right Ascension: 17 hours Declination: -40 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 497 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, July 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
5. Antares
13. Alniyat
9. Wei
17,19. Mu-1,2 Scorpii 12. Lesath
6. Shaula 18. Eta Scorpii
16. Apollyon 7. Sargas
The constellation Scorpius, the scorpion, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It can be seen in summer from the northern hemisphere, but is low in the sky and is best seen from the southern hemisphere or southern United States.It is a medium-sized constellation that occupies 497 square degrees of the sky. It ranks 33rd in size among the 88 constellations of the night sky. Scorpius is easy to find due to its distinct "J" shape, also described as a fishhook. It is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. Scorpius is one of the 48 constellations identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is an ancient constellation that pre-dated the Greeks. The Sumerians called it GIT-TAB, which means “the scorpion.� In Greek mythology, it represented the scorpion sent by a jealous Artemis to slay Orion. It was this scorpion's sting that caused Orion's death. In another version, it was the Earth that sent the scorpion to kill Orion after he bragged about being able to kill any wild beast. The scorpion still chases Orion across the heavens, but will never catch him because it rises in the East after Orion has set in the West.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Antares
Red Supergiant Star
0.96
Shaula
Triple Star System
1.63
Dschubba
Binary Star System
2.31
Wei
Orange Giant Star
2.31
Girtab
Binary Star System
2.39
Acrab
Binary Star System
2.62
Lesath
Blue Subgiant Star
2.69
Alniyat
Blue Subgiant Star
2.82
Pi Scorpii
Blue Giant Star
2.88
Apollyon
Yellow-White Supergiant Star
2.89
38
CHAPTER 7 - JULY
Serpens The Serpent
Pronunciation: (SER-penz) Abbreviation: Ser Genitive: Serpentis Right Ascension: 17 hours Declination: 0 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 637 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, June 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
15. Alya
11. Kappa Serpentis 4. Eta Serpentis 10. Gamma Serpentis 16. Beta Serpentis
12. Nu Serpentis
9. Delta Serpentis
18. Eta Scorpii 18. Eta Scorpii 6. Xi Serpentis 5. Eta Scorpii
The constellation Serpens, the serpent, is best seen in the summer from the northern hemisphere. It is a mid-sized constellation with a total area of 637 square degrees. This ranks it 23rd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. Although this is officially one constellation, it is actually split into two distinct, disjoint areas of the sky. It is divided by the constellation Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, who holds the serpent in his hands. These two areas are known as Serpens Caput (the head of the serpent) and Serpens Cauda (the tail of the serpent). This is the only constellation that is split in this fashion. Serpens is one of the 48 constellations first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the serpent� in Latin. It is an ancient constellation that dates back to Babylonian times. It was one of two snake constellations at the time. In Greek mythology, Serpens represents a snake held by the healer Asclepius, which is represented by the constellation Ophiuchus. Asclepius was the son of the god Apollo and was said to be able to bring people back to life. He once killed a snake and saw it brought back to life by an herb that was placed on it by another snake.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M16
Globular Star Cluster
6.00
Unukalhai
Diffuse Nebula
2.63
Eta Serpentis
Red Giant Star
3.26
Mu Serpentis
Orange Subgiant Star
3.54
Xi Serpentis
White Dwarf Star
2.39
Beta Serpentis
Triple Star System
3.65
Epsilon Serpentis
Triple Star System
3.71
Delta Serpentis
White Dwarf Star
3.80
Gamma Serpentis
Binary Star System
3.85
Alya
Triple Star System
4.62
39
08
August
The August constellations include some of the most beautiful and well-known objects in the sky. The center of our Milky Way galaxy is located in the direction of Sagittarius. Because of this, Sagittarius contains more notable deep sky objects than any other constellation.
CHAPTER 8 - AUGUST
Lyra
The Lyre
Pronunciation: (LY-ruh) Abbreviation: Lyr Genitive: Lyrae Right Ascension: 19 hours Declination: 40 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 286 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, June 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
10. Epsilon Lyrae 8. Aladfar 6. Delta-2 Lyrae
3. Vega 9. Zeta Lyrae
7. Theya Lyrae
5. Eta Scorpii 4. Sulafat 5. Eta Scorpii
The constellation Lyra, the lyre, is best seen from June through October in the northern hemisphere. It ranks 52nd in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Vulpecula to the south, Hercules to the east, Draco to the north, and Cygnus to the west. Vega, the brightest star in Lyra, forms a large triangle with two other stars, Altair in Aquila and Deneb in Cygnus. This prominent formation of bright stars is known as the Summer Triangle. Lyra is also the origin point for the annual Lyrids meteor shower which occurs every year in April. Lyra is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It represents the lyre, a musical instrument with strings that resembles a harp. It is associated with the myth of the Greek musician Orpheus. The lyre was invented by Hermes as a gift to his half-brother Apollo, who gave it to Orpheus, the musician of the Argonauts. Orpheus was so gifted with his music that even inanimate objects such as trees, streams, and rocks could be charmed. After his death, his lyre was thrown into a river. Zeus sent an eagle to retrieve it and both Orpheus and the Lyre were placed in the heavens as constellations.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M57
Planetary Nebula
8.80
Vega
Blue Subgiant Star
0.03
Sulafat
Blue Giant Star
3.24
Sheliak
Binary Star System
3.52
Delta-2 Lyrae
Red Giant Star
4.30
Theya Lyrae
Trinary Star System
4.35
Aladfar
Blue Subdwarf Star
4.39
Epsilon Lyrae
Multiple Star System
4.40
Lambda Lyrae
Multiple Star System
4.70
Alathfar
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
5.12
40
CHAPTER 8 - AUGUST
Sagittarius The Archer
Pronunciation: (SAJ-eh-TEHR-ee-us) Abbreviation: Sgr Genitive: Sagittarii Right Ascension: 19 hours Declination: -25 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 867 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 55 and -90 degrees
28. Rho-1 Sagittarii
21. Albaldah 10. Epsilon Lyrae
27. Polis 20. Kaus Borealis 19. Kaus Media
10. Omicron Sagittarii 25. Tau Sagittarii
22. Alnasl
16. Kaus Australis 18. Ascella 33. Ain al Rami
23. Sephdar
33. Theta-1 Sagittarii 30. Rukbat 29. Arkab Prior 31. Iota Sagittarii
32. Arkab Posterior
The constellation Sagittarius, the archer, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is one of the largest southern constellations and is easy to recognizable due to an asterism, or grouping of stars, that form a teacup shape. It is a large constellation covering an area of 867 square degrees of the sky. This makes it the 15th largest constellation in the night sky. It lies between Scorpius and Ophiuchus to the west and Capricornus to the east. It is also one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. Sagittarius is one of the 48 constellations first cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is usually depicted as a centaur pulling back on a bow. This ancient constellation is believed to have originated with the Babylonians. He was their god of War, and he stands with his bow aimed at the heart of Scorpius, the scorpion. In Greek mythology, Sagittarius represents a half horse and half man creature known as a centaur. There are many conflicting myths to explain the origin of this centaur so his exact identity is not known. Some legends say that he was placed in the heavens to guide the Argonauts in their travels.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Kaus Australis
Binary Star System
1.85
Nunki
Blue Subgiant Star
2.05
Ascella
Binary Star System
2.59
Kaus Media
Double Star
2.70
Kaus Borealis
Orange Giant Star
2.81
Albaldah
Triple Star System
2.89
Alnasl
Orange Giant Star
2.98
Sephdar
Binary Star System
3.11
Polis
Multiple Star system
3.85
Ain al Rami
Triple Star System
5.12
41
CHAPTER 8 - AUGUST
Telescopium The Telescope
Pronunciation: (TEL-eh-SKOH-pee-um) Abbreviation: Tel Genitive: Telescopii Right Ascension: 19 hours Declination: -50 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 252 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
3. Epsilon Telescopii 1. Alpha Telescopii
2. Zeta Telescopii
6. Iota Telescopii
4. Lambda Telescopii
5. Xi Telescopii
The constellation Telescopium, the telescope, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a small constellation, covering 252 square degrees of the sky. It ranks 57th in size among the 88 constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Sagittarius and Corona Australis to the north, Ara to the west, Pavo to the south, and Indus to the east, cornering on Microscopium to the northeast. There is no mythology associated with Telescopium. It is one of the 14 southern constellations named by AbbĂŠ Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century. It was named to honor the invention of one of the most important pieces of equipment in astronomy, the telescope. Lacaille mapped the constellation during his trip to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 1751-1752. It represents an aerial telescope, a type of refracting telescope that was popular at the time. This constellation was originally much larger but was later reduced in size by astronomers Francis Baily and Benjamin Gould. Telescopium contains no Messier objects but does contain a few interesting deep-sky objects. The Telescopium Group is a galaxy group containing 12 individual galaxies located approximately 120 light years from Earth.NGC 6861 is a beautiful lenticular galaxy with dark dust lanes. NGC 6584 is a globular star cluster containing thousands of individual stars. These objects are extremely faint and can only be seen with large telescopes.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Telescopii
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.51
Zeta Telescopii
Yellow Giant Star
4.13
Epsilon Telescopii
Binary Star System
4.52
Xi Telescopii
White Dwarf Star
4.84
Iota Telescopii
Red Giant Star
4.89
Lambda Telescopii
Orange Giant Star
4.89
42
09
September The September constellations contain several notable groups such as Aquila, the eagle, Capricornus, the sea goat, and Cygnus, the swan. There are only a few notable deep sky objects found in these constellations. The famous Dumbbell Nebula is located in Vulpecula. This planetary nebula was formed when a star shed its outer layer of gas.
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Aquila The Eagle
Pronunciation: (uh-KWIL-uh) Abbreviation: Aql Genitive: Aquilae Right Ascension: 20 hours Declination: 5 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 652 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 85 and -75 degrees
9. Deneb el Okab Borealis
3. Deneb el Okab Australis
2. Tarazed
10. Altair
5. Delta Aquilae 8. Bezek
7. Alshain
6. Iota Telescopii
6. Lambda Aquilae
The constellation Aquila, the eagle, is visible in the northern hemisphere from July through October. This makes it the 22nd largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Sagitta, Sagittarius, Scutum, and Serpens Cauda. Aquila’s brightest star Altair forms part of the famous Summer Triangle, along with Deneb in Cygnus and Vega in Lyra. The name Aquila means “Eagle” in Latin. It represents the eagle that carried Zeus’ thunderbolts and also brought the mortal Ganymede to the heavens to serve as Zeus' cupbearer. In another myth, Aquila represents the goddess Aphrodite. She disguised herself as an eagle and pretended to pursue Zeus in the form of a swan. She did this so that Zeus’ love interest, the goddess Nemesis, would give him shelter. Zeus later placed the eagle and the swan in the heavens as constellations. Aquila has been known since the time of the ancient Babylonians, who also saw it as an eagle. To the ancient Romans, the constellation represented a flying vulture.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Altair
Blue Subdwarf Star
3.51
Tarazed
Orange Giant Star
4.13
Deneb el Okab Australis
Triple Star System
4.52
Tseen Foo
Binary Star System
4.84
Delta Aquilae
Binary Star System
4.89
Lambda Aquilae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
4.89
Alshain
Yellow-White Subgiant Star
4.52
Bezek
Yellow-White Supergiant Star
4.84
Deneb el Okab Borealis
Triple Star System
4.89
Al Thalimain
Blue-White Giant Star
4.89
43
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Capricornus The Sea Goat
Pronunciation: (KAP-ri-KOR-nus) Abbreviation: Cap Genitive: Capricorni Right Ascension: 21 hours Declination: -20 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 414 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, September 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
4,10. Algiedi Secunda,Prima 3. Dabih
7. Dorsum
9. Psi Capricorni
11. Iota Capricorni 5. Nashira 6. Yen 2. Deneb Algedi
8. Omega Algiedi
The constellation Capricornus, the sea goat, can be seen in the northern hemisphere in early autumn. It is a medium-sized constellation, occupying 414 square degrees of the sky. This ranks it 40th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Aquila, Sagittarius, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus, and Aquarius. It is one of the 13 constellations of the zodiac. This means that it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. Capricornus is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its name means “the goat” in Latin, and it is represented as a goat with the tail of a fish. This ancient constellation has been known since Babylonian and Sumerian times. The Sumerians knew it as the goat-fish. It marked the winter solstice during the early Bronze Age. The ancient Greeks associated the constellation with Amalthea, the goat that sucked the baby Zeus from his mother, Rhea, and saved him from being eaten by his father, Cronos. It was also sometimes associated with Pan, the god with a goat’s head who saved himself from the monster Typhon by growing a fish tail and jumping into a river.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Deneb Algedi
Binary Star System
2.91
Dabih
Multiple Star System
3.05
Algiedi Secunda
Yellow Giant Star
3.58
Nashira
Blue-White Giant Star
3.67
Delta Aquilae
Double Star
3.77
Yen
White Dwarf Star
4.08
Dorsum
Red Giant Star
4.12
Omega Algiedi
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.27
Alshat
Binary Star System
4.77
44
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Cygnus The Swan
Pronunciation: (SIG-nus) Abbreviation: Cyg Genitive: Cygni Right Ascension: 21 hours Declination: 40 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 804 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
13. Kappa Cygni
11. Iota Cygni
16 . Omicron-2 Cygni 10. Xi Cygni 15. Nu Cygni
6. Rukh
5. Nashira 4. Sadr
14. Eta Cygni 5. Gienah 7. Albireo 8. Zeta Cygni
The constellation Cygnus, the swan, can be seen in the northern hemisphere between June and October. It is a large constellation that fills 804 square degrees of the sky. This makes it the 16th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Cepheus, Draco, Lyra, Vulpecula, Pegasus, and Lacerta. The stars in this constellation form a large cross that is sometimes referred to as the Northern Cross. Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus, forms a large triangle with two other stars, Altair in Aquila and Vega in Lyra. This prominent formation of bright stars is known as the Summer Triangle. The constellation Cygnus, the swan, can be seen in the northern hemisphere between June and October. It is a large constellation that fills 804 square degrees of the sky. This makes it the 16th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Cepheus, Draco, Lyra, Vulpecula, Pegasus, and Lacerta. The stars in this constellation form a large cross that is sometimes referred to as the Northern Cross. Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus, forms a large triangle with two other stars, Altair in Aquila and Vega in Lyra. This prominent formation of bright stars is known as the Summer Triangle.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Deneb Algedi
Binary Star System
2.91
Dabih
Multiple Star System
3.05
Algiedi Secunda
Yellow Giant Star
3.58
Nashira
Blue-White Giant Star
3.67
Delta Aquilae
Double Star
3.77
Yen
White Dwarf Star
4.08
Dorsum
Red Giant Star
4.12
Omega Algiedi
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.27
Alshat
Binary Star System
4.77
45
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Indus
The Indian
Pronunciation: (IN-dus) Abbreviation: Ind Genitive: Indi Right Ascension: 21 hours Declination: -55 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 294 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, September 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
1. The Persian
5. Theta Indi 5. Eta Indi 3. Delta Indi
2. Beta Indi
The constellation Indus, the Indian, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a small constellation, filling 294 degrees of the sky. This ranks it 49th in size among the 88 constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Grus, Microscopium, Octans, Pavo, Sagittarius, Telescopium and Tucana. There are no myths associated with Indus. This southern constellation was one of 12 constellations created by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on the observations of Dutch navigators in the 16th century. It was first depicted in Johann Bayer’s star atlas which was published in 1603. It was depicted as naked male figure holding arrows in both hands. It is believed to represent the indigenous people that explorers encountered during their travels to the East Indies, Madagascar, and southern Africa. Indus contains no Messier objects but does contain a few notable deep-sky objects. NGC 7049 is a lenticular galaxy located about 150,000 light years from Earth. It features a prominent dust ring that stands out against the glow of the galaxy’s stars. NGC 7090 is a beautiful edge-on spiral galaxy that features prominent dust lanes and nebulas. There are several other dim galaxies in this constellation, but they can only be seen in large telescopes.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
The Persian
Orange Giant Star
3.11
Beta Indi
Orange Giant Star
3.65
Delta Indi
Binary Star System
4.40
Theta Indi
Double Star
4.40
Eta Indi
White Subgiant Star
4.52
46
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Microscopium The Microscope
Pronunciation: (MY-kroh-SCOH-pee-um) Abbreviation: Mic Genitive: Microscopii Right Ascension: 21 hours Declination: -35 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 210 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, September 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
1 . Gamma Microscopii 4. Alpha Microscopii 2. Epsilon Microscopii
5. Iota Microscopii 3. Theta-1 Microscopii
The constellation Microscopium, the microscope, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky.It is a small constellation, occupying only 210 square degrees of the sky. This ranks it 66th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Capricornus to the north, Piscis Austrinus and Grus to the west, Sagittarius to the east, and Indus to the south, touching on Telescopium to the southeast. There is no mythology associated with Microscopium. It was named by Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the invention of the microscope. It is one of several constellations named by Lacaille for scientific instruments after his trip to the Cape of Good Hope to study the southern night sky. It was named after an early type of compound microscope that was used in the 18th century. Lacaille described the constellation as “a tube above a square box.” Microscopium contains no Messier objects and only a few deep-sky objects. A few extremely dim and distant galaxies can be found here that can only be seen with very large telescopes. The most notable of these is a pair of colliding galaxies known as Arp-Madore 2026-424. All though the galaxies are colliding, the space between stars is so vast it is unlikely any of them will come into contact with one other. Instead, gravity will distort the shapes of both galaxies as they continue to pass through each other.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Gamma Microscopii
Yellow Giant Star
4.68
Epsilon Microscopii
White Dwarf Star
4.72
Theta-1 Microscopii
Wide Double Star
4.81
Alpha Microscopii
Yellow Giant Star
4.88
Iota Microscopii
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
5.13
47
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Pavo
The Peacock
Pronunciation: (PAY-voh) Abbreviation: Pav Genitive: Pavonis Right Ascension: 20 hours Declination: -65 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 378 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
11. Xi Pavonis 6 . Lambda Pavonis
1 . Peacock
9. Pi Pavonis
10. Kappa Pavonis
3. Delta Pavonis
7. Zeta Pavonis
2. Beta Pavonis 5. Epsilon Pavonis 8. Gamma Pavonis
The constellation Pavo, the peacock, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a relatively small constellation, covering 378 degrees of the sky. This ranks it 44th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky.It is bordered by Telescopium to the north, Apus and Ara to the west, Octans to the south, and Indus to the east and northeast. It is one of the constellations known as the “Southern Birds”, along with Grus, Phoenix, and Tucana. This southern constellation was one of 12 constellations created by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on the observations of Dutch navigators in the 16th century. It was first depicted in Johann Bayer’s star atlas which was published in 1603. The name Pavo is Latin for “peacock”. It is believed to represent the Java green peacock that was encountered by Dutch navigators on their journey to the East Indies. In Greek mythology, the peacock was Hera’s sacred bird. Her chariot was drawn through the air by peacocks. The eyes on the peacock’s feathers are associated with the mythological giant, Argus. Argus was an all-seeing primordial giant with 100 eyes. When Argus was killed by Hermes, Hera put its many eyes on the tail of her peacock.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Peacock
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.68
Beta Pavonis
White Giant Star
4.72
Delta Pavonis
Yellow Subgiant Star
4.81
Eta Pavonis
Orange Giant Star
4.88
Epsilon Pavonis
White Dwarf Star
5.13
Lambda Pavonis
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.68
Zeta Pavonis
White Giant Star
4.72
Gamma Pavonis
Yellow Subgiant Star
4.81
Pi Pavonis
Orange Giant Star
4.88
Kappa Pavonis
White Dwarf Star
5.13
48
CHAPTER 9 - SEPTEMBER
Vulpecula The Fox
Pronunciation: (vul-PEK-u-luh) Abbreviation: Vul Genitive: Vulpeculae Right Ascension: 20 hours Declination: 25 Degrees Area in Square Degrees: 268 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, August 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -55 degrees
3. 23 Vulpeculae
6. 15 Vulpeculae
3. Delta Pavonis
4. 13 Vulpeculae
2. Anser
The constellation Vulpecula, the fox, is located in the northern hemisphere of the sky. It is a small constellation that occupies 268 square degrees of the sky. This ranks it 55th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Cygnus, Delphinus, Hercules, Lyra, Pegasus and Sagitta. It can easily be found in the middle of the Summer Triangle, a triangular asterism formed by the bright stars Deneb in Cygnus, Vega in Lyra, and Altair in Aquila. There are no myths associated with Vulpecula. Its name means “little fox� in Latin. It was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century. It was originally named Vulpecula Cum Ansere, "the little fox with the goose," and Vulpecula et Anser, "the little fox and the goose," and was illustrated with a goose in the jaws of a fox. The stars were later separated into two constellations, Anser and Vulpecula, and then later recombined under the name Vulpecula. Today, the goose is only remembered by the name of the star Anser.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M27
Planetary Nebula
7.40
Anser
Red Giant Star
4.40
23 Vulpeculae
Orange Giant Star
4.52
13 Vulpeculae
Blue Giant Star
4.57
31 Vulpeculae
Yellow Giant Star
4.59
15 Vulpeculae
White Giant Star
4.66
1 Vulpeculae
Blue Subgiant Star
4.77
49
10
October
The October constellations include such well-known formations as Aquarius, the water bearer, and Pegasus, the winged horse. The only notable deep sky objects are located in these two constellations.
CHAPTER 10 - OCTOBER
Aquarius
The Water Bearer
Pronunciation: (uh-KWER-ee-us) Abbreviation: Aqr Genitive: Aquarii Right Ascension: 23 hours Declination: -15 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 980 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, October 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
23. Omega-1 Aquarii 16,17,24. Psi-1-3
6. Skat 12. Tau-2 Aquarii 22. Sigma Aquarii
8. Lambda Aquarii 25. Situla
15. Iota Aquarii
11. Eta Aquarii
13. Ancha
7. Sadaltager 20. Pi Aquarii
19. Nu Aquarii
5. Sadalmelik 4. Sadalsuud 21. Mu Aquarii
9. Albali
The constellation Aquarius, the water bearer, is visible in the fall in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere. It is a large constellation, covering 980 square degrees. This makes it the 10th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Aquila, Capricornus, Cetus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Pegasus, Pisces, Piscis Austrinus, and Sculptor. It shares an area of sky with other water constellations such as Cetus, the sea monster, Pisces, the fish, and Eridanus, the river. Aquarius is one of the 13 constellations of the zodiac. This means that it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. It is also the origin point for the annual Delta Aquarids meteor shower. Aquarius is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is represented as a man pouring water from a bucket into the mouth of the Southern Fish, depicted by the constellation Piscis Austrinus. This ancient constellation has its roots in a number of cultures. In Babylonian mythology, Aquarius was associated with the god Ea. The ancient Egyptians believed that it represented the god of the Nile. In Greek mythology, Aquarius was Ganymede, a Trojan youth who was carried off to Olympus by Zeus to serve as the cupbearer to the gods.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Sadalsuud
Yellow Supergiant Star
7.40
Sadalmelik
Yellow Supergiant Star
4.40
Skat
Blue Subgiant Star
4.52
Sadaltager
Binary Star System
4.57
Albali
Blue Subgiant Star
4.59
Sadachbia
Binary Star System
4.66
Ancha
Yellow-White Subdwarf Star
4.77
Situla
Orange Giant star
4.66
M2
Globular Star Cluster
4.77
50
CHAPTER 10 - OCTOBER
Cepheus The King
Pronunciation: (SEE-fee-us) Abbreviation: Cep Genitive: Cephei Right Ascension: 22 hours Declination: 70 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 588 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, October 15 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -10 degrees
3. Alrai
14. Al Kalb al Rai 2. Alfirk 10. Theta Cephei
13. Pi Cephei
1. Alderamin 11. Nu Cephei
6. Iota Cephei
8. Herschel's Garnet Star
7. Delta Cephei 9. Epsilon Cephei
The constellation Cepheus, the king, is visible all year in the northern hemisphere. It can be seen between latitudes of 90 degrees and -10 degrees.It is a medium-sized constellation with a total area of 588 square degrees. This makes is the 27th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco, Lacerta, and Ursa Minor. Cepheus is one of the 48 constellations identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It was named after the king of Ethiopia. Cepheus was the husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. All three are immortalized in the night sky as constellations. It is said that Zeus placed him among the stars after his death because he was descended from the nymph Io, who was one of Zeus’ favorites. Cepheus is usually depicted as a robed king with a crown of stars. He stands with his left foot placed over the pole and his scepter extended towards his queen, Cassiopeia.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alderamin
Yellow Supergiant Star
2.44
Alfirk
Triple Star System
3.15
Alrai
Binary Star System
3.22
Herschel's Garnet Star
Red Supergiant Star
3.35
Alkurhah
Binary Star System
3.43
Al Kalb al Rai
Blue Subgiant Star
3.50
Zeta Cephei
Orange Subgiant Star
4.07
Eta Cephei
Orange Giant Star
4.08
Iota Cephei
Orange Giant Star
4.18
Delta Cephei
Quadruple Star System
4.21
Epsilon Cephei
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.29
Theta Cephei
Blue Supergiant Star
4.29
51
CHAPTER 10 - OCTOBER
Grus
The Crane
Pronunciation: (GRUS) Abbreviation: Gru Genitive: Gruis Right Ascension: 22 hours Declination: -45 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 366 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, October 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 35 and -90 degrees
12. Rho Gruis
3. Aldhanab 10. Lambda Gruis
11. Mu-1 Gruis
6,8. Delta-1 Gruis 9. Theta Gruis
1. Alnair 5. Iota Gruis 2. Gruid
9. Epsilon Cephei 9. Epsilon Cephei
The constellation Grus, the crane, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a relatively small constellation, covering an area of 366 square degrees. It ranks 45th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is one of the constellations known as the “Southern Birds”, along with Pavo, Phoenix, and Tucana. It is bordered by Piscis Austrinus to the north, Sculptor to the northeast, Phoenix to the east, Tucana to the south, Indus to the southwest, and Microscopium to the west. There is no mythology associated with the constellation Grus. It is one of twelve constellations identified by Petrus Plancius based on observations by Dutch navigators. Its name means “the crane” in Latin. It first appeared on a celestial globe created by Plancius in 1598 and was later included in Johann Bayer’s star atlas in 1603. In the early 17th century, the constellation was briefly known as Phoenicopterus, which is Latin for “the flamingo”. The name was eventually changed back to Grus.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alnair
Blue-White Subdwarf Star
2.44
Gruid
Red Giant Star
3.15
Aldhanab
Blue Giant Star
1.74
Epsilon Gruis
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.15
Iota Gruis
Orange Giant Star
3.00
Delta-1 Gruis
Yellow Giant Star
3.49
Zeta Gruis
Orange Giant Star
3.88
Delta-2 Gruis
Red Giant Star
3.97
Theta Gruis
Triple Star System
4.13
Lambda Gruis
Orange Giant Star
4.17
Mu-1 Gruis
Yellow Giant Star
4.33
Rho Gruis
Orange Giant Star
4.48
52
CHAPTER 10 - OCTOBER
Lacerta The Lizard
Pronunciation: (luh-SER-tuh) Abbreviation: Lac Genitive: Lacertae Right Ascension: 22 hours Declination: 45 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 201 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, October 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
2. Beta Lacertae
1. Alpha Lacertae 6. 4 Lacertae 4. 5 Lacertae
5. 2 Lacertae
3. 1 Lacertae
The constellation Lacerta, the lizard, is located in the northern hemisphere of the sky. It ranks 68th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It extends from the head of Cepheus to the foot of Perseus, between Cygnus and Andromeda. Lacerta’s brightest stars form a small W in the sky, similar to the constellation Cassiopeia. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “Little Cassiopeia.” The name Lacerta is Latin for "lizard". There is no mythology associated with this constellation. It is one of seven constellations created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century. It was first introduced in a star atlas published by Hevelius in 1690. It was originally given the name Stellio after a type of lizard known as a stellion, but the name was later changed to Lacerta. Lacerta contains no Messier objects and only a few dim deep-sky objects that can only be seen in very large telescopes. The most notable of these objects is NGC 7243, an open cluster of stars located approximately 2,800 light-years from Earth. This young cluster consists mainly of white and blue stars and is thought to be about 100 million years old.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Lacertae
Blue Subgiant Star
3.76
Beta Lacertae
Yellow Giant Star
4.40
1 Lacertae
Orange Giant Star
4.15
5 Lacertae
Binary Star System
2.15
2 Lacertae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
4.57
4 Lacertae
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.49
53
CHAPTER 10 - OCTOBER
Pegasus
The Winged Horse
Pronunciation: (PEG-uh-sus) Abbreviation: Peg Genitive: Pegasi Right Ascension: 22 hours Declination: 20 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1121 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, October 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
12. Jih 6. Matar
10. Iota Pegasi
3. Scheat 11. Sadalpheris 14. Salm 4. Markab
3. 1 Lacertae
2. Enif
9. Baham
The constellation Pegasus, the winged horse, is visible from August through December. It is a large constellation, occupying 1,121 square degrees of the sky. This makes it the seventh largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Andromeda to the north and east, Lacerta to the north, Cygnus to the northwest, Vulpecula, Delphinus and Equuleus to the west, Aquarius to the south and Pisces to the south and east. Pegasus is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It represents the famous winged horse in Greek mythology. Curiously, the constellation Pegasus only represents the top half of the horse. In some depictions, the horse is shown rising out of the water. Pegasus was a white winged horse born from the blood of the gorgon Medusa after she was beheaded by Perseus. He served the god Zeus as the carrier of his lightning bolts. Zeus eventually placed the horse among the stars as a constellation.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M15
Globular Star Cluster
6.20
Enif
Orange Supergiant Star
2.39
Scheat
Red Giant Star
2.42
Markab
Blue Giant Star
2.49
Algenib
Blue Subdwarf Star
2.84
Matar
Binary Star System
2.95
Homam
Blue Subgiant Star
3.41
Sadalbari
Yellow Giant Star
3.51
Baham
Blue Subgiant Star
3.53
Sadalpheris
Binary Star System
3.96
54
11
November The November constellations contain such popular groups as Andromeda, the Princess of Ethiopia, Cassiopeia, Queen of Ethiopia, and Pisces, the fish. Andromeda is the home of the Andromeda Galaxy.
CHAPTER 11 - NOVEMBER
Andromeda Princess of Ethiopia
Pronunciation: (an-DROM-ih-duh) Abbreviation: And Genitive: Andromedae Right Ascension: 1 hours Declination: 40 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 722 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
10. Lambda Andromedae 3. 1 Lacertae
3. Kappa Andromedae 16. Iota Andromedae
15. Phi Andromedae
21. Nu Andromedae 11. Mu Andromedae 17. Pi Andromedae 5. Mirach 7. Delta Andromedae
4. Alpheratz 18. Epsilon Andromedae
12. Zeta Andromedae 19. Eta Andromedae
The constellation Andromeda, Princess of Ethiopia, is visible in the northern hemisphere from August through January. It can be seen and in the southern hemisphere in November. In fact, it is the 19th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Perseus, Cassiopeia, Lacerta, Pegasus, Pisces, and Triangulum. Andromeda is one of the original 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It represents the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, the king and queen of Ethiopia. Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to the sea monster Cetus. She was saved by Perseus when he turned Cetus to stone by using the dismembered head of the gorgon Medusa. Perseus and Andromeda were later married and had six children, including Perses, who was the ancestor of the Persians.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M31
Spiral Galaxy
6.20
Alpheratz
Binary Star System
2.39
Mirach
Red Giant Star
2.42
Almach
Orange Giant Star
2.49
Delta Andromedae
Double Star
2.84
Nembus
Orange Giant Star
2.95
Adhil
Red Giant Star
3.41
Omicron Andromedae
Binary Star System
3.51
Pi Andromedae
Blue-White Dwarf Star
3.53
Upsilon Andromedae
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
3.96
55
CHAPTER 11 - NOVEMBER
Cassiopeia Queen of Ethiopia
Pronunciation: (KAS-ee-oh-PEE-yuh) Abbreviation: Cas Genitive: Cassiopeiae Right Ascension: 1 hours Declination: 60 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 598 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -20 degrees
4. Caph
10. Kappa Cassiopeiae 3.Shedar 8. Achird 5. Navi
13. Castula
11. Marfak
6. Ruchbah 12. Chi Cassiopeiae
19. Eta Andromedae
The constellation Cassiopeia, Queen of Ethiopia, can be seen in the northern hemisphere all year long. It is a mid-sized constellation occupying 598 square degrees. This makes it the 25th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Andromeda to the south, Perseus to the southeast, and Cepheus to the north. Cassiopeia was the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda. She is represented as being chained to her throne in the heavens as punishment for her boast of being more beautiful than all the Nereids. As punishment, the god Poseidon placed Cassiopeia and Cepheus in the sky. Cassiopeia was condemned to circle the celestial pole forever. As the stars rotate throughout the night, Cassiopeia can sometimes be seen hanging upside down as punishment for her vanity.The Milky Way runs through Cassiopeia so it is rich in deep-sky objects. It contains two Messier objects, M52 and M103. M52 is an open star cluster containing over 190 stars. M103 is another open cluster with approximately 172 stars. The constellation also contains a number of dim objects that can only be seen with large telescopes.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M52
Open Star Cluster
5.00
M103
Open Star Cluster
7.40
Shedar
Orange Giant Star
2.24
Caph
Blue-White Giant Star
2.28
Navi
Blue Subdwarf Star
2.47
Ruchbah
Binary Star System
2.68
Segin
Blue-White Giant Star
3.37
Achird
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
3.44
Zeta Cassiopeiae
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.66
Kappa Cassiopeiae
Blue-White Supergiant Star
4.16
56
CHAPTER 11 - NOVEMBER
Phoenix The Phoenix
Pronunciation: (FEE-niks) Abbreviation: Phe Genitive: Phoenicis Right Ascension: 1 hours Declination: -50 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 469 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 20 Visible Between Latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
11. Iota Phoenicis
4. Epsilon Phoenicis 1. Ankaa
1. Nu Phoenicis 2. Beta Phoenicis 3. Gamma Phoenicis 8. Eta Phoenicis 5. Delta Phoenicis 9. Psi Phoenicis
7. Zeta Phoenicis
The constellation Phoenix, the phoenix, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky.It is a medium-sized constellation occupying an area of 469 square degrees. This makes it the 37th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Fornax and Sculptor to the north, Grus to the west, Tucana to the south, touching on the corner of Hydrus to the south, and Eridanus to the east and southeast. It is one of four constellations known as the “Southern Birds,” along with Grus, Pavo, and Tucana. There are no mythological origins to the constellation Phoenix. It is the largest of twelve constellations listed by astronomer Petrus Plancius based on the observations of Dutch navigators. It first appeared on a celestial globe published by Plancius in 1597. It was later included in Johann Bayer’s star atlas published in 1603. The constellation represents the legendary bird that would be consumed by fire and then emerge from the flames reborn. The phoenix was believed to resemble an eagle with purple, gold, and red feathers. It would live for 500 years and then burst into flames and die in the fire. A new bird would then emerge from the ashes of the old.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Ankaa
Orange Giant Star
2.38
Beta Phoenicis
Binary Star System
3.32
Gamma Phoenicis
Red Giant Star
3.41
Epsilon Phoenicis
Orange Giant Star
3.87
Delta Phoenicis
Yellow Giant Star
3.93
Kappa Phoenicis
White Subgiant Star
3.94
Zeta Phoenicis
Binary Star System
4.10
Eta Phoenicis
White Subgiant Star
4.36
Psi Phoenicis
Red Giant Star
4.41
Mu Phoenicis
Yellow Giant Star
4.59
57
CHAPTER 11 - NOVEMBER
Pisces The Fishes
Pronunciation: (PY-seez) Abbreviation: Psc Genitive: Piscium Right Ascension: 1 hours Declination: 15 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 889 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -65 degrees
13. Tau Piscium 18. Upsilon Piscium 2. Kallat Nunu
17. Phi Piscium
7. Omicron Piscium 15. Xi Piscium 4. Alrischa
11. Nu Piscium 19. Mu Piscium 5. Omega Piscium 6. Iota Piscium
12. Lambda Piscium 20. Kappa Piscium
The constellation Pisces, the fishes, is visible in the sky between October and December in the northern hemisphere.It is a large constellation, occupying 889 square degrees. This makes it the 14th largest constellation in the night sky. It lies between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east and is just south of Pegasus. Pisces is one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means that it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. The March equinox is currently located in Pisces. However, due to procession of the earth's axis, it is slowly drifting towards Aquarius. The word Pisces is the Latin plural for “fish�. It is one of the constellations first cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. In ancient times, the two fish were shown swimming together. In Greek mythology, the two fish represent the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros. It was believed that they transformed into fish in order to escape the monster Typhon. Typhon was sent by Gaia, the Earth mother, to defeat the gods. Pan saw the monster coming and turned himself into a goat-fish and jumped into the river Euphrates to escape. He became the constellation Capricornus. Aphrodite and Eros then jumped into the river to escape the monster and were then transformed into the two fish.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M74
Spiral Galaxy
9.40
Kallat Nunu
Yellow Giant Star
3.62
Gamma Piscium
Yellow Giant Star
3.69
Alrischa
Binary Star System
3.82
Omega Piscium
Yellow-White Subgiant Star
4.04
Iota Piscium
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
4.13
Omicron Piscium
Yellow Giant Star
4.26
Theta Piscium
Orange Giant Star
4.27
Epsilon Piscium
Orange Giant Star
4.28
Fum al Samakah
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.53
58
CHAPTER 11 - NOVEMBER
Tucana The Toucan
Pronunciation: (too-KAN-uh) Abbreviation: Tuc Genitive: Tucanae Right Ascension: 24 hours Declination: -65 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 295 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
1. Alpha Tucanae
20. Kappa Piscium
6. Delta Tucanae
8. Eta Tucanae 4. Beta Tucanae 5. Epsilon Tucanae 3. Zeta Tucanae
The constellation Tucana, the toucan, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is a small constellation, occupying an area of 295 square degrees. This ranks it 48th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Hydrus to the east, Grus and Phoenix to the north, Indus to the west and Octans to the south. It is one of four constellations known as the “Southern Birds,” along with Grus, Pavo, and Phoenix. There is no mythology surrounding the constellation Tucana. It was one of twelve constellations introduced by Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius based on the observations of Dutch navigators. It first appeared in Johann Bayer’s star atlas in 1603, where it was depicted as a toucan. Another astronomer, Frederick de Houtman, included it in his star catalog the same year. However, Houtman depicted it as a hornbill, a bird native to the East Indies. Eventually, the toucan became the bird of choice. There are no Messier objects in the constellation Tucana, although it does contain a few interesting deep-sky objects. The most notable of these is the Small Magellanic Cloud, or SMC. The SMC is an irregular dwarf galaxy located only 7,000 light years outside our own Milky Way galaxy.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Tucanae
Binary Star System
9.40
Gamma Tucanae
Yellow-White Giant Star
3.62
Zeta Tucanae
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
3.69
Beta Tucanae
Multiple Star System
3.82
Epsilon Tucanae
Blue-White Subgiant Star
4.04
Delta Tucanae
Binary Star System
4.13
Nu Tucanae
Red Giant star
4.26
Eta Tucanae
White Dwarf Star
4.27
59
12
December The December constellations include such notable groups as Aries, the ram, Eridanis, the river, and Perseus, the hero. A beautiful spiral galaxy known as the Triangulum can be found in the constellation Triangulum.
CHAPTER 12 - DECEMBER
Aries The Ram
2. Sheratan Pronunciation: (EH-reez) 7. Lambda Arietis Abbreviation: Ari Genitive: Arietis Right Ascension: 3 hours Declination: 20 degrees 1. Hamal Area in Square Degrees: 441 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 10 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
3. 41 Arietis
6. Epsilon Arietis
5. Botein 8. Zeta Arietis
The constellation Aries, the ram, can be seen in the northern hemisphere during the late winter and early spring. It is a medium-sized constellation bounded by Taurus, Pisces, and Cetus. It is one of the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy in the second century. Aries is the 39th largest constellation in the night sky, covering an area of 441 square degrees. It is also one of the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. The name Aries is Latin for “ram”. It is an ancient constellation which has been known by many forms throughout history. To the early Babylonians, these stars represented a farmhand. The early Chinese saw it as twin inspectors. To the inhabitants of the Marshall Islands, it was a porpoise. In Greek mythology, it represented the ram from which the golden fleece was obtained in the story of Jason and the Argonauts. The constellation was officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union in 1922, and its boundaries were defined in 1920 by Belgian astronomer Eugène Delporte.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Hamal
Orange Giant Star
2.00
Sheratan
Blue-White Subgiant Star
2.64
41 Arietis
Blue-White Dwarf Star
3.63
Mesarthim
Binary Star System
3.86
Botein
Orange Giant Star
4.35
Epsilon Arietis
Binary Star System
4.63
Lambda Arietis
Double Star System
4.79
Zeta Arietis
White Dwarf Star
4.89
60
CHAPTER 12 - DECEMBER
Cetus
The Sea Monster 8. Deneb Kaitos Shemali
Pronunciation: (SEE-tus) Abbreviation: Cet Genitive: Ceti Right Ascension: 2 hours Declination: -10 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1231 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, November 30 Visible Between Latitudes: 70 and -90 degrees
4. Dheneb Algenubi 9. Theya Ceti
7. Tau Ceti
11. Upsilon Ceti
13. Mu Ceti
6. Mira 12. Delta Ceti
5. Kaffaljidhma 3. 41 Arietis
The constellation Cetus, the sea monster, can be seen in the northern hemisphere in the late fall and early winter. It is visible at latitudes between 70 degrees and -90 degrees. It is a very large constellation, occupying a total area of 1,231 square degrees. It is actually the 4th largest constellation in the night sky. It lies in a region of the sky called the Water. Other water-related constellations in this area include Eridanus (the river), Aquarius (the water bearer), and Pisces (the fish). Cetus is one of the constellations cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It was named after the sea monster sent by the god Neptune to devour Andromeda in Greek mythology. Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to the monster. Cetus was turned to stone when Perseus showed the monster the head of the gorgon Medusa. Today, this constellation is also sometimes identified as a whale. To some, it represents the whale that swallowed Jonah in the famous Bible story.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Diphda
Orange Giant Star
2.02
Menkar
Red Giant Star
2.53
Dheneb Algenubi
Orange Giant Star
3.45
M77
Spiral Galaxy
8.90
Theya Ceti
Orange Giant Star
3.60
Kaffaljidhma
Triple Star System
3.47
Mira
Binary Star System
3.50
Tau Ceti
Yellow Dwarf Star
3.50
Deneb Kaitos Shemali
Orange Giant Star
4.79
Baten Kaitos
Orange Giant Star
3.74
Lambda Ceti
Blue-White Giant Star
4.67
61
CHAPTER 12 - DECEMBER
Eridanus The River
2. Cursa 13. Mu Eridani
Pronunciation: (eh-RID-uh-nu) Abbreviation: Eri Genitive: Eridani Right Ascension: 3 hours Declination: -20 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 1138 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, January 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
12. Nu Eridani 14. Beid 27. Zeta Eridani
3. Zaurak
10. Azha 14. Beid
7,23. Chi Eridani
22. Tau-1 Eridani 26. Angetenar
6. Tau-4 Eridani 15. Tau-3 Eridani 6. Tau-4 Eridani
4. Acamar 16. Iota Eridani 18. Kappa Eridani 7. Chi Eridani 1. Achernar
The constellation Eridanus, the river, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky.It is represented as a long, winding river that starts at the left foot of Orion in the north, sweeps south of Taurus, west to the edge of Cetus, and back east to Caelum. It eventually ends to the south, at the border with Hydrus. It is one of the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy in the second century. Eridanus is the sixth largest constellation, covering an area of 1,138 square degrees. It is also the second longest constellation in the night sky. Eridanus is one of the 48 constellations first identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is associated with the story of Phaethon in Greek mythology. Phaethon was the son of the Sun god Helios and the Oceanid Clymene. Phaethon wanted to drive his father’s sky chariot, but was unable to control it. The chariot veered off course and scorched the heavens and the Earth. Zeus intervened and killed Phaethon with a thunderbolt. Eridanus was supposed to represent the wild path where Phaethon drove his father’s chariot. This constellation has also been associated with the Nile River in Egypt and the Po River in Italy.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Achernar
Blue-White Subgiant Star
0.46
Cursa
Blue Giant Star
2.79
Zaurak
Red Giant Star
2.91
Acamar
Binary Star System
3.24
Rana
Orange Subdwarf Star
3.60
Sadira
Orange Subgiant Star
3.47
Azha
Orange Giant Star
3.87
Sceptrum
Orange Giant Star
3.87
Beid
Yellow-White Giant Star
4.79
Keid
Triple Star System
4.43
Angetenar
Orange Giant Star
4.78
62
CHAPTER 12 - DECEMBER
Horologium The Clock
3. Beta Horologii
4. Mu Horologii
5. Zeta Horologii Pronunciation: (HOR-oh-LOH-jee-um) Abbreviation: Hor Genitive: Horologii Right Ascension: 3 hours Declination: -60 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 249 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
1. Alpha Horologii
6. Eta Horologii
7. Iota Horologii 2. R Horologii
The constellation Horologium, the clock, is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is visible from latitudes south of 23 degrees from October through December. It is a small constellation with a total area of only 249 square degrees. It ranks 58th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the constellations Eridanus, Hydrus, Reticulum, Dorado and Caelum. Horologium is not associated with any ancient mythology. It was named by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1752 after his trip to the Cape of Good Hope to study the southern night sky. Lacaille named this constellation to honor Christian Huygens, the inventor of the pendulum clock in 1656-57. It was originally called Horologium Oscillitorium, “the pendulum clock” but was later shortened to Horologium, “the clock.” There are no Messier objects in this constellation but it does contain a number of deep sky objects, mostly star clusters and galaxies. It is also the home of the Horologium supercluster, which contains over 5,000 galaxy groups with over 300,000 individual galaxies.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
Alpha Horologii
Orange Giant Star
0.46
R Horologii
Red Giant Star
2.79
Beta Horologii
Red Giant Star
2.91
Mu Horologii
Blue Giant Star
3.24
Zeta Horologii
Yellow-White Subdwarf Star
3.60
Eta Horologii
Yellow-White Dwarf Star
3.47
Iota Horologii
White Dwarf Star
3.87
63
CHAPTER 12 - DECMBER
Perseus The Hero
Pronunciation: (PER-see-us) Abbreviation: Per Genitive: Persei Right Ascension: 3 hours Declination: 45 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 615 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 25 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
7. Gamma Persei 11. Miram
19.Lambda Persei 17. Mu Persei
14. Tau Persei 16. Iota Persei 4. Mu Horologii
10. Nu Persei
18. Theta Persei
12. Misam
6. Epsilon Persei 4. Algol 15. Menkib
20. Gorgonea Quata
21. Gorgonea Secunda 9. Gorgonea Tertia
13. Atik
The constellation Perseus, the hero, can be seen in late summer and autumn in the northern hemisphere.The constellation Perseus, the hero, can be seen in late summer and autumn in the northern hemisphere. Perseus is a mid-sized constellation with a total area of 615 square degrees. This makes it the 24th largest constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by Aries and Taurus to the south, Auriga to the east, Camelopardalis and Cassiopeia to the north, and Andromeda and Triangulum to the west. It is also the origin point for the annual Perseid meteor shower. Perseus was first cataloged in the second century by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy. It is named after the legendary hero who rescued Andromeda from the sea monster, Cetus. Perseus was the son of DanaĂŤ, who was the daughter of King Acrisius. His father was the god Zeus. Perseus was sent by King Polydectes to slay the evil gorgon sister Medusa, whose gaze could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. Perseus slew Medusa in her sleep and collected her head in a bag. On his way back home, he spotted the princess Andromeda chained to a rock. She was to be sacrificed to the sea monster Cetus. Perseus used the head of Medusa to turn the monster into stone. Perseus and Andromeda fell in love and were both placed among the stars.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M76
Planetary Nebula
10.10
Mirphak
Blue-White Supergiant Star
1.79
Algol
Triple Star System
2.12
Gorgonea Tertia
Red Giant Star
3.39
Miram
Orange Giant Star
3.79
Atik
Blue-White Supergiant Star
3.83
Menkib
Blue Giant Star
4.04
Gorgonea Quata
Orange Giant Star
4.63
64
CHAPTER 12 - DECEMBER
Triangulum Triangulum
Pronunciation: (try-ANG-gu-lum) Abbreviation: Tri Genitive: Trianguli Right Ascension: 2 hours Declination: 30 degrees Area in Square Degrees: 132 Crosses Meridian: 9 PM, December 5 Visible Between Latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
5. Zeta Horologii
6. Eta Horologii
5. Delta Trianguli
2. Beta Trianguli
3. Mothalla
The constellation Triangulum, the triangle, is completely visible at latitudes north of -53 degrees from March through May. It is a small constellation, occupying only 132 square degrees. This constellation ranks 78th in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by Andromeda to the north and west, Pisces to the west and south, Aries to the south, and Perseus to the east. Traingulum is one of the original 48 constellations first drawn by second century Greek astronomer Ptolemy. The name Triangulum is Latin for “triangle.� There is no mythology associated with this constellation. All of its historic names have been derived from its shape. In ancient times, its distinctive shape of three stars was called Deltoton because it resembled the Greek letter delta. To the ancient Egyptians, it represented the delta of the river Nile. The ancient Romans called it Sicilia because it reminded them of the island of Sicily. Triangulum contains one Messier object called M33, also known also as the Traingulum Galaxy and the Pinwheel Galaxy. It is a nearly face-on spiral galaxy located about three million light years from Earth. It is one of the most famous galaxies in the sky and is the largest member of the local group of galaxies which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and our own Milky Way. There are many other faint objects in Triangulum, but they can only be seen with a large telescope. These include an emission nebula known as NGC 604 and a spiral galaxy called NGC 634.
MOST NOTABLE STARS Designation
Object/Type
V Mag
M33
Spiral Galaxy
10.10
Beta Trianguli
Binary Star System
1.79
Mothalla
Binary Star System
2.12
Gamma Trianguli
Blue-White Subgiant Star
3.39
Delta Trianguli
Binary Star System
3.79
65
00
Miscellanous This section of the book includes extra content related to the constellations inorder to accompany the information previously mentioned more clear
L AR SO
SYSTEM TO SCA LE NEPTUNE
URANUS
SATURN
JUPITER
PALLAS
ASTREA GERES JUND MARS
EARTH
MOON VENUS MERCURY
ASTEROIDS
ASTEROIDS
COMPARITIVE MAGNITUDES MERCURY
JUPITER SATURN
NEPTUNE
VENUS EARTH MARS
URANUS
ASTEROIDS
JUPITER ED
IPS
ECL IPS ED
L EC
EQUATOR
1280 times larger than Earth
TELESCOPIC VIEW OF JUPITER
TELESCOPIC VIEW OF MARS
JUPITER MARS
LUNA E TH
FULL M
LAST QUARTER
FIRST QUARTER
FULL MOON OR OPPOSITION
NEW M
NEW MOON OR CONJUNCTION
LAST QUARTER
NEW M
FIRST QUARTER
FULL M
AR CYC LE
MOON
FIRST QUARTER
LAST QUARTER
MOON
MOON
MOON
NEW MOON OR CONJUNCTION
FULL MOON OR OPPOSITION
FIRST QUARTER
LAST QUARTER