Photo-guide to the Constellations: A Self-Teaching Guide to Finding Your Way Around the Heavens

Practical Astronomy

Springer-Verlag London Ltd.

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Seeing Stars Chris Kitchin and Robert W. Forrest

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A Self-Teaching Guide to Finding Your Way Around the Heavens

Chris Kitchin

Springer

Professor Chris Kitchin, BA, BSc, PhD, FRAS University of Hertfordshire, University Observatory, Bayfordbury, Hertfordshire, UK

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Kitchin, Christopher R. (Christopher Robert), 1947-

Photo-guide to the constellations: a self-teaching guide to finding your way around the heavens. - (Practical astronomy) 1.Constellations - Pictorial works I.Title 523.8'0222

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Kitchin, C. R. (Christopher R.)

Photo-guide to the constellations: a self-teaching guide to finding your way around the heavens / Chris Kitchin.

p. cm. Includes bibl:iographical references and index. ISBN 978-3-540-76203-4 ISBN 978-1-4471-0611-1 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-1-4471-0611-1 1. Constellations - Observers' manuals. 2. Constellations -

Pictorial works - Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title. QB63.K47 1997 97-29324 523.8'022'2-dc21 CIP

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© Springer-Verlag London 1998 Originally published by Springer-Verlag London Limited in 1998

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Preface

"l hope that people all around the world never forget what a wonderful thing it is to lie on your back and look up at the stars"

Pete Seeger

What is the fascination that constellations hold for people? There are probably as many different answers to that question as there are people. For many, though, the constellations are the stepping-off point into the fabulous, mind-bending discoveries and concepts of modern astronomy. For others it is their long and intriguing history that beckons. For some people the constellations provide the means for navigation and orientation over the surface of the Earth, and of course there are the millions who place some faith in horoscopes. But for most people the patterns in the sky are a beautiful part of their environment to be treasured alongside the forests, fields and rivers that make life worth living.

However just as we are losing our green environment to pollution, so we are losing our sky. The glow from cities across the world swamps the stars in the night sky. Astronomers have had to retreat to remote mountain tops to escape that light pollution. The rest of us must make do with what is available. From the centre of a city, or any other brightly lit area, probably no stars at all will be visible even on the clearest of nights. From the suburbs, the brighter stars should normally be seen. Further out, but still in a populated area, most of the constellations will be visible. But to see constellations now as they were when first studied and named in antiquity, you also will have to journey to the secluded parts of the Earth.

Many star maps, atlases, photographs etc. show all the stars potentially visible to the naked eye. Indeed, in many cases they may extend down to much fainter stars that require telescopes in order to be seen at all. This is quite confusing if you are trying to find your way around the sky for the first time. Most of the stars included on such views will simply not be visible. In this book, therefore, three photographs are shown for every part of the sky. The first shows the stars that you may expect to see from a typical urban suburb suffering from light pollution, and in many cases that is, in truth, very few (no photographs are included to show what could be seen from the centre of the city - that would just be an orange-yellow splurge with no stars at all). The second shows the stars visible from a reasonable site, such as you might reach by driving a few miles out of town and getting away from any nearby lights. The final one shows the splendour that should be visible.

Whatever your reason for an interest in the constellations, the purpose of this book is to provide you with the means whereby you can find your way around the sky, whether you

Preface

just wish to be able to find the Southern Cross or the Pole Star, or whether you wish to learn every single constellation visible in your part of the heavens.

In addition, the positions of some of the brighter individual objects such as galaxies, remnants of exploding stars, cradles wherein new stars are forming etc., and which can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope, are listed. Where needed, a small amount of the background astronomy on these objects is included, but that is not the main purpose of this book, and there are plenty of other sources of information on these topics for the interested reader to pursue. A little background on the history of the constellation, the derivation of its names and other items of interest is also covered.

I wish you clear skies, success in your endeavours, and hope that you find the same wonderment and joy in looking at the sky that I do.

Chris Kitchin Hertford, 1997

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Robert Forrest for many valuable discussions. Our joint book, Seeing Stars (Springer-Verlag, 1997), may well be found useful by readers wishing to progress beyond the introduction to the night sky to be found here. I would also like to thank Jeremy Bailey for obtaining the photographs of the southern constellations, and Paul Martin for printing innumerable apparently blank negatives with unfailing good humour.

Contents

1 Introduction............................................................ 1 1.1 Starting Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 The Sizes of the Constellations ...................................... . 1.3 The Lines ......................................................... . 1.4 Star Hopping ...................................................... 2 1.5 Dark Adaption ..................................................... 2 1.6 The Moon, Planets and other Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.7 The Names of the Stars.............................................. 4 1.8 The Zodiac ........................................................ 4 1.9 The Milky Way, Magellanic Clouds and Zodiacal Light .................. 5 1.10 The Constellations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 Finding the Constellations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.2 Northern Hemisphere Observers ..................................... 9

2.2.1 The Major Constellations ...................................... 9 Ursa Major ...................................................... 10 Ursa Minor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bootes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cassiopeia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Andromeda ..................................................... 16 Pegasus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cygnus ......................................................... 19 Lyra............................................................ 19 Aquila.......................................................... 27 The Summer Triangle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Ophiuchus ...................................................... 27 Hercules ........................................................ 28 Virgo........................................................... 28 Leo............................................................. 29 Canis Minor ..................................................... 29 Auriga.......................................................... 29 Taurus.......................................................... 29 Perseus ......................................................... 29 Gemini.......................................................... 29 Orion........................................................... 30 Canis Major ..................................................... 30

2.2.2 The Minor Constellations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Contents

2.3 Southern Hemisphere Observers ..................................... 47 2.3.1 The Major Constellations ...................................... 47

Crux............................................................ 48 Centaurus ....................................................... 50 Triangulum Australe ............................................. 51 Grus and Pavo ................................................... 52 Scorpius ........................................................ 52 Ara and Lupus ................................................... 52 Sagittarius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Phoenix and Tucana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Aquila and Capricorn us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Carina and Orion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Canis Major ..................................................... 58 Puppis and Vela. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Dorado and Mensa ............................................... 62 Gemini and Taurus .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Cetus........................................................... 63 Pisces Austrinus ................................................. 63 Aquarius .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Hydra, Leo and Vela.............................................. 64

2.3.2 The Minor Constellations ...................................... 76 2.4 Equatorial Observers ............................................... 77

2.4.1 The Major Constellations ...................................... 77 2.4.2 The Minor Constellations ...................................... 78

3 The Individual Constellations. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . 79 3.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

3.1.1 Magnitudes .................................................. 79 3.1.2 Positions .................................................... 80 3.1.3 Variable Stars ................................................ 81 3.1.4 Star Clusters ................................................. 82 3.1.5 Gaseous Nebulae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 3.1.6 Galaxies ..................................................... 82

3.2 Constellations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

4 The Sky throughout the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . • . . . . . . • . . • • 115

Appendix 1: The Messier and Caldwell Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 133

Appendix 2: The Greek Alphabet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 141

Appendix 3: Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 143

Index..................................................................... 145

1.1 Startin Off The purpose of this book is to provide you with the means whereby you may learn to find your way around the sky. That cannot however be accomplished just by reading this book. You will also need to go outside and look up at the night sky on many occasions with this book as a companion. Over the whole sky there are 88 constellations, but except near the equator, some of these will never be visible; they will always be below the horizon. Many of the constellations are formed from the fainter stars, and are not easily seen. Learning the sky does not therefore require you to recognise all 88 constellations. From most sites, the 15 or 20 constellations formed from the brighter stars will be quite sufficient. Once you know those, the remaining fainter constellations can soon be found.

The main guide to the constellations will be found in Chapter 2, and if you already know one or two constellations you may well wish to skip directly to that chapter. However, there are some «tricks of the trade", and most people will therefore find it useful to read this chapter before trying to recognise anything in the sky.

1.2 The Sizes of the Constellations

Probably the single most important impediment to recognising the constellations is a failure to realise just how BIG they are. This is a fault of the way that they are depicted

in this and every other book, star chart or star atlas. But it is an inevitable fault. If the photographs in this book were to show the correct sizes of the constellations as they appear in the sky, then they would have to be about 20 x 30 inches (0.5 x 0.75 m) across when held at arm's length. Each photograph covers about a quarter of the visible hemisphere.

Looking at the images can therefore lead you to expect the constellations to be quite small when you search for them in the sky. They are not. The major constellations cover tens of degrees and stretch across large parts of the sky. To get an idea of the sizes that you should expect, first of all use the scale provided with the photographs to estimate the height and width of the constellation. Then use the useful guide that for most people the clenched fist held at arm's length (see Fig. 1.1, overleaf) covers about 8°, to step out the amount of sky that you should expect the constellation to cover. You will then at least start with the correct expectation of the size of the thing you are trying to find.

If there is a planetarium in your locality, then a visit will give an excellent start to learning the constellations, and more importantly will give you an idea of the scale of the patterns being sought.

1.3 The Lines c

On the diagrams accompanying the sky photographs in Chapter 2, many of the stars are joined by lines. The reason for this is that vision does not occur through the

2

Figure 1.1. The clenched fist at arm 's length spans about 8°.

eyes acting as optical instruments, but is the result of the eyes and brain acting in combination. We thus find it much easier to recognise patterns than individual dots.

The lines are therefore used to indicate patterns that you may be able to pick out in the sky. They have no significance other than that, and of course do not appear in the sky. The lines link the brighter stars in each constellation. There are clearly many different ways in which such patterns may be drawn, and the ones used here may well differ from those used in other sources. You may find that those other patterns suit you better than the ones shown here, or you may prefer to develop your own patterns. In all cases, the pattern to look for in the sky is the one that suits you best.

1.4 Star Ho in Once you have found and learnt one constellation, then the surrounding ones can usually be found quite easily. This process is called star hopping, and it is the basis of how you find your way around the sky. Two bright stars in the known constellation are selected so that the line joining them, when extended (sometimes a slight curve is needed) meets a bright star in the next constellation. Having reached one star in the next constellation, the pattern of the rest of that constellation can usually be

Photo-guide to the Constellations

picked out without difficulty. Some such hops are very well known. The two end stars of the constellation Ursa Major, for example, are called the pointers because they are used so frequently to find the pole star (Polaris - Figs 1.2,2.13 and 2.22).

1.5 Dark Ada tion In order to see as many stars as possible, it is essential to let your eyes adapt to the dark. This is a physiological process whereby the light -sensitive molecules in the retina increase dramatically in number under low-light level conditions. The eye's sensitivity also increases correspondingly. Additionally the pupil of the eye becomes larger in the dark, allowing more light into the eye, but it is the increase in the number of light-sensitive molecules that causes the greatest improvement in sensitivity. The light-sensitive molecules take about 20 to 30 minutes to regenerate after being in a brightly lit area, and your ability to see in the dark accordingly improves over the same period. Most people will be familiar with the

• Polaris

URSA MAJOR

Figure 1.2. Star hopping from the painters in Ursa Major to the Pole Star (Polaris) .

Introduction

phenomenon, and it is also known as night vision. Upon walking outside at night from a brightly illuminated room, at first very little can be discerned. However quite quickly you will begin to see things around you, and after half an hour or so, you can probably see quite well.

Dark adaption therefore simply consists of being in and STAYING in the dark for 20 minutes or more. Bright light, even using a torch or lighting a cigarette, will remove some or all of your dark adaption in seconds, and you then require another half hour wait for its return.

There is thus a problem: you will probably need to look at the diagrams and photographs in this book while you a trying to identify the constellations. But light bright enough to enable you to read the book will almost certainly reduce your dark adaption. There are two ways around the problem. The first is that the brighter stars in the major constellations should be visible even if your dark adaption is poor. So to start with, while learning the major constellations, you can illuminate the book well enough to read it, and still be able to spot the bright stars. Later when you know the main outlines, it will not be too difficult to memorise the fainter stars and constellations, and so find them with dark-adapted eyes. The second approach relies on the property of the eye that dark adaption is not affected by deep red light. Thus a red filter over your torch will enable you to work without losing dark adaption. However, to be effective, the filter must be a very deep red. Some of the deep red filters sold as safe lights for use in photographic dark rooms are suitable. Cheaper gelatine or plastic type filters are normally not red enough, although they are better than white light.

1.6 The Moon, Planets and other Problems

For anyone observing the sky with a telescope, the Moon and planets are among the most favoured sights. However they are something of a nuisance when you are learning the constellations.

The Moon, especially from half through full and back to half again, is so bright that, even on the clearest of nights, the fainter stars will be swamped by its scattered light. On hazy nights, there may not be a star to be seen with the naked eye. Thus in addition to the normal problems of cloudy nights, light pollution etc., the presence of a bright Moon in the sky means that for another 50 per cent of the time, the fainter stars and constellations will not be seen.

3

There is little to be done about this except to reserve your attempts to find those fainter stars and constellations for the moonless nights. One "advantage" of a bright Moon is that your eyes will not reach full dark adaption, and so the use of a torch or other light to allow you to read the diagrams and photographs in this book while trying to spot the patterns in the sky will not matter so much.

The planets do not have the devastating effect upon visibility caused by a bright Moon, but they can lead to confusion. To the naked eye they appear like bright stars, and their positions change noticeably over periods from a few days to a few weeks. The presence of a planet within a constellation will change the pattern of the constellation and make it much more difficult to recognise.

However in practice the confusion caused by planets is not as great as it might be. Firstly, the paths of the planets around the sky are confined to the zodiac (Section 1.8). The 76 constellations not within the zodiac will therefore never have a planet within their confines. Secondly, of the eight planets, only two are really likely to be a problem. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not visible to the naked eye. (In theory, Uranus is just visible to the naked eye; it is however far fainter than any of the stars used here to depict the constellations, and is not likely to be a problem.) Mercury, although quite bright, is always close to the Sun, and if visible at all, it is only just after sunset, or just before sunrise. Few of the stars or constellations are therefore likely to be visible in its vicinity. Venus and Jupiter are always brighter than any of the stars. Venus ranges from 8 to 17 times brighter than Sirius (in Canis Major - the brightest star in the night sky), and Jupiter from 1.5 to 3 times brighter. Thus only Mars and Saturn are really likely to be a problem, and Mars has a noticeable red colour that distinguishes it from almost all the stars other than Antares (in Scorpius).

The positions of the planets can be found from charts published in the popular astronomy magazines, and in many of the quality newspapers. If you think that there is an interloper in the (zodiacal) constellation that you are trying to find, then a quick check in such sources will tell you if it is likely to be a planet.

Other objects that can change the patterns of the constellations include novae, supernovae, spacecraft and aeroplanes. Novae and supernovae are exploding stars; many occur every year, but those bright enough to be seen by the naked eye only about once a decade. So these are not too much of a problem. Spacecraft appear star-like to the naked eye, and there are many thousands in orbit around the Earth. Perhaps one or two hundred spacecraft are bright enough to cause potential confusion while

recogmsmg constellations. However all such brighter spacecraft are in low orbits, and will be seen to move in a matter of seconds. They will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to cross the whole sky. Aircraft will also normally be moving. From some sites though, you may be looking directly along a fight path, and aircraft on that flight path will then appear stationary in the sky, sometimes for periods of several minutes. There are also likely to be a series of aircraft so that as one disappears another takes its place. If you continue watching such "stars" they will eventually move, revealing their true identity. A pair of binoculars may also be a help, since they may enable you to see the other lights of the aircraft. After a short while, you will learn where the flight path is in the sky, and the aircraft on it will no longer cause a problem.

1.7 The Names of the Stars

There are many ways of naming the stars, and some stars have several names. However, one way that is not possible, except for a few exceptions, such as Barnard's star, where an unusual star has been named after its discoverer, is after people. A frequently encountered and cruel swindle is based upon this. Advertisements may be found from time to time in quite reputable sources from firms offering to name stars after individuals for a charge. This is not illegal because they will dutifully write your name (or your friend's or relative's) after receiving your money against the selected star in a star catalogue or on a star map. That name however will not be officially recognised and no one will ever use it. Most stars are correctly identified simply by their numbers in a catalogue. The brighter stars, which include the ones used here to define the constellations, are named on the Bayer system. In addition some have individual names such as Sirius, Polaris and Antares.

Under the Bayer system which was first used in the Uranometria star catalogue of 1603, the brighter stars within a constellation are given Greek-letter labels followed by the abbreviation of the constellation name. Usually, this is in order of their brightnesses, so that a designates the brightest star of the constellation, {3, the second brightest and so on (the full Greek alphabet is listed in Appendix 2 and the abbreviations used for the constellations in Section 1.10). The system however breaks down at times as will be seen in Chapter 2, with for


example, 0 UMa being fainter than e UMa, ~ UMa and 1/ UMa. In other cases, some of the Greek letters may be missing. Thus there was once a large southern constellation called Argo, but during the eighteenth century this was split into Carina, Puppis, Pyxis and Vela, but without reassigning Greek letters. Thus the brightest stars in Vela, for example, are labelled 'Y Vel, 0 Vel and A Vel.

There are 24 letters in the Greek alphabet, and once these have been utilised, then the Bayer system continues with the letters, a, b, c .... When those letters have been used up, the letters, A, B, C, ... up to Q are used. The letters R to Z are reserved for variable stars.

After an individual name, or a Bayer designation, the star's Flamsteed number, from his Historia Coelestis catalogue of 1725, is usually used, again followed by the abbreviation of the constellation name. Thus Pleione in the Pleiades is also known as 28 Tau. Most modern catalogues however ignore the constellations, and simply list stars in order of their positions in the sky. There are many such catalogues, some listing millions of stars. The star is then known from an abbreviation of the catalogue name, and its number in that catalogue. Thus Dubhe (a UMa, 50 UMa) is also called HD 95689 (from the Henry Draper catalogue), BS4301 (from the Bright Star catalogue), and BD +62° 1161 (from the Bonner Durchmusterung catalogue). For the purposes of recognising the constellations, however, the star's name or Bayer designation will be sufficient.

1.8 The Zodiac This is a band of the sky about 18° wide and centred upon the Sun's annual path around the sky. (The Sun's annual path around the sky is called the ecliptic. The Sun's movement is of course actually due to the Earth's motion around its orbit. The ecliptic is also therefore the plane of the Earth's orbit extended off into space.) The Moon and all the major planets except Pluto are always to be found within this band. The zodiac was divided by the ancient Greeks into twelve segments, each 30° long, and called the signs of the zodiac. The stars within each segment were then organised into a constellation which was given the same name as the sign of the zodiac. Over the last two and a half thousand years though, the stars have moved more than 30° eastwards in relation to the signs of the zodiac. The constellations therefore no longer match the signs of the zodiac. Additionally, the movement of the stars has caused the Sun's annual path around the

sky to pass through a new constellation, Ophiuchus, though rather illogically this is not normally considered as a zodiacal constellation. The full list of constellations through which the Sun now passes is thus:

1.9 The Milky Way, Magellanic Clouds and Zodiacal Li ht

The Milky Way is what we can see of the huge collection of stars of which our Sun is a member and which is just one of the many millions of galaxies throughout the universe. There are perhaps 100,000,000,000 stars in the Milky Way galaxy, but all except a few thousand are too faint to see individually with the naked eye. Nonetheless the accumulated total from millions of very faint stars can be seen. Since the galaxy has a wheel-like shape, and we are embedded within it towards one edge, we see the other stars as a faint band of light circling the whole sky. The Milky Way is easily visible on a clear dark night from a good site, but will disappear into the background from a light-polluted site, or when there is a bright Moon around. It runs mainly through the following constellations, though it may also overlap slightly into the ones on either side:

The Magellanic clouds, also known as Nubecula Major (the LMC) and Nubecular Minor (the SMC), are named for Ferdinand Magellan who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth (1519 to 1521), though killed during the voyage), and are two much smaller galaxies which are satellites of our own Milky Way galaxy; they are visible in the southern hemisphere as faint glowing patches oflight. The large Magellanic cloud is found on the border of Dorado and Mensa, the small Magellanic cloud within Tucana.

The zodiacal light is a faint glow that follows the line of the zodiac. It is most prominent near the horizon following sunset, or before sunrise, but can be traced all around the sky, and is due to light from the Sun being scattered back towards us by dust particles between the planets. Like the Milky Way and the Magellanic clouds, it can be seen from a good site on a moonless night without difficulty but soon fades if there is any background glow.

1 • 1 0 The Constellations The full list of the modern constellations, their abbreviations, genitives, and where they are to be found in the photographs and diagrams in Chapter 2 is given in Table 1.1.


Table 1.1. The modern constellations

Constellation Abbreviation Genitive English Meaning' Location in Cha ter 2"

Andromeda And Andromedae Female Nome 2.22, 2.24, 2.30, 2.37, 2.62, 2.111 Antlia Ant An~iae Pump 2.117,2.122 Apus Aps Apodis Bee 2.76, 2.82, ~ Aquarius Aqr Aquarii Water Carrier 2.30, 2.88, 2.94, 2.111 Aquila Aql Aquilae Eagle 2.37, 2.43, 2.94 Ara Ara Arae Altar W Aries Ari Arietis Rom 2.24, 2.30, 2.62, 2.111 Auriga Aur Aurigae Charioteer 2.22, 2.24. 2.62, 2.69 Bootes Boo Bootis Herdsman 2.13,2.43,2.48 Coelum Cae Caeli Chisel 2.100 Camelopordalis Com Camelopordalis Giraffe 2.22, 2.24. 2.62 Cancer Cnc Cancri Crab ~ 2.69, 2.122 Cones Venatici CVn Canum Venaticorum Hunting Dogs 2.13,2.48 Canis Major CMo Canis Majoris Lorge Dog 2.69, 2.100, 2.117 Canis Minor CMi Canis Minoris Small Dog 2.55,2.69,2.117 Capricornus Cop Capricorni Goat 2.43,2.88, 2.94, 2.111 Carino Cor Carinae Keel 2.76, 2.100, 2.117 Cassiopeia Cos Cassiopeiae Female Nome 2.22, 2.24, 2.62 Centaurus Cen Centauri Centaur 2.76, 2.82, 2.100, 2.117 Cepheus Cep Cephei Mole Nome 2.22,2.37 Cetus Cet Ceti Whole 2.106, il.ll Chamaeleon Cha Chamaelontis Chamaeleon 2.76, 2.88, 2.100 Circinus Cir Circini Compass 2.76,2.82 Columbo Col Columboe Dove 2.100,2.117 Como Berenices Com Comae Berenices Berenice's Hair 2.13, 2.48, 2.55 Corona Australis CrA Coronae Australis Southern Crown 2.82,2.94 Corona Boreolis Cra Coronae Borealis Northern Crown 2.13, 2.43, 2.48 Corvus Crv Corvi Crow 2.76, 2.117, 2.122 Crater Crt Crateris Cup 2.117,2.122 Crux Cru Crucis Cross 2.76,2.117 Cygnus Cyg Cygni Swan 2.22, 2.30, 2.37, 2.43 Delphinus Del Delphini Dolphin 2.30. 2.37, 2.94 Dorado Dor Doradus Swordfish 2.88, 2.100 Draco Oro Draconis Dragon 12.13 & 2.3n, 2.22, 2.62 Equuleus Equ Equulei Lime Horse 2.30, 2.37, 2.94 Eridanus Eri Eridani River 12.88 & 2.1061. 2.69, 2.100 Fornax For Fornacis Furnace 2.106 Gemini Gem Geminorum Twins 2.55, 2.62, 2.69 Grus Gru Gruis Crone 2.82, ~ 2.94, 2.111 Hercules Her Herculis Mole Nome 2.37, 2.43, 2.48, 2.94 Horologium Hor Horologii Clock 12.88 & 2.1001 Hydro Hya Hydrae Sea Serpent 2.55, 2.69, 2.76, 2.117, 2.122 Hydrus Hyi Hydri lime Snoke 2.82, ~ 2.100 Indus Ind Indi Indian W. 2.88 Lacerta Lac Lacertae lizard 2.22, 2.30, 2.37 leo Leo Leonis lion 2.13, 2.55, 2.122 Leo Minor LMi Leonis Minoris lime Lion 2.13,2.55,2.122

Introduction

, .... 1.1. (Continued)

Constellation Lepus libra Lupus Lynx lyra Mensa Mlcroscopium Monoceros Musca Norma Octans Ophiuchus Orion Pavo Pegasus Perseus Phoenix Pidor Pisces PilCis Auslrinus Puppis Pyxis Reticulum Sagitta Sagittarius Scorpius Sculptor Scutum Serpens Sextans Taurus T eIesc:opium Triangulum Triangulum AustraIe Tucana Ursa Major Ursa Minor Vela Virgo Volans Vulpecula

Abbreviation Lep lib lup lyn Lyr Men Mic Mon Mus Nor Oct Oph Ori Pay Peg Per Phe Pic PIC PIA Pup Pyx Ret Sse Sgr Sco ScI Set Ser Sex Tau Tel Tri TrA Tue UMa UMi Vel Vir Vol Vul

• For further details see Chapler 3.

Genitive Leporis libra. Lupi Lynds Lyra. Mensae Microscopii Monocerotis Muscae Normae Octantis Ophiuehi Orionis Pavonis Pegasi Persei Phoenicia Pidoris Piscium Piscis Auslrini Puppis Pyxidls Reticuli Sagittae Sagittarii Scorpii Sculploris Scuti Serpentis Sextantis Tauri Telescopii Trianguli T rianguli Australis Tucanae Ursae Majoris Ursae Minoris Velorum Virginis Volantis Vulpeculae

English Meaning'

Hare Scales Wolf Lynx Lyre Table Microscope Unicorn Fly Rule Octant Serpent Carrier Male Name Peacock Flying Horse Male Name Phoenix Painter Fishes Southern Fish Stem Mariner's Compass Net Arrow Archer Scorpion Sculptor Shield Serpent Sextant Bull Telescope Triangle Southern Triangle Toucan Great Bear Little Bear Sails Virgin Flying Fish Fox

7.

Location in Cha~1er 2" 2&l, 2.J.QQ, 2.106 2.43, 2.48, ~ ~U2 2.55, W. 2.122 uz, 2.43 2...U,~ U2.Ui. 2.94 2.55, ~ 2.100, 2.117 m,2.100 m,z.u 2.76, 2.R 2.H ~ ~ 2.82, 2.94 ~ 2.100, 2.106 uz.z.n 2.24, 2..aQ, 2.37, 2.94, 2.111 2.22,~U2 2...U, 2.111 ~ 2.24,2..aQ, 2.106, Ul1 2...U, 2.94, Ull 2.li&ZJJ.Z 2.li&ZJJ.Z 2...U,~ uz,w. 2.94 2.43, 2.82, 2.94 2.43,2.48, 2.76, uz. 2.94 2.88,2.106,2J.ll ~~ ~ 2.48, 2.94 2.a2..U2 2.24, 2.62, ~ 2.106 U2 ~2..aQ,~ 2.111 m. 2.J2, 2.88 U2.z.n 2.il. 2.22, 2.55, 2.62 2.il. 2.22 2.76,2.100,2J.lZ 2.13, 2.43,2..41, 2.55, 2.76, 2.122 2.88, 2.li& 2.117 uz,2&

.. The figure numbers ... to Ihe diagrams showing alilhe consIeIlations conlalned In an image. Figures containing all at nearly all of the main slars of a conslllllatian are unclertlned. In a few c:ases two images are required to encompass the whole constellation, and then !hose two images are brackeIed and unclertined. The photographs showing appearances of that area of sky under various observing conditions, and star hopping routes wiD be found immediately prior to the figures listed.

2. 1 Introduction The fundamental method of finding your way around the sky is star hopping (Section 1.4). This requires that you can recognise one constellation in order to find another. Finding your first constellation is therefore rather different from finding your second or third. The first constellation, or starter constellation, must be easily recognisable in the sky without prior knowledge. Suitable starter constellations vary depending upon the time of year and your position on the Earth, and so this chapter is subdivided into sections for northern hemisphere observers (latitudes 20° to 90°), equatorial observers (latitudes -30° to 30°), and southern hemisphere observers (latitudes -90° to -20°).

Directions for finding the constellations are given here assuming that you are starting from scratch; that is, assuming that you cannot recognise a single constellation. If you can recognise one or more constellations already, then whether or not that is the starter constellation suggested here, the one you can find is the one to start with. You may also know someone who can show you some of the constellations to get you started; boy scouts and girl guides are useful for this. Alternatively, you could go along to your local astronomical society where you will undoubtedly find yourself deluged with help. But although such prior knowledge or outside help should not be spurned, it is not essential to finding even your first constellation.

As a reminder, since this is probably the single greatest problem in starting to learn your way around the sky, remember that constellations are BIG (Section 1.2). Always use the scale on the photographs to step out the size in the sky that is to be expected for the constellation before you search for it.

2.2 Northern Hemisphere Observers (Latitudes 20° to 90°)

Fifty or sixty constellations are probably visible to observers in these latitudes, although many of them are small and faint. For a start the brighter or major constellations, of which there are seventeen, are sufficient to find your way around the sky.

2.2. 1 The Maior Constellations

The major constellations for northern hemisphere observers are listed below. There is, of course, a considerable overlap with those for equatorially based observers, and even some overlap with the major constellations for southern observers.

Andromeda CaniaMajor Gemini Pepaua Una Minor

Aquila CaaiaMinor Leo Perseus

Bo6tea c,p 0dQa

U Major

The best constellation to start with is the Plough, also known as the Great Bear, Ursa Major, King Charles' Wain, the Big Dipper or, less officially, the Saucepan (strictly, the Plough is formed from just the seven main stars of Ursa Major). This is because for latitudes to the north of about 40°, the main stars of the constellation will always be visible on a clear night (that is, the stars are circumpolar - they never set). Even at the equator, some or all of the main stars of the Plough will be in the sky for 60 per cent of the time. It is often a puzzle why constellations have the names that they do, because the shapes outlined by the main stars rarely resemble the object they are supposed to represent. In many cases the name has no association with shape, but this is not the case with the Plough, though we have to imagine the ancient horsedrawn implement (Fig. 2.1) rather than the modern multi-tiller dragged by a tractor.

Ursa Ma;or

How then do you find Ursa Major for the first time? One of the problems with finding any constellation you have

~N 10°

e .. ..... _,

.. URSA MAJOR •

a .

N

/


Figure 2.1. The Plough (Ursa Major) .

never recognised before is that its appearance will change depending upon circumstances. Thus, from an urban observing site, probably only the seven main stars of the constellation will be visible (Figs 2.2 and 2.3 - all photographs and their accompanying star maps in this chapter are shown to exectly the same scale and can therefore easily be compared). In poor, hazy conditions and with a bright Moon, you may not be able to see any stars at all.

I Mognitude scole on the stor mops

N • Mognitude 1.5+

e Mognitude 2.5-1 .5

• Mognitude 3.5-2.5

Mognitude 4.5-3.5

Mognitude 4.5 ond less

• Figure 2.2. The

" -e seven moin stors of Urso Mojor - olso coiled the Plough. {Note that the lines ioining the stars on this and subsequent figures are only there

N to help fix the pattern

\ of the constellation in your mind. They have no other significance.}

Finding the Constellations

From a reasonable site, on a good clear night without a Moon, on the other hand, you will probably be able to see two or three dozen stars in the constellation (Fig. 2.4, overleaf). The appearance will also depend upon the orientation of the constellation (Fig. 2.5, overleaf). This is less variable for constellations near the equator, but for those near the pole, like Ursa Major, they can be at any angle. Finally, the constellation may be at different altitudes above the horizon, or from some latitudes some or all the stars may be below the horizon. For Ursa Major, the constellation will have the appearance of Fig. 2.5c when it is highest in the sky, that of Fig. 2.5a when it is lowest. Figure 2.5d shows it at its western-most position, and Fig. 2.5b at its eastern-most position.

With these problems in mind therefore, it is best to select a reasonably clear moonless night, and if need be to move away from town and other bright lights, for your first attempt at constellation identification. As you are able to recognise more and more constellations, you will find that it is not essential to have good observing conditions in order to find your way around the sky, but it will help considerably to begin with. You will also need to know the approximate direction of the north on the ground. If you do not know this already for your area,

figure 2.3. The Ursa Major region -stars visible from a typical urban light-polluted sile.

then it can easily be obtained from a good-quality map. Many will have a compass rose marked, but if not, maps in the northern hemisphere are almost invariably oriented with north at the top.

Having chosen a reasonable night, arrived at a reasonable observing site, and oriented yourself to face north, what then? First get an idea of the area of sky over which you will need to search. Ursa Major is about 35° from the North Pole. You will therefore need to search over a circle extending from 35° either side of north, and from near the horizon to near the zenith. This radius is about four times the width of the clenched fist at arm's length (Fig. 1.1). The constellation's seven main stars extend over a distance of about 20° (2.5 x the clenched fist at arm's length). Step these two distances out so that you can visualise the scale of the constellation and of the search area. Then with the possible appearances in mind (Fig. 2.5) look among the brighter stars in the search area until you can find the saucepan-like pattern of the Plough (Fig. 2.6, overleaf). You should be able to spot the constellation within a minute or two.

If after ten or fifteen minutes searching you have not found the constellation, then you are probably not facing north, so check your orientation. Alternatively, if your

latitude is south of about 40°, then some of the main stars of Ursa Major may be below your horizon (see Chapter 4, also astronomy magazines and some national newspapers publish monthly sky charts showing the stars visible for the appropriate time of year, so you can check these if you suspect that Ursa Major is below the horizon). In the latter case you can either try again at a different time of night or later in the year, or start with a different constellation (see below). If Ursa Major should be visible, and you are oriented correctly to see it, and yet you still cannot find it, then you will probably have to find someone who can point it out to you directly.

Assuming that you have been successful in finding the main stars of Ursa Major, you can then start to become familiar with their individual names. The seven bright stars of Ursa Major are known as Dubhe, Merak, Phad, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar and Alkaid (Fig. 2.7, overleaf). Mizar has a fainter close companion called Aleor that can be seen next to it if you have average or better eyesight. The seven main stars also have designations under the Bayer system as a Ursa Majoris (usually abbreviated as a UMa - see Section 1.10 for the genitives and abbreviations of all the constellation names), f3 UMa, l' UMa, {) UMa, 8 UMa, ~ UMa and 1/ UMa (Fig. 2.8, overleaf).


....... 2.4. The Ursa Major region -stars visible from a good site.

Once you are familiar with the main stars of Ursa Major, you should start looking for the fainter ones (Figs 2,4, 2.9 and 2.12).

As well as the naked-eye stars, each constellation is now used to delimit a specific area of the sky. These areas cover the whole sky and are officially recognised by the International Astronomical Union (see, for example, the outer boundary of Ursa Major marked in Fig. 2.9, overleaf). Since the boundaries were designated in 1922, and most stars were named before that date, there are numerous anomalies in the system. Thus within the official boundaries of Ursa Major may be found the stars 1 CVn (Canes Venatici), 55 Cam (Camelopardalis) and 15 LMi (Leo Minor); while 10 UMa is actually in the area assigned to the constellation Lynx, etc. Fortunately, both the official boundaries and these latter complications are something you can completely ignore while learning your way around the sky.

Ursa Minor

Once you can identify Ursa Major (or any other "starter" constellation), finding other constellations becomes much


I 10°

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• • • • • • •

a b

• • • • • • •

c d

....... 2.6. Ursa Major as a Dipper or Saucepan.

•

•

• • •

•

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

.......2.5. The changing appearance of Ursa Major In difrentnt orientations.

easier. Ursa Major is a good starter constellation because it provides helpful guides to its surrounding constellations. The end stars (a and f3 UMa) indeed are often called the pointers, because they may be used to find the Pole Star (a Ursa Minoris, Polaris - Fig. 1.2 and Fig. 2.10, overleaf). The Pole Star is a reasonably bright star that by chance happens to be very close to the position of the North Pole in the sky. It is therefore very useful as a guide to finding your orientation on the surface of the Earth. To find Polaris simply follow the line of the pointers for about five times their separation, and you come directly to the star (Fig. 2.1O). Polaris is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor, and so the rest of that constellation can be easily identified once Polaris has been recognised Figs 2.4, 2.10 and 2.13}.

N

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Alkaid e e Mizar

e Alioth

URSA MAJOR • Megrez

Phad e

100

e T] e

S

URSA MAJOR

e E

e y

e Dubhe

e Merak

en

e~


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Figure 2.7. The names of the main stars in Ursa Major.

Figure 2.8. The Bayer designations of the main stars in Ursa Major.


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figure 2.9. Ursa Major showing the stars usually visible to the naked "YfI from a good site, plus its official outer boundary.

Figure 2.10. Star hopping from the pointers in Ursa Major (a UMa and fJ UMa, or Dubhe and Merakl ta the Pole Star (a UMi or Polarisl and thence to Ursa Minor.

Bootes

The "tail" stars of Ursa Major give the direction to IX Boo (Fig. 2.11). Follow them around in a curving line for about five times the separation of the last two stars (~UMa and 1] UMa) to the bright, slightly reddish star, IX Boo (Arcturus). This is the fourth brightest star in the night sky and the rest of the constellation of Bootes, which however is much fainter than Arcturus, then follows {Fig.2.11}.

Cassiopeia

On the far side of the pole from Ursa Major is another good "starter" constellation, Cassiopeia. It is about the same distance from the pole as Ursa Major, a little smaller in extent, and easily recognisable. If you cannot find Ursa Major as a starting point, or it is below the horizon, then since Cassiopeia is on the opposite side of the pole it should be easily visible. This is a constellation whose shape bears no resemblance to its mythological image (the figure of a human female), but it is easily recognisable as an "M", "!," or "w" (depending on its orientation) in the

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sky. It may be found by star hopping from yUMa to IX UMi and then carrying on in a straight line for almost the same distance again (Figs 2.14 and 2.15, overleaf). Since the constellation is close to the North Pole, its appearance will change with time (Fig. 2.16, overleaf). This star hopping brings you to {3 Cas, and the rest of the constellation may then be found (Figs 2.17 to 2.20 inclusive, overleaf).

Andromeda

{3 Cas and IX Cas then give a straight line star hop over about five times their separation to y And and so to the rest of the constellation of Andromeda (Fig. 2.21, overleaf). The great galaxy in Andromeda, M31 (NGC 224), may be seen with the naked eye on a good night about 7° north-west of {3 And (Fig. 2.21).

Andromeda may perhaps be more easily found as part of a curving line of five equally bright stars including IX Per and {3 Peg, with equal separations between them (Figs 2.23 and 2.24, overleaf). Groupings of stars like these five, which are not recognised constellations, are sometimes called asterisms. This line of stars covers a large angle, but is quite easy to distinguish.

-. ----

, . '.

••

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---------. URSA MINOR

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Figure 2.11. Star hopping fram , UMa and 1/ UMo (Mizar ond Alkaid) to Arcturus (a BoO) olong a slightly curving path ond then 10 the rest of BoOtes.


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figure 2.12. The Ursa Mojor region -the stars visible from a brilliant site to an acute observer. These most detailed photographs of each region of the sky show at least all the stars visible to the naked eye under the best conditions.

Figure 2.13. All the constellations in the Ursa Major region.

Figure 2.14. Finding Cassiopeia - stars visible fram a typical urban, light.polluted site.

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URSA MINOR .• (l ....

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URSA MAJOR

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CASSIOPEIA

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Figure 2.15. Star hopping from Ursa Major and Ursa Minor to Cassiopeia .


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• • • • • • • •

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c d

Figure 2., 6. The changing appearance of Cassiopeia in different orientations: a lowest in the sky; b easlenHnost in the sky; c highest in the sky; d westem-most in the sky.

Pegasus

The line ends in the star f3 Peg, and this provides the next star hop to the constellation of Pegasus (Figs 2.25 and 2.26). The Square of Pegasus is easily recognisable in the sky and forms another useful starter constellation. It is however something of a misnomer, since the square requires a And for its completion. Pegasus is a large constellation shown in its entirety in Figs 2.27 and 2.28.

Cygnus

From Pegasus a straight line star hop from f3 through 'Y Peg takes us to 'Y Cyg, and the rest of Cygnus (Figs 2.31, 2.32 and 2.33).

Lyra

Then from Cygnus we may hop to a Lyr (Vega) in a slightly curving line from a Cyg (Deneb) through 0 Cyg

Figure 2.17. Finding Cassiopeia - stars visible from a good site.

(Fig. 2.34). The remaining stars in Lyra are much fainter than Vega, but may be seen on a good night without difficulty (Figs 2.36 and 2.37).

2 Photo-guide to the Constellations

Figure 2.18. Finding Cassiopeia -stars visible from a brilliant site ta an acute observer.


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...... 2.20. The Cassiopeia region showing the stars visible ta the naked eye from a brilliant site to an acute observer (comet Hyokutake also appears, just to the left of Cassiopeia) .

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10°

CASSIOPEIA

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CAMELOPARDCS'! 0: ...... . .... • •... / <~NDROME~~.

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2.23. The Perseus region - the stars visible from a good site, showing the or Per-')' And-{J And-a And-{J Peg aslerism.

..... 2.24. The or Per-,),And-{J And-a And-{J Peg as .... ism.

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..... 2.26. Scar hopping from AJ.dromeda 10 the Square of Pegasus (the IqUCIf8 il aduaIJy fonned by II And, II Peg, ~ Peg and 'Y Peg).


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.......2.21. Pegasus showing the stars usually visible 10 the naked eye from a good site.


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CYGNUS .. """" (port oij ... :'

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....... 2.29. Pegasus showing the slars visible to the naked eye from a brilliant site to an acute observer (Saturn is just to the left of Aquarius' .

Figure 2.30. All the constellations in the Pegasus region.


....... 2031 Finding Cygnua- the stars visible from a typical urban, IIght.pollut.d sile.

Aquila

We may also hop to the southern constellation - Aquila from Cygnus. A line from ex Cyg passing between 'Y and e Cyg takes us to ex Aql (Altair - Fig. 2.34, overleaf).

The Summer Triangle

The stars Deneb, Altair and Vega (ex Cyg, ex Aql and ex Lyr) form a large bright triangle, visible during the

;I N

N

t

10·

. "

" . CYGNUS

: a. : y . ..........................

..... ... ::.~ .... :.~.I \ .... 13

)" r~ '

/ <;~; .. . ~......... . .'

/ 11 '. . p. .•.....• /

.. ' ···r .. · .. ·· PEGASUS \ ...

,;' .... (port of) ',& ••••••• <1 ....... ........... 4

N<E-t-

N~

2032. Star hopping from IJ and " Peg 10 'Y Cyg, and the NIt « Cygnus.

evenings in late summer and autumn. This asterism is sometimes known as the summer triangle, and it provides another easy starting point for constellation recognition (Fig. 2.35, overleaf).

Ophiuchus

Moving onwards brings us to a region of rather faint constellations. A star hop in a curving line from f3 Aql through ex and 'Y Aqlleads to ex Oph (Figs 2.38, 2.39 and

r ...... 2.33. Finding Cygnus - the stars visible from a good site.

2.40). The rest of the equator-straddling constellation of Ophiuchus is straggling and faint but can be found on good nights.

Hercules

A slightly shallower curve from f3 Aql through a and 'Y Aql leads to a and f3 Her (Figs 2.38, 2.39 and 2.41). While a well known constellation from its mythological associations,

/ N

N

t


10 · N~

. .....•• a LYRA

... /: ~"" · 13 ··· .. ~ . ;!6 \ ". CYGNUS // ly

a~~~ ..... ·· ·"""""· 13

' < ~~ l?:~) .... a-

... AQUILA ~ . ... . ............ : ... ....... :: (part oij

13 ./ '1 ... ~.

"'"'' ~.... ,'... ~ ... ~ PEGASUS

.~ (port oij eE

... a . .... ~t .. :··· .. ··········· .. · .. · N~

Figure 2.34. Star hopping from 0/ and 8 Cyg to 0/ Lyr, and the rest of Lyra. and from 0/ Cyg. between "I and 8 Cyg to a Aql. and the rest of Aquila.

Hercules is not actually very prominent though it will normally be findable except from poor sites.

Virgo

A star hop from 8 through f3 Her in a slightly curving line brings us to Spica (a Vir) and the rest of the otherwise rather faint constellation of Virgo (Figs 2.44 to 2.48) . We are however by now moving back to areas


;I N

N

t

N~

Vega

\ /'\.lYRA ) ,. Deneb e:- -- __ • __ _____ • ______ ____ e

'~'

'<.' F:~::",,~~} ,/ AI . • .-- tOir ..

2.35. The Summer Triangle.

AQUILA (part o~

N~

of the sky already seen. A better star hop to Spica may therefore be from {3 through a Boo in a straight line (Fig. 2.45).

Leo

It is better next to return to Ursa Major as a starting point rather than trying to use the faint stars in Virgo. We may then use the pointers in reverse, going from a UMa through {3 UMa in a slightly curving line to 'Y and then to a Leo (Regulus - Figs 2.49 and 2.50). The rest of Leo is easy to spot, since for once the shape of

2

the constellation bears some relationship to its name (Fig. 2.51).

Canis Minor

From Leo, we may then star hop from {3 Leo through a Leo to a CMi (Procyon) and the rest of the small constellation of Canis Minor (Figs 2.52 and 2.53).

Auriga

We may also star hop from Ursa Major to Auriga. A line from 'Y UMa bisecting the line between a and {3 UMa (Figs 2.56 and 2.57) leads straight to a Aur (Capella) and the rest of Auriga. An easier pattern to identify in the sky, however, is the "Auriga" pentagon. This asterism is composed of a, {3, () and t Aur plus {3 Tau, and is so prominent (Figs 2.58 and 2.59) that one wonders why it is not a constellation in its own right. Indeed, on some old maps, {3 Tau is shown as a part of Auriga and labelled as 'Y Aur . The Auriga pentagon is another good starting point for finding your way around the sky.

Taurus

From Auriga it is a straight line star hop from a Aur through t Aur to a Tau (Aldebaran) and the rest of Taurus (Fig. 2.60). The two bright naked-eye galactic clusters of the Pleiades (M45) and the Hyades (C41) may be found in Taurus (Fig. 2.60).

Perseus

One may also hop in a slightly curving line from {3 through a Aur to a Per and the rest of Perseus (Fig. 2.60). A rather easier path though is to follow the line from Pegasus through Andromeda to a Per (Figs 2.23 and 2.60).

Gemini

From Auriga it is a slightly curving star hop to a and {3 Gem, also known as Castor and Pollux (Figs 2.63 and 2.64, see also Figs 2.61 and 2.62). Gemini is a prominent and easily identified constellation. An alternative route to

3

Figure 2.36. The Cygnus region showing the slors visible to the naked eye from a brilliant site 10 an acute observer.

Gemini is from Leo. We may go from f3 Leo through 'Y Leo in a very slightly curving line to f3 Gem (Figs 2.52 and 2.53).

Orion

A straight line star hop from f3 through 'Y Gem leads to ex Ori (Betelgeuse) and the even more easily identified constellation of Orion (Figs 2.65 and 2.66). Orion is another good starter constellation, and strongly resembles the figure it is supposed to represent (Fig. 2.67). For observers in equatorial latitudes, for whom Ursa Major


;/ N

.....•.. · .'

·· .. ···.~·: .. 13

· .' -:( .. :~ .. . : ~ . · .' .....

.... ..11 ................ :: .• ;;. " , CEPHEUS ..-(port of) •.. ~~

.' \:

LACERTA .•...... .. "

.

./ ..

10· .... '--__ ....1

DRACO (part of)

. ~ .

": ... ~ l :

.•.• y

ANDROMEDA (part of)

.: •... .: ......... . : .. :' 11 ".

13,( . " .. . ... < ..

HERCULES ; (port of)

;..,

'·>· 13 '. .. -_ ... --.

.. '

P / VULPECULA :' ~

a y ..... ' .' SAGITTA y,

•• a . ;!a__ p~ AQUILA

DELPHINUS (oprt of)

..: EQUULEUS ;:' ..... ~ .

. ~

PEGASUS '." (port of) 'o a

N

t ' U

...... /\ ...... ~ .. ............ . :: ...

Figure 2.37. All the constellations in the Cygnus region,

and Crux (Section 2.3). are not circumpolar, Orion is probably the best constellation with which to commence constellation identification, although it is not visible every night.

Canis Major

From the three stars forming the belt of Orion (8, 8 and (Ori), our next star hop takes us to the brightest star in the sky, ex CMa (Sirius). The remaining stars of Canis Major are fainter than Sirius but several are still relatively bright and all can be seen on most nights.


N

f

CYGNUS \, (port of) \,

.. --------- .

~ .. ( LYRA

./! (port ofj e e~

VULPECULA e .

10°

e '

N

\

, N

I t .......

3

..... 2.31. Stars visible in the Ophiuchus region from a typical urban /ight-polluted siIe Pupl .. Is at the boHom edge, to the left of centre).

..... 2.39. Slar hopping from fJ Aq through II and 'Y Aql to II Oph and the rest of Ophluchus.

. --.'

N

t

, . . ----- ---...... -1t \

/)' ~ ~r, •

HERCULES (port on


\

N

t

Figure 2.40. Stars

visible in the

Ophiuchus region

from a good site

Uupiter is at the bollom edge, to the left of centre)_

...... U I. Star hopping from fJ Aql through a and "I Aql to a and fJ Her and the rest of Hercules.


10 0 ~ - ~ - U CYGNUS \ ,-1 ___ -,I :! LYRA

(part o~ \, ~ ~p (part o~

. ---- --- - ... -.. ~ It \

. '.p

·------ --_e . VULPECULA

i ------------ \13 \ HERCULES": :, (part o~ :

t ' SERPENS CAPUT .Y

SAGITTA -" ::u .. ' .

·U U"" __ __ j '\'" ------ .-'"

SERPENS CAUDA ~p " """ ~: ~;.' \\

OPHIUCHUS \,

,., ~

' . •

~~- P" '- -', '. ,-, ,

'\ " '~'u

•

., -- ---->''e_. .

'>, '''- -',U

SCUTUM\''> ..

""".,,_ 4' - ___ ,>:.~ • _ _____ e

, ~.

SAGITTARIUS (part o~

' 'e - - - .

Jupiter@\~

. e •••

~"

SCORPIUS i-~~, P (part o~ i .0

Anto res •• -- -- -- --~ 'I: u. :

VIRGO (part of)

.----- --.

LIBRA -. U

N

· t

2.n. 0phiuChus region showing the liars visible 10 the naUd • from Q brtIiant "'10 an ac:uIe oa-r-lJupIIer II at the Idom edge. 10 the Wt 01 C8IIhl .

...-ua. All the contteIIotionl in the Ophiuchua region.

1t : ------ __ .. '" : " T]

) t,\ " . ~ ,.

HERCULES ·>,"" '8 t:, (part of) ", ~ !

/'" '\..i~ eu "

N

!

,/ .-

N

f

10° ,-/A.

-,'

VIRGO (part of)

~ ,-'//\;y ,, \,./\~,,/ 'OOTES

E'

\\ Arcturus u· -- -- .1J

II " "


N

!

Figure 2.44. Star hopping from 8 Her through /3 Her ta a Vir (Spica) and the rest of Virgo lor from /3 through a BoO) - stars visible from a typical urban light-polluted site.

Figure US. Star hopping from 8 Her through /3 Her ta a Vir (Spica) and the rest of Virgo (or from /3 through a BoO).

Finding the Constellations 3

..... 2.46. Star hopping from 8 Her through fJ Her 10 a Vir (Spica) and the rest of Virgo (or from fJ through a 800)- sIors visible from a good site.

2A7 The VIrgo .... showing the .... visible 10 !he naked .,. from a brilliant site 10 an acute obwYer.

N

I

• OPHIUCHUS

~ ~,. ". \, .--- ---- ---. " .

\, .;. ~~~~~S\··.r · · ··-· » ~--------(part of)

/ e--- ,

1[, ••••••• ___

: '!11

>

•. ,.<!..,-'~

CORONA BOREALIS

: \ SERPENS : ) CAPUS

"" ,-

' . "

'-

, ,

/A

.. ,: , y

BOOTES

"./-"" ,/>

COMA


N

I "",~,-

CANES VENATICI

'.~ .... • 1J BERENICES !

VIRGO ~o . , ,

SCORPIUS, /<~~ .. -- -- -, r" ,

( rt t\ !,'r " '",,~a 0" '"

', : \" fN N

f .:.. (part on ,,/ ~o :' \" LlB~.a a" •

Antares . ' . ... . :' \ (part on """! ' ---.----~ ..... Spi~~"' : ~---.------- ---

...... 2.49. Leo region - the stan visible from a typical urban, light-polluted site.


N\ea / ! -- -_. \ /<---------> -~ ... -:::-----.

10° N~

,e"" URSA MAJOR

"" "'.""'/ ~\ (part of)

y" ~ ---

N

\

""' -. --- __ --- _~",:: : ::'- _- e

"

}.,-";--" "

/r ',7'.: ,/ ,.----.

" ", y "-... - ", a _--,- ' , """,,'--",<: Regulus

,. " ,'

" ,',.-

:'.::>' LEO ~: - - -- - -- .. --- --- . ~ " "

",

-.

....... 2.S 1. The main stars of the constellations of Leo seen asa Uon.

N

\

2.50. Slur hopping from a IIvough II UMa in a slightly curving line 10 'Yand then 10 a Leo (Regulus), and 10 10 the rest of Leo,

3

N

\

URSA MAJOR (part of)

GEMINI '. (part of)

·-.13


N~

...... 2.52. Leo region - the stars visible from a good site.

: CANIS MINOR Procyon ~a

.

N

\

Figure 2.53. Star hopping from fJ through (I leo to (I CMi (Procyon), and so ta the rest of Canis Minor, and from fJ through 'Y Leo in a slightly curving line to fJ Gem (PoIluxl, and to the rest of Gemini.


URSA MAJOR (port of)

R ,j

"

LYNX (port ofj

/'/ .a P,. ~~~ ,

."

:' LEO MINOR ,:. ./ /,.~~~~-

.: .:' Y,· ""o " "

~.: :--Pollux '0

10°

,,~,:~'~Regulus

13"",',' " COMA

... BERENICES

" VIRGO (port of)

LEO

,/ SEXTANS

GEMINI \ (port ofj

. , .~

N~

: CANIS MINOR

It ----' :a

Procyon ~a

HYDRA (port of)

MONOCEROS (port of)

N

\ 2.15. All

the consIeIIaIions In the Leo region.

~N

URSA MAJOR (part of)

:-'-': ~ f'<:----- __ ____ ~". ~ ~~ .. ;~;

" . '~,

N

f

.

100

\ '---... Capella \, ",.-:-.

AURIGA

p~' , '.. a" .. ~,," _ ' " e---___ ------ --__ :e t e


N~

N

~

....... 2.56. The Auriga region - the sIors visible from a typical urban, light-pollu!ed site.

....... 2.57. Star hopping from y UMo and between a and tJ UMo 10 a Aur (Copello) and the rest of Auriga.


~N

~ Aurt(

N

!

N~

N

~

4

........ 2.5 •• The -Auriga- pentagon -an easily recognisable asterism fonnec:I by cr, fJ, 8, and ,Aur and by fJTau.

2.59 The Auriga region -!he .. visible from a good site.

4

~N

N

I


Figure 2.60. Star hopping to a Per and Perseus: (a) from f3 through a Aur in a slightly curving line; (b) from f3 through 'Y And in a very slightly curving line (see also Fig. 2.23) and from a through ,AurtoaTau (Aldebaran) and the rest of Taurus .

...... 2.61 The Auriga region - the liars visible from a briUiant _10 an

acute observer.


,." \/~'~ DRACO ./"'" \ , (port of) CASSIO~~iA---'>.~"" b

N~\ """,,~ .

,. --- a URSA MAJOR

. :" (port of)

~" " ::':',,',',"'- -.. :: ", ,~

'~'-"

" .

'-"" ,

--- '. •

LYNX

(port of)

. , " . ----- -----., a

CAMELOPARDUS \"~

'-.

.'

Costar

~,.<::' ~ ~ /

Pollux ~""

,. GEMINI (port o~

-.

.11

ANDROMEDA i • :' "~I'

(port o~ 1;:/

~:--.... Algol , . -. .

Y TRIANGULUM ~~'"

• ... o~· ~- :- ,;

.<:/ '. \ . /,/' PERSEUS "'.::,'

"-':" ' " ARIES \,

(port of) > .~:' Pleiades

.:' TAURUS ,/ (port o~

. .. , .. ,... ~ " Hyades N . .." ... ~ .... " - -------- ~ -'\:; ---

~.-------------------Aideboron .... "'\ ' ..... 2.62. All the constellations in the Auriga region.

....... 2.63. The Orion region - the sIarS visible from a typical urban,

i Ilght-poliuted site.

N

t

N

t

GEMINI

-e. • e' '- -~ ' . T]

AURIGA (part an


N

\

N

\

Figure 2.64. Slor hopping from a Aur through /3 Aur in a sligh~y curving line 10 a and /3 Gem (Castor and Pollux) - see also Figs 2.61 and 2.62.

figure 2.65. The Orion region - the stars yjsible from a good sile.


N

t

N

f

U _-- ------ e Castor ,, :,_: GEMINI

~ ~': " '~~.~~~~, . --_, ' ~ -e 11

I:;'~------ ,:' .

Pollux p~: • --~ ---____ .•

l ···· l~ / • . y

. '--------. Betelgeuse \u • i "" , '. . ,' . ' e __ ~ ~ . , .

, '. \JI.,~ . ORION c, ,', ~,

! ~ \. i . _,--'e. Rigel

. ------ p K

. . - ; -~,,-,~----.p

Sirius •• :, '. CANIS MAJOR (part ofj

, ~.

N

\

N

\

4

..... 2.66. Star hopping from fJ through ,. Gem ta a Ori la.Igeuse) and the rest of Orion . Then from Orion's belt ta a CMa (Sirius) and the rest of Canis Major.

.' . "f. "01 • -:_-;.J:_ .. ..,'_w _ ~".' .:~.

- '. _ _ -' _ " ..... - _ ~:.. ..... ~,

N

\ . " \ \\ : ", , . : \\ .

t

,/ CANCER ~."-""-,

-------~~

". ,._e'_',:r ,,/i-WDRA: ~ , (port on

N

--t- -- -- -----.


Costar (l,~,~-,

~. ~" .

_- e

GEMINI

: " \. AURIGA (port on ~------ - - ---- ---- - :'t

N

\ /,Pleiades

.-,/ TAURUS

Pollux \ ' .. ~, r • ", fi'

e'?-______ "" 'fX, :' .. Hyades '",~

-'-,-,~ .. T] • ".,, 1)

e,_ ~ '" '.,

,-~ {l "

,. 'Procyon .,,/CANIS MINOR

' .

"', ,£1---""

I

.

. . . ."" ORION

MONOCEROS

~".' Sirius ~ --- - -- - .~

CANIS MAJOR ! '-\---

(port on .. :

-- ---------.-+- -. _-Aldebaran ------. --- --- -- - -----~ .••

• I

ERIDANUS (port on '------ ... ---, ..... --

,/ I)

-------- -->:Tf\

\\1

Figure 2.68. The Orion region - the stars visible from a brilliant site to an acute observer.

....... 2.69. All the constellations in the Orion region.


2.2.2 The Minor Constellations

The remaining constellations for northern hemisphere observers are listed below. Their principal stars are fainter than those of the major constellations, and usually, but not always, they are quite small. Once the major constellations have been learnt it is quite easy to fill in the remainder. The same principle is used: that of star-hopping from known stars to the new constellation. With the minor constellations, this process often reduces to just finding the gap between known major constellations. The table below lists the minor constellations together with suitable major constellations as starting points for finding them. A few were included for reasons of forming useful steppingstones during the previous section, and they are listed again here.

The Minor Constellations for Northern Hemisphere Observers

Minor Constellation Aquarius Aries Camelopardus

Cancer Canes Venatici Cepheus

Cetus Coma Berenices Corona Borealis Delphinus Draco

Equuleus Hercules Hydra

Lacerta

Leo Minor Lepus Libra Lynx Monoceros

Ophiuchus Pisces ------------------

Starting point Aquila, Pegasus Andromeda, Perseus, Taurus Auriga, Cassiopeia, Perseus, Ursa Major Canis Minor, Gemini, Leo Bo~nes, Leo, Ursa Major Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Ursa Minor Taurus Boates, Leo, Ursa Major BoOtes Aquila, Cygnus, Pegasus Boates, Cygnus, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor Aquila, Pegasus Aquila, Boates, Lyra Canis Minor, Centaurus, Leo, Scorpius Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Pegasus Leo, Ursa Major Canis Major, Orion Boates, Centaurus, Scorpius Auriga, Gemini, Ursa Major Canis Major, Canis Minor, Gemini, Orion Aquila, Lyra, Scorpius Andromeda,Aries, Pegasus

Aquila, Cygnus, Lyra Aquila, Sagittarius Aquila, Sagittarius Bootes, Scorpius Leo

4

Sagitta Scutum Serpens Cauda Serpens Caput Sextans Triangulum Virgo Vulpecula

Andromeda, Perseus, Taurus BoOtes, Leo Aquila, Cygnus, Lyra

2.3 Southern Hemisphere Observers (Latitudes -20° to -90°)

Southern observers, like northern observers, can hope to see fifty or sixty constellations at some time throughout the year. But just twenty of these will be sufficient to find your way around the sky. These brighter or major constellations are listed below.


The major constellations for southern hemisphere observers are:

The Major Constellations for Southern Hemisphere Observers

Aquila Ara Canis Major Carina Centaurus Cetus Crux Gemini Grus Leo Lupus Orion Pavo Pisces Austrinus Puppis Sagittarius Scorpius Taurus Triangulum Vela

Australe

In the southern hemisphere, Crux is a good starting point for constellation identification. Its main stars are circumpolar for any latitudes south of -35°, and it is easily recognisable ab initio. It therefore forms the equivalent of Ursa Major as a starting point for most southern observers. Like Ursa Major, the appearance of Crux in the sky changes with its orientation, but it is a compact, bright

constellation and usually easily recognisable in any orientation (Fig. 2.70).

Crux

How then do you find Crux for the first time? The procedure is similar to that used by a northern hemisphere observer starting off to find Ursa Major (Section 2.2.1). Just as with Ursa Major, therefore, the appearance of the constellation will change depending upon circumstances. From an urban observing site probably only the three brightest stars of the constellation will be visible (Fig. 2.71). In poor, hazy conditions and with a bright Moon, you may not be able to see any stars at all. From a reasonable site, on a good clear night, without a Moon, on the other hand, you will probably be able to see eight or ten stars in the constellation (Fig. 2.72). The appearance will also depend upon the orientation of the constellation (Fig. 2.70), but the symmetrical and compact nature of Crux makes this less significant than for the rambling Ursa Major. Finally, the constellation may be at different altitudes above the

10°

••

• .- -- - ~- -. . .' • •

~. : .- - ~- - - -. •

• •• .' ..-;--. • •

.... 2.70. The changing appearance of Crux at different orientations.


horizon, or from some latitudes, some or all the stars may be below the horizon.

With these problems in mind, therefore, it is best to select a reasonably clear moonless night, and if need be to move away from town and other bright lights, for your first attempt at constellation identification. As you are able to recognise more and more constellations, you will

....... 2.71. The Cenlaurus region - the slars visible from a typical urban, light-pollutecl aile.


2.72. The CenIaurua w.gion - the liars visible from a good •.

find that it is not essential to have good observing conditions in order to find your way around the sky, but it will help considerably to begin with. You will also need to know the approximate direction of the south on the ground. If you do not know this already for your area, then it can easily be obtained from a good-quality map.

Having chosen a reasonable night, arrived at a reasonable observing site, and oriented yourself to face south, what then? First get an idea of the area of sky over which you will need to search. Crux is about 30° from the South Pole. You will therefore need to search over a circle extending from 30° either side of south, and from near the horizon to near the zenith. This radius is about four times the width of the clenched fist at arm's length (Fig. 1.1). The constellation's four main stars extend over a distance of about 8° (the clenched fist at arm's length). Step these two distances out so that you can visualise the scale of the constellation and of the search area. Then with the possible appearances in mind (Fig. 2.70) look among the brighter stars in the search area until you can find the cross-shaped pattern of Crux. You should be able to spot the constellation within a minute or two.

If after ten or fifteen minutes' searching you have not found the constellation, then you are probably not facing south, so check your orientation. Alternatively, if your latitude is north of about -35°, then some of the main stars of Crux may be below your horizon (see Chapter 4, also astronomy magazines and some national newspapers publish monthly sky charts showing the stars visible for the appropriate time of year, so you can check these if you suspect that Crux is below the horizon). In the latter case you can either try again at a different time of night or later in the year, or start with a different constellation (see below). An alternative starter constellation, Carina (see below), also provides pointers to the Southern Cross (Figs 2.71, 2.72 and Fig. 2.73, overleaf) which may provide means of getting going. If Crux should be visible, and you are oriented correctly to see it, and yet you still cannot find it, then you will probably have to find someone who can point it out to you directly.

Assuming that you have been successful in finding the main stars of Crux, you can then start to become familiar with their individual names. But unlike Ursa Major only two of the stars have proper names. The southern-most star of the cross is Acrux, and the northern-most is Gacrux. All the main stars though do have designations under the Bayer system as a Crucis (usually abbreviated as a Cru - see Section 1.10 for the genitives and abbreviations of all the constellation names), f3 Cru, y Cru and 8 Cru (Fig. 2.73).

Once you are familiar with the main stars of Crux, you should start looking for the fainter ones, though since this is a small constellation there are relatively few more stars to find (Figs 2.4, 2.9 and 2.12).

N~

10°

• Y CRUX • pe_/ ..

af \ .- --.q , -.p

CARINA ~</ · \

N

I

(part of) \, ~ t .~ ...

, -------- p • " SouthP~ ~N

..... 2.73. Star hopping from ,Car through p and q Car to Crux. ,Car and Il Cor form poinIIrJ to the Southern Pole, although lIMn i. no bright star near !hot point to identify it in the sky.

Again like Ursa Major (Fig. 2.9), Crux is also used to delimit a specific area of the sky. But for Crux this is a simple box hardly larger than the area covered by the main stars of the constellation.


..... 2.74. The CenIourus region -the liars Wible from a briHiont lite to an ocuIe obseIwr.

Centaurus

Once you can identify Crux (or any other "starter" constellation), finding subsequent constellations is straightforward. Pairs of stars from the known constellation are


used to point to the next (star hopping - Section 1.4). Crux provides a short star hop from f3 Cru to f3 Cen and then on to a Cen and the rest of Centaurus (Figs 2.71, 2.72 and 2.75). The brightest of the globular clusters, w Cen (CSO, NGC 5139) is easily seen on a reasonable night on the line between (J Cen and y Cru (Figs 2.74 and 2.76).

10 °

.: ./ CENTAURUS

. ,-\ /,-owcen

,-.:----- -.--~.,:

u J3 ----- "". . ----.- • y :'

~ ---~-',~ : . / "" -------- :,:--. :' \ ~ u. ,:::.-----. CRUX • . . . .-

u TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE .. ~ - ..

:' q'-.p ,-/ \ \

N~

. .' . '-CARINA \.

(part ofj . ---13

_-- ~~t .

N

I

Triangulum Australe

A slightly longer hop from y Cru through f3 Cru leads to a TrA and the relatively small number of other stars making up the constellation of Triangulum Australe (Figs 2.74,2.75 and 2.76).

r 10 °

/-::13 • LlBRA,// '

' .... . - --- ~'"

"

--- --- ~

.u

VIRGO (part ofj

"" :u ---

'.---Spica

HYDRA (part of)

SCORPIUS • (part ofj •

. ------- ------. ----------- --- ". CORVUS

:' • LUPUS

NORMA

CIRCINUS ',\ U ,.-",\ · ---.R ,,~~~, I-'

'eu , .. 13 :,/ \ \

,: - ~

i ----- TRIANGULUM

-~ -, . ,'

(part of) ,..-

." 13 """,

• / CENTAURUS ~ .. --:/000 Cen

. '

"r----- - ~- --~\,"

•• y 13·-,,:_

CRUX :'. • u. .:

•

. ;,

VELA (part ofj

.. a AUSTRALE . ---/,ii·~ ~-- .

.- MUSCA e ---" ,

APUS'-;·--- --- --U :/ \\ . '. '-- - --~ OCTANS

(part of) N ~

CHAMAELEON (part of)

-- ---- - . . 13 - CARINA • \. N (partofj ~

Grus and Pavo

Centaurus and Triangulum Australe together provide the next star hop: from a Cen through a TrA to a Pav and the rest of Pavo in a slightly curving line, and from the same two stars but in a straight line to f3 Gru and the rest of Grus (Figs 2.77, 2.78 and Fig. 2.80, overleaf).

Scorpius

The prominent constellation of Scorpius is found by hopping from f3 Cen through a Cen to () Sco in a slightly curving line (Figs 2.77, 2.79 and Fig. 2.80, overleaf and see also Figs 2.38, 2.39 and 2.40). It is perhaps more easily found though by hopping to Antares (a Sco) on a line from a Oph and which then goes between 7] and, Oph (Figs 2.88, 2.90 and 2.91) or from Hercules (Fig. 2.42 and Fig.2.83).

Ara and Lupus

The moderately faint constellations of Ara and Lupus can easily be found between Scorpius and Triangulum Australe (Ara) and between Scorpius and Centaurus (Lupus - Figs 2.81 and 2.82)


Sagittarius

A continuation of the line from a Cen to () Sco then leads on to the main part of Sagittarius (Figs 2.77, 2.79 and Fig. 2.80, overleaf).

Phoenix and Tucana

From Grus we may progress in a star hop from a Gru through f3 Gru to a Phe and the rest of the rather inconspicuous constellation of Phoenix (Figs 2.84, 2.85 and 2.86). The second brightest globular cluster, 47 Tuc (C106, NGC 104), is to be found on a line between a TrA and a Eri (Achernar). The minor constellation of Tucana is then next to Phoenix (Figs 2.87 and 2.88) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC or Nubecular Minor) is to be found there (Fig.2.82).

Aquila and Capricornus

The rather faint constellation of Capricornus can be found through star hops to a Cap and f3 Cap from 8 Sgr through , Sgr in a straight line, or from Altair (a Aq 1 - Figs 2.34 and 2.35) through () Aql in a slightly curving line (Figs 2.89,2.90 and 2.92).

2.77. The Poyo region - the sian visible from a typical urban, Ilght-poiluied Ii .. (JupiIer appears at .... Iop, 10 the right of centre).


N

\

N~

N

\

N~

. : "

, .

• . GRUS

10°

PAVO

10°

SAGITIARIUS (part of)

'.

u. \ ~.------

Antares

--- - ~ ---~-- .,.-:::, ::.-'

SCORPIUS /

CENTAURUS

(part of) ~N _.


....... 2.10. The Pavo region - the stars yjsible from a good site (Jupiter appears at the lop, 10 the right of centre) •

....... 2.11. The Pavo region - the ltarl visible from a briUiont site 10 on acute obI8MN' Puplter oppeon at the lop, to the right of centre).


N

\ • ,

:/:' GRUS

1 0 0 Jupiter L-__ -----'I • • , © _,,-'

¥,. : -' .. , ' : ,,-, ,

" j '

MICROSCOPIUM

SAGITIARIUS " .-e - ~ __ ___ .. (

(port of) " . ,: • ~~ .

a r ' ~:----- -. t

,,' --. ~'~' CORONA

• AUSTRALIS . , 0

: '.r:: , .. ' ,

N .',.J--__ _ .. /

OPHIUCHUS (port of)

Antares

... - -II ---~-- .<' '~::: ::::i.,--- . . , TELESCOPIUM / 'f!:.

" -:. -

Se", ,_ . ' •• SCORPIUS ,::.' ""-::- ~: (port o~ ...

N~

N

f

N

f

• , INDUS ! ~a

'"a

/ TUCANA

,. __ ..sMC I • '

:,.:~ ;) .. HYDRUS , (port o~ .:'

-------a ARA .:' ....

.i~ ) ....," ~'

'- ,.

. J:-----~ ", LUPUS NORMA PAVO •

· -- -~---i----- - ---/:'-- : : \. y. . "" .-

South Pol~ "", .

, , ~ -- --- - - ...

OCTANS

.' TRIANGULUM ,,/. :' .U:__ • AUSTRALE ,/:

:/ \, -----:,t ,.-. .: , '\/ ,;,,// ClRClNUS

.; APUS .. .a . a " • CENTAURUS ~ ~

.. ~___ (port o~ • • • •

,~ .• \ " , :' '.-:'a '

.,e'

. ...... • :</ \:, HERCULES

. 8~ '" (parto~ ,, -.... ,

,/ ~:~ '- ' ,

.. 'af -- -- -- -- --\,~, ':

N

\

•

/-',~ SCORPIUS N , ~8 (port o~

Antares .-t ------ ~ . . , t

2.U. S1ar hopping hm the cri'e line ci Hercules 10 CI Sco (Ar$na) and the_of ~( .. moln pId)graph - Fig. 2.42).

2.14. The T ucana region - the liars visible from a typical urban, Ilght-pollul8d sile.


N

\ 10 0

,e 0"

0,/ GRUS 0 '

:::~:.::..-.o. o..,~: " . ~ ~. ' /.

e "- - "~ PHOENIX

0 ,

N

I

~ N


Carina and Orion


N " 10° ,/ AQUARIUS 1'--__ ---'

\ \, / (part on

SCULPTOR (part on

:i ____ ...

---- ---;

PISCIS AUSTRINUS . a.:, ~~malhaut

-- e ___ ___ e _ _ ___ e .. ,.",.

- -----~ MICROSCOPIUM 1/ GRUS

a

'" " . -- -...

• - - ----~ PHOENIX

(part on,'-"" " '.a _- , a Aehernar ,,~

" .

--- " . --=:. -----ea P;

:'--- ' ----, a

p/~'~CANA ;

047 Tue

INDUS./,'

"'fI' ~a

> HYDRU~,,' OCTANS

HOROLOGIUM " (part of) • / \,/

a"/ . ---. RETICULUM o

. " r APUS

a South

'.

DORADO' • , "'" .: MENSA Pole "'", (part on ' ..' TRIANGULUM

. u AUSTRALE fl-______ _ 4 (part on

CHAMAELEON "-v />- --- -0. "" VOLANS (part on ~N

figure 2.0. All the constellations in the Tucana region,

Returning now to Crux, there is a short star hop from {3 Cru between a Cru and 0 Cru to q and p Car and the rest of Carina (Fig 2.73). Alternatively from Orion (Figs 2.66 and 2.68) we can star hop to Canopus (a Car - Figs 2.95, 2.96 and 2.97). Carina at one time formed a part of the constellation of Argo, but this was divided during the eighteenth century into Carina, Puppis and Vela. The existence of this precursor explains the otherwise rather puzzling meaning of Carina which is the Keel. Carina provides pointers to the South Pole (Figs 2.71 and 2.73). A straight line star hop from L Car through {3 Car by about twice their

separation leads directly to the pole. However there is no convenient bright star to mark the Southern Pole in the way that Polaris (a UMi) marks the Northern Pole, so its position as given by the Carina pointers must be imagined.

Canis Major

The star hop from Orion to Carina passes Sirius (a CMa), the brightest star in the night sky, and the rest of the constellation of Canis Major (Fig. 2.96). Sirius is so bright that identifying it is not normally a problem, but if needed, the stars of Orion's belt point directly towards it (Fig. 2.66).


N

\

e: .... ~- ..... t ' •••• • ••• ,

.' ... . ' .

...... , CAPRICORNUS ....

N

f

10·

.. , Altair • .

• a '" , I \~ AQUtLA

9. ·····.. . ... ~"" I .... \

l3: a ....... ; ..

" ~ . ~ .. • ~ .... ~( SAGITIARIUS .~ . .

.......... / 1; ~~(-..: • .';: ... -.

N

I

N

I

N 10 ·

\

N

f


f3 i .. ~.-:p"'~

OPHIUCHUS (port of)

~:.'-""

.::: .. ,

.;.~ ......... ' l;

' .. :

N

!

/ . . p SCORPIUS ./ N : (port of) Antore~. .. .. / ;

.. . A .•.• Cl « .... S. j •. ~ ................. i:.... '. ····i . .

....... 2.91. An ahemative star hop to Scorpius - from a Oph ond between lJ and lOph to a Sco (Anlum).

....... 2.92. The Sagitlarius region -the sIors yjsible from a good ailelJupilw appears just below <:en .... ).


':. SAGIITA .' -. 10° N \ DELPHINUS

HERCULES (part on I ! EQUULEUS

--AQUARIUS -----_ (part on ---13

r U

Altair ,'~~--/13 --.., AQUILA

, ,' '. • .~---- ""' " . " , SERPENS ,/ " '" CAUDA • ~ __ ~,.

""1, • • ---

• ' It

,',

7,>--

\ OPHIUCHUS \ (part of)

.-:,~'- -- -- - _< _____ • ____ -- -- ----)~13 . SCUlUM~, '~u •

\,\ \ e ------ ...

'\ ~~-,

',. "'" ,~APRICORNU~,/

PISCIS AUSTRINUS (part on

--. --------.

N / .-.t ,/ GRUS T ,,/ (part on

i --.,'

MICROSCOPIUM

" .. "-

• 'It -_,.-". Jupiter

, Q---."e-- _____ ,( , • ,/I.

SAGIITARIUS ,e""" I) ,~_ ~'

?"~ .,./ .

-.

li. ,CORONA

AUSTRALIS ".

-.- . . Antares ,/ N :

SCORPIUS ,.,,! --.::-, I .. A f ' - , , -- . (port a ) ____ '--: ~ •• .---------------. '" --- 'I; , ,

6

Figure 2.95. The Carina region - the stars visible from a typical urban, light-pollutecl site.

Puppis and Vela

From Sirius (a CMa) we may hop through 8 CMa down to Puppis and on to the bright Wolf-Rayet star, 'Y Vel, in a slightly curving line (Fig. 2.98).

Dorado and Mensa

The minor constellations of Dorado and Mensa are adjacent to Carina (Fig 2.100, overleaf). Although they are inconspicuous their border contains the spectacular Large


N

\ .

• __ _ :.~!rius a , '. --- . , .

CANIS MAJOR .. ! . - ~- - - --.. , '

I IS.!'~ ORION j \, (part ofj __ ~ - :--. p

Ke--- Rigel

:,e,. ! .- . ------ --.

. -. ..,-. ,/~( \ \ CARINA

" . \, , .p • e" ,',' • . --- ----. "

~.Conopus

N~

N

I

F ...... 2.96. Star happing from ,Ori through I( Ori 10 a Car (Canopus) and the rest of Carina.

Magellanic Cloud (LMC or Nubecular Major - Fig. 2.100, overleaf) with its numerous nebulae, and which is the nearest external galaxy to us.

Gemini and Taurus

Star hopping from {3 Ori (Rigel) through a Ori (Betelgeuse) brings us to 'Y Gem and the rest of Gemini (Figs 2.66 and 2.69, see also Fig. 2.64). Taurus is next to Gemini and Orion, and a short curving star hop from K Ori through 'Y Ori leads to Aldebaran (a Tau - Fig. 2.69 and


2.97 The Carina region - the stan yjsible from a good Ii ...

Fig. 2.101, overleaf, see also Figs 2.60 and 2.61} and the rest ofTaurus. This latter constellation includes the two bright galactic star clusters of the Pleiades and Hyades (Fig. 2.69).

Cetus

From either Orion (using K and (3 Ori) or from Taurus (using a and A Tau) it is a straight line star hop to a Cet and the rest of Cetus (Figs 2.102, 2.103 and 2.104). The star Mira, on the line between a and {3 Cet (Fig. 2.106), is the prototype for all long-period variable stars. However it

N

\

•

"",.~ " .

K " •

N~

.' ' I) " .. VELA (port oij

N

I

...... 2.91. Slat hopping from II CMa (Sirius) in a slighlly curving hne through • CMa to 1r Pup and the rest of f'uppis and then onwards to ., Vel.

can range in magnitude from +2ffi to +9ffi and so may not always be visible to the naked eye.

Pisces Austrinus

Fomalhaut (a PsA) may be found from either of two longish star hops: firstly from a Cet through {3 Cet or secondly from {3 And through y Peg (see Fig. 2.21 for Andromeda), the latter in a slightly curving line (Figs 2.107, 2.108 and 2.109). The remaining stars in Pisces Austrinus are rather faint, but can be seen on a good night.

..... 2.99. The Carina region - the stars visible from a brilliant site to on acute obserwJr.

Aquarius

a And and a Peg give a straight line star hop to a Aqr and the rest of Aquarius (Fig. 2.108).

Hydra, Leo and Vela

Returning to Carina, a very short star hop from f3 Car through L Car leads to K Vel and the rest of Vela {Figs 2.112,


N 10 · \ ORION c;t., N

\

• I (port oij .:' j \ J} "1' ". •....... MONOCEROS .. ' ,' . : . c" .

(port oij ........... :~ . ~ . ' P ...... . ..... !.l......... t-...... Rigel

. .... LEPUS' •

"'~ii "" r . ' -: ~ ... . . • CANIS MAJOR : .. •• .•••• J} ••••• • ERIDANUS . . ~ ... .. ~ . : ....... . ... : p .•... • ' •• :. '\ ........ .

.... • c

(port oij

.' '. .. ..a .. .... .. ", _., .

PUPPIS >.. COLUMBA

.•. ~~. "" ! ......... . .c; ...... ... ,

·· . a PYXIS '.

-'. :

' . , CAELUM :'

:a .~

• • .............. ' .. ~ HOROLOGIUM J.. • :' Y Conopus .• a! (port oij

'.

VELA . ,' . ./ j PICTOR .. ' (port oij . ,' .' .' . ~ .. . , DORADO

.,~S .... a .. ·· ... .. , ' .. ~ .' \ .. ..... . .. • . ...- •• ~~" :" VOLANS: ...

,'. RETICULUM a~: ..

..... .../: '< ... . -c;. ~ ....... '. f / LMC '.

, . .~. . '.. .' ~~ .. ,. '. ~: CARINA ....• P a ..... : : MENSA

• .. ·······. ·· :P ~.:! .... -....... -....... -. CENTAURUS \

.....• (port oij A MUSCA ,: CHAMAELEON

N~ortOij South Pole

HYDRUS (port oij

... ~N J} ', ---r .

....... 2.100. All the conslellations in the Carina region.

2.113 and 2.114; see also Fig. 2.98). Carrying on over a much longer hop then leads to a Hya, and the otherwise faint and straggling constellation of Hydra (Figs 2.112, 2.113 and 2.114). Other star hops to a Hya are from f3 through a CMa (Sirius - Figs 2.112, 2.114 and 2.115), and from l' through a Leo (Regulus - Figs 2.118, 2.119 and 2.120). Leo is a good starter constellation because of its resemblance to a lion {Fig. 2.51). It can be found from Ursa Major (Fig. 2.50) or by looking about 60° to the west of a Ori (Betelgeuse - about eight times the width of the clenched fist at arm's length).


N

t

N

t

N

//~~:. Pleiades \ ".'

" .' ~ .. ______ __ _ ~ __ " " '" u / " Hyades \ . "

. . "

--- ---. -----. ,

'. \ TAURUS . ' .. ~ : " .

;;

Aldeba~~~-' ~ - - -- -- -- -- - - - :--- .

~, a " ,f " , •

Betelgeuse'.::,---: -;-!,,'. __ __ ,,;

~

ORION ~. --. ~ . !~ ~ ••

• -- Rigel K

N

\

Figure 2.10 1. Star hopping from K Ori through), Ori ta Aldebaran (a Tau) and the rest of Taurus (see main photograph - fig, 2.68),

N ", / I __ ;____ "',,' TAURUS '-------' ---- --------:. _~:. (port on • Aldebaran ~

'. '. "l~-, _____ __ \. . , . ,

~ , a . . . ~. --- ... : : ..

~-') • ORION "'\ (port on

" "'" f3 • • :"e-.

/.R~gel K

N

\

':M,m:: .

l----

.


'. _ ,," __ ,, __ -",:>1' CETUS

-- --. f3

N

t

N

f

Figure 2.103. Star hopping from K Ori through {3 Ori (Rigel), or from a Tau (Aldebaran) through A Tau to a Cet and the rest of Cetus .

..... 2.104-The CeIua region -the stars visible from a good sile (Saturn is the bright object in the top righNIand comerI·


'" y -- "" , . : "

: ..

K

.--

- - ~ . ' j,

-_." '- ~:::--

'e- -------- :.. ----- ~

N"·-- LEPUS

\ (part of)

. ~ ARIES ,

10°

(part on .'" PISCES (part on

~'-- ~-- .~--

• M ira

" .. " , CETUS :l -------- ___________ . '

~

' .. --'"

.. FORNAX

'.-ERIDANUS (part on

--- .

-GSaturn

SCULPTOR (part on

N

"" t r'

6

2.1 The CeIua region -the liars visible from a brlliant .. to an ac:uIe obIerwr (Saturn lithe bright object In the top right-hand cornerJ.

Figure 2.106. All the constellations in the Cetus reg ion .

..... 2.107. The Pisces region - the sian visible from a typical urban, light-polluted aile (Saturn is just above the centre).


10 0 , ___ oN-

AND~OMEDA!~fOI

CETUS

.J.<: ......... •.

p.---

(part o~ \ : .-

,tt .. \ OJ \ .. • ,!

"" ... . , . PEGASUS. (part o~

.-

o 13-\ AQUARIUS

N

f 0,

PISCIS AUSTRINUS 0

(part o~

\

....... 2.101. Slur happing: (a) in a straight line from a Cet through /J Cet, 01' In a slightly curving line from /J And through y Peg, to a PIA lFomaIhautI and the rest aI Pisces Auslrinus and fbI in a straight line from a And through a Peg to a Aqr and the rest of Aquarius.


~ .. ~~ The Places region - the slars visible from a .,........ ilia ,01QMII 11 1_ above the cenInt).

....... 2.110. The Pisces region - the slaB vIaIbIe from a briHiant .... to an aadt obserYer (Saturn II lUll above .. centre).


N " ,,"-N--J00 I, .. ~ a rr-""'I ARIES

.a TRIANGULUM

(part ofj (part of)

N

f

,.~ .-• .. " ", . ' '.

.. ' ,'

ANDROMEDA 'ea

" (part ofj a ",

,Mira

~~ '~" PEGASUS

PISCES" """"'" . ', (part of) '~ ---

, .e

--' ''::,: ., -GSaturn

'\ <:~" ,:,~,/ III ,;,; ...

,", ;:::'~:"\'~' ~

". a , , :

" "" CETUS' ''' : ..

• a ,, \\ -;~~ ... -. ' .. ~ ,,'--'\-"

\, "'" SCULPTOR ,:" "'.,a

\, """"'"

--~ . ~~ . ,

AQUARIUS :' (part of)

.,~omalhaut ,: "0. -. . ' , ' .

' ..

PHOENIX \ PISCIS :\ ~" AUSTRINUS ' i \

(part of) , ., GRUS \,! (part of) \: ~ ..

CAPRICOR~US r\\ N (part of) \ \,

.. ~ ",

figure 2.111. All the constellations in the Pisces region,


N

t " " "'" -.- -----.~-

N

~

10° N

I

7

...... 2.113. Star hopping from fJ Car through, Car 10 I( Vel and the ..... of Vela - then onwards to aHya.

N 10°

t ',...:---------- .-

-.-

N

~


HYDRA

'.

CANIS MAJOR " e

N

I

goOd ....

..... 2.115. Star hopping from P CMa through aCMa fSiriusI 10 aHya.


tOr'"" '-. 1 Y \\ CORVUS

~--,---- - -- . ~

CENTAURUS (part of) . - - ,,--~.----. --- --~ . ..

. . " .~

\ '\a CRATER \, ,/ \,

"""' "

HYDRA (part of)

'. . \

",'e",

• VELA

. ,

"

. . • :' PYXIS ~" .

: ". : . ~a .

','.Y

: .

• '''~-.~ 'e- ,,' :,

'::~1t

i c~,st~5; • (part of)

.... MONOCEROS \, (part on "'"

c.-' ~ "'" CANIS MAJOR

'., • •• " e. .

" .~, " . . . \ PUPPIS

. ' •

N

~ ,/MUSCA .... / (part of) .------.i

" .

• CARINA

VOLANS -"'" (part on ' 'U .... Canopus

COLUMBA \ (part of)

~"" " 7. N Ct., .

N

\

/3~~,-,:<----'-':~.~,. , LEO

\ ~ " ~~~ ,, '., - " " "~~ , '. ---- - ---~


2.111. The Hydra region -!he liars visible from a IypIc:aI urban, lightpolluted site (Man appears just abcM !he centre).

/ .. "" /y'e'--- ________ • ~ ,,'. ,' \ """" . "" . '~'~

" " ,

,/ • ~'. Regulus , "

" ' .

... ;- ... , ... -,: ... _- ----.... , .. .. ~:,~ . ''''''

~ ~ ~":. :: HYDRA ,----------0.-:,'

'0

N

f ...... 2.119. Star hopping from 'Y leo through a leo (Regulus) to a Hyo and the rest of Hydra.


"," " ~",~y "" '"

~ '--"'-- "~

... LEO MINOR

, ,' ..... ---- ~


;N LYNX (part oij

y'~, -- "-- ----. ~ , , , " .-. LEO '. '

/ .

R:~'~i~~.,~,' ... ..'

CANCER

SE";~~S .;... ~:'I,port oij

,"'h .'" --- i; ',

~.:"" : CORVUS

'. ,,"'\ CRATER

r '-:.,.-""'" """" ./ '".~ ,. ",,""'u-:,: ~:~~

N

\ ." ,. ANTLIA

,," 0,'\ (part oij


The remaining constellations for southern hemisphere observers are listed below. Their principal stars are fainter than those of the major constellations, and usually, but not always, they are quite small. Once the major constellations have been learnt it is quite easy to fill in the remainder. The same principle is used: that of star-hopping from known stars to the new constellation. With the minor constellations, this process often reduces to just finding the gap between known major constellations. The table below lists the minor constellations together with suitable major constellations as starting points for finding them. A few were included for reasons of forming useful stepping-stones during the previous section, and they are listed again here.

The Minor Constellations for Southern Hemisphere Observers

Minor Constellation

Antlia Apus

Starting point

Centaurus, Puppis, Vela Triangulum Australe

'e

Aquarius Caelum Cancer Canis Minor Capricornus

Chamaeleon Circinus

Columba Corona Australis Corvus Crater Dorado Eridanus Fornax Horologium Hydra Hydrus Indus Lepus Libra

N

f 122. All

Cetus, Pisces Austrinus Canis Major, Carina Gemini, Leo Canis Major, Gemini Aquila, Pisces Austrinus, Sagittarius Carina, Crux Centaurus, Triangulum Australe Canis Major Sagittarius, Scorpius Centaurus Centaurus, Vela Carina Cetus, Orion Cetus Carina, Grus Centaurus, Leo Pavo Grus, Pavo, Sagittarius Canis Major, Orion Centaurus, Lupus, Scorpius


2.4 Equatorial Observers Latitudes 30 0 to -30 0

)

From the equator itself, all stars and constellations in the sky are visible at one time or another (see Chapter 4). The opposing polar regions will however become increasingly hidden for observers to the north or south of the equator. In practice, observers in the above range of latitudes will be able to use most of the information in sections 2.2 and 2.3 as well as that in this section.


The major constellations for equatorial observers are listed below. These are the ones that will pass overhead, or nearly so. Most of the other major constellations listed for northern and southern observers will however also be usable by observers in equatorial latitudes.

CaDiJMiDor Orion Taurus

Gemini Sagittarius

Leo Scorpius

There is no single best starter constellation for equatorial observers, because all constellations are below the horizon for some of the time (Chapter 4) . If visible, Ursa Major or Crux may be used (Sections 2.2.1 and 2.3.1). Otherwise the following are probably the best constellations to start with if observing before midnight, when they will be high in the sky during the indicated times of year:

Sta".,~,.,for ~""torUll Obmrm Time of (8)

rotOrioa

Finding your first constellation is probably more difficult for an equatorial observer than for northern or southern observers, because there is no single part of the sky guaranteed to contain the constellation being sought. The starter constellations listed above however will be found somewhere in a broad band stretching from east to west through the zenith, and if you are observing before midnight at the indicated times of year, they will be well above the horizon (see also Chapter 4). Help from someone who already knows the constellations may well be advantageous. The starter constellations can be found from the following images and diagrams:

7

Just as for northern and southern observers, once you can recognise one constellation, that can then be used to star hop to the next. The remaining major constellations for equatorial observers are to be found on the following figures, and routes to them are given in Sections 2.2.1 and 2.3.1:

Constellation Figure'

Andromeda 2.24, 2.30 BoOtes 2.13 Canis Minor 2.55, 2.69 Cetus 2.106,2.111 Gemini 2.69 Sagittarius 2.94 Taurus 2.69

• The figure numbers refer 10 the diagrams showing all the constellations contained in on image. The photographs showing appearances of that area of sky under various observing conditions, and slar.oopping routes will be found immediately prior 10 these figures. Additional figures containing ports of the constellations are listed in Section 1.10.



The minor constellations may be found once the major ones can be recognised, and these are listed in Sections 2.2.2 and 2.3.2.

3. 1 I ntrod uction

In Section 3.2, further details of the individual constellations and of the objects to be found within them are given. The information provided extends in many cases beyond what may be seen with the naked eye, to include details that will require the use of binoculars or a small telescope. This is so that those readers who have had their interest in astronomy pricked by learning the constellations can make further progress.

The figure numbers refer to the diagrams showing all the constellations contained in an image. Figures containing all or nearly all of the main stars of a constellation are underlined. In a few cases two images are required to encompass the whole constellation, and then those two images are bracketed and underlined. The photographs showing appearances of that area of sky under various observing conditions, and star-hopping routes, will be found immediately prior to the figures listed.

The meaning of or the legend associated with each constellation is briefly summarised. In many cases, though, it is not certain that the legend has given rise to the constellation, or there may be alternative explanations. The majority (48) of the constellations date back to ancient Greek or earlier times. The remainder were introduced as new star maps, and catalogues were produced in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Many of the later constellations are small and faint and of relatively little significance. They may also have, to present-day opinions, what seem to be rather strange names. Thus we would hardly be likely today to name a new constellation

for an air pump (Antlia) or a chemical furnace (Fornax). But we now have to live with those names.

The details given for the stars and other objects include their brightnesses (magnitudes), position (Right Ascension and Declination) and nature (such as type of variable star, globular cluster etc.). The meaning of these items is explained below. Some stars have individual names (see Section 1.7), and these are listed for each constellation. Some stars even have several names, or alternative spellings. Where one name is in much more common use than the others, it is underlined.

For nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, the Messier, Caldwell, NGC (New General Catalogue) and/or IC (Index Catalogue) numbers are given. Often these are used as the names of the objects. In all cases, knowing these identifiers will enable the objects to be found quickly in other sources, should further information be wanted.

3. 1. 1 Magnitudes

The brightness of stars is measured by astronomers in MAGNITUDES. This is a somewhat odd system. Firstly because it works the "wrong" way - the brighter the star, the smaller the value of its magnitude. Secondly it is a geometrical scale - that is, a difference of one magnitude corresponds to a constant multiple (unlike the normal arithmetical scales where a difference of one unit corresponds to a constant addition). Thus a star of magnitude 3 is about two and a half times brighter than one of magnitude 4, 6.3 (= 2.52) times brighter than one of magnitude 5, and 16 (= 2.53) times brighter than one of magnitude 6.

The magnitudes of many stars are listed in the discussions on each constellation in Section 3.2. To give an idea how the scale operates in practice, Orion provides a good guide (see also Figs 2.68 and 2.69):

Rigel (jJ Ori - bottom right-hand star) - about mapitudeO Betelgeuse (a Ori - top left-hand star) - about magnitude 1 Bellatrix (y Ori - top right-hand star) - about magnitude 1.S Mintaka (8 Ori - right-hand star of the belt) - about magnitude 2 M42 (central·star" of the sword) - about magnitude 4

The brightest stars have to be accommodated on the scale by going to negative magnitudes. Thus we have:

Sirius (a CMa) - about magnitude -l.S Canopus (a Car) - about magnitude -0.7

and

Rigil Kentaurua (a Cen) - about magnitude -0.3

The scale is set so that stars of magnitude 6 are just visible to a person with good eyesight on a clear moonless night from an excellent observing site. This corresponds roughly to the third versions of the photographs of each area of the sky shown in Chapter 2 (that is, to those captioned as "The stars visible from a brilliant site to an acute observer"). From an average site in developed countries, stars down to magnitude 4 or 5 should be visible (the second version of the photographs in Chapter 2); while from an urban site, often only stars of magnitude 1 or brighter will be seen (the first version of the photographs in Chapter 2). With a telescope from a reasonable site, fainter stars may be seen - down to magnitude 13 or 14 with an 8 inch (0.2 m) telescope, for example.

On the diagrams accompanying the photographs in Chapter 2, stars are shown in five magnitude ranges, by the sizes of the dots representing them. These ranges, in order of increasing dot size, are: magnitude 4.5 or fainter, magnitudes 4.5 to 3.5, magnitudes 3.5 to 2.5, magnitudes 2.5 to 1.5, and magnitude 1.5 or brighter.

In Section 3.2 the magnitudes of extended sources such as nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, are given. These are the integrated magnitudes - that is, the magnitude obtained


by adding up all the light coming from all parts of the object. However the reader should be wary of taking these as an accurate guide to the ability to see the object. Firstly, if two objects have the same magnitude, but one covers a larger area of the sky than the other, then the former will appear in the telescope to be dimmer than the latter. The largest dimensions of the objects are also listed in Section 3.2, to give some indication of this effect. Secondly, many of the objects are not uniform in brightness. It may therefore be quite easy to see the brighter central parts of a dim galaxy, in comparison with a fairly uniform planetary nebula of the same integrated magnitude. Thirdly, and especially for the gaseous nebulae, the values may not be all that accurate, since they are quite difficult to measure. However all the Messier and Caldwell objects should be visible in a 3 inch (75 mm) or larger telescope.

3. 1.2 Positions Star hopping (Section 1.4) means that once one constellation has been found, other constellations and the objects within them can be found without knowing their precise positions. This section can therefore safely be ignored unless you wish to use other star maps and catalogues, or have a telescope that uses position indicators (also called setting circles).

The positions of stars and other objects in the sky is given by a coordinate system that is similar to longitude and latitude on the Earth. The equivalent sky coordinates are called Right Ascension and Declination.

Declination (abbreviated as Dec, symbol 0) is the direct equivalent of latitude. It is the angle between the object and the celestial equator. (The celestial equator is just the projection of the Earth's equator out into space: it is the line that divides the sky into northern and southern hemispheres.) Declination is measured in degrees, and is positive in the northern hemisphere and negative in the southern hemisphere. An object that has the same declination as the observer's latitude will pass through the zenith for that observer.

Right Ascension (abbreviated as RA, symbol a) is the equivalent of longitude, but with a couple of minor complications. Longitude is measured from a fixed point on the Earth - the position of the transit telescope at the original Royal Greenwich Observatory in London. But since the Earth is rotating in space, a fixed point on the Earth cannot be used to measure the positions of objects in the sky. A fixed point in the sky is needed for this latter

The Individual Constellations

purpose. The point chosen is where the Sun in its annual path around the sky moves from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere (that is, where it crosses the celestial equator). That point is called the First Point of Aries, and it lies in the constellation of Pisces (see Fig. 2.30). Right ascension is measured eastward from t~e First Point of Aries. This is slightly different from longItude, which is measured to the east or to the west of the Greenwich meridian. The main complication, however, is that right ascension is measured in units of hours, minutes and seconds, not in degrees. One hour of right ascension is equal to 15°, one minute to 15' and one second to I". The reason for this is that the Earth rotates through 15° in one hour (or 15' in one minute, or IS" in one second): It seems a trifle peculiar to start with, but since all star maps, catalogues etc. use the system, you quickly become accustomed to it.

It probably also seems peculiar to most readers that the First Point of Aries should be found in Pisces. The reason for this anomaly is that the Earth's spin has a wobble to it, called precession. This causes the Earth's rotational axis slowly to change its position in space. One effect of this is that the celestial poles (North and South) move with respect to the stars. The presence of Polaris (a UMi) close to the North Pole is thus a matter of chance, and the pole will move far away from Polaris in the next few thousand years. The second effect is that the celestial equator also moves with respect to the stars, and the position at which the Sun crosses it drifts around the sky. The First Point of Aries is thus not truly a fixed point like the Greenwich meridian. When the first star catalogues were devised a century or two BC, the First Point of Aries was indeed the start of the constellation of Aries, but it has now moved over 30° to be in Pisces. The movements of the celestial equator and the First Point of Aries mean that stars' positions measured with respect to these quantities change with time. For visual work, that change can be ignored. However, if you use a telescope then you may need to take it into account. Star maps and catalogues always give the positions for a specific time, known as the epoch. These are commonly chosen at 25-year intervals, with the next one being the year 2000. The positions recorded here for objects in Section 3.2 are for that epoch, and will be usable until at least 2010 or 2015. The method for correction of the precessional changes is beyond the scope of this book, but may be found in sources listed in the Bibliography (Appendix 3).

• Strictly, because of the Earth's movement around its orbit, one complete rotation through 3600 takes 23 hours 56 minutes 6 seconds.

3. 1.3 Variable Stars

The majority of stars are constant in their brightnesses. Some stars however vary in brightness; these are called variable stars, and they are often of great interest. Where variable stars reach sixth magnitude or brighter, or are of particular significance, they are listed for each constellation in Section 3.2. There are many types of variable star, and only the main ones are mentioned below; further details may be found in sources listed in the Bibliography (Appendix 3).

Stars may vary in brightness because of some intrinsic change, or because of external factors. The latter are called extrinsic variables. They are mostly eclipsing binaries. These are pairs of stars in orbit around each other, like a planet around the Sun, and whose orbital plane lies close to the line of sight from Earth. Although there are two stars, they are too close together to be seen separately even in the largest telescopes. When the orbital motion of one star causes it to pass in front of the other as we see it from Earth, it obscures (eclipses) all or part of the more distant star, and causes the total observed brightness to decrease. The main types of eclipsing binary star are Algol type, f3 Lyrae type and W Ursae Majoris type, with the differences arising from the relative separations of the stars involved.

Intrinsic variables include:

1. Cepheids, which have regular variations by up to one or two magnitudes over periods ranging from a few days to some tens of days. The stars are expanding and contracting in size. The archetype is 5 Cep, and other related variables are the W Virginis stars and the RR Lyrae stars.

2. Long-period variables (Mira stars), which can change by many magnitudes, but on rather variable time scales of several years. The archetype is Mira (0 Ceti).

3. R CrB stars, which show sudden decreases in brightness at irregular intervals, possibly owing to the formation of carbon dust (soot) in their outer atmospheres.

4. T Tau stars, which are irregular variables that are thought to be very young stars. The Herbig Ae and Be stars are probably similar.

5. Novae and supernovae, which are stars that brighten rapidly and by many magnitudes. The changes result from explosions, which, in the case of supernovae, completely disrupt the star. With a few exceptions (recurrent novae), they are not predictable, and are usually found in the early stages of their eruptions by

8

enthusiastic amateur astronomers who spend many hours searching the sky for these stars (and comets).

3. 1.4 Star Clusters Star clusters are groups of stars held together by their own gravitational attraction. The number of stars involved can range from a few to millions. The two main types are open or galactic clusters and globular clusters. Open clusters, such as the Pleiades (M 45 - Fig. 2.69) generally have less than a thousand members and are within our own galaxy. They are groups of relatively young stars recently formed from interstellar gas clouds. In a few hundred million years, such clusters will be disrupted by tides and no longer be identifiable.

Globular clusters, such as w Cen (C 80 - Fig. 2.76) contain from tens of thousands to millions of stars. The stars are in a spherical (globular) distribution, and the clusters are in effect small satellite galaxies orbiting around our own Milky Way galaxy. Some at least of the globular clusters may have formed before the main galaxy, and they will remain as separate recognisable entities for many more thousands of millions of years.

Double stars and binary stars should also be mentioned here. Double stars are two stars seen to be close together in the sky, but in fact at very different distances from the Earth. Binary stars are two stars physically connected by gravity and in orbit around each other. Examples of double and binary stars are listed in Section 3.2 where these are detectable with the naked eye or through binoculars or small telescope.

3. 1.5 Gaseous Nebulae Gaseous nebulae are huge glowing clouds of gas in interstellar space. Although they look spectacular, especially on long-exposure images obtained using large telescopes, they are in fact of such low density that they would be counted as a vacuum here on Earth. They are generally associated with the beginnings and endings of stars' lives.

H II regions (pronounced aitch-two regions) are gas clouds such as the Orion nebula (M42). They can range up to hundreds oflight years in size and contain tens of thousands times the amount of material in the Sun. They are regions of current star formation, and they glow because of hot young stars embedded within them which heat the


gas to around 1O,OOO°C. At an earlier stage, before they are heated by the newly formed stars, they are cold (-200°C), and often contain large quantities of dust. They then form dark absorbing regions, which can sometimes be seen when silhouetted against a brighter background (for example, the Coalsack in Crux).

Planetary nebulae (such as M57, the Ring nebula in Lyra), despite their name, have nothing at all to do with planets, except that a few of them look a bit planet-like in small telescopes. They are actually shells of material flung off at speeds of a few tens of kilometres per second by stars at their centres. The central stars also heat the nebulae until they glow sufficiently brightly to be seen. They contain much less material than the H II regions -usually only a small fraction of a solar mass. The central stars are at the ends of their lives and in a few hundred thousand years will contract down to become white dwarfs. The nebulae will expand and disperse into the interstellar medium. This is the probable fate for our Sun in another five to six thousand million years.

Supernova remnants (SNRs - for example MI, the Crab Nebula) can have a superficial similarity to planetary nebulae in some cases, but more often look like roughly circular collections of wispy filaments. They also result from stars at the ends of their lives, but stars much more massive than those that produce planetary nebulae. Large stars undergo spectacular explosions called supernovae which completely destroy the star. Most of the star's material is flung out into space by the explosion and forms the SNR. The energies involved are enormous. The Crab nebulae was observed to originate in a supernova nearly a thousand years ago, and yet its outer regions are still seen to be expanding at 10,000 km S-l or more.

3. 1.6 Galaxies Galaxies are self-gravitating collections of stars, with the number of stars involved ranging from tens of millions to millions of millions. The solar system is towards the edge of a largish spiral galaxy which we see as the Milky Way (see Section 1.9). Most galaxies are too faint to be seen with the naked eye, though quite a number can be seen using binoculars or a small telescope. From their appearances on photographs, they are divided into Spiral, Elliptical and Irregular forms (S, E, and I in Section 3.2). Used visually however, small telescopes will usually only reveal the central brighter regions of the galaxies, whatever their nature, so that all the types in fact appear


rather similar to each other. Examples include: M31 (the Andromeda galaxy, a large spiral galaxy viewed nearly edge-on, and just visible to the unaided eye), M87 (a very large elliptical galaxy in Virgo) and M82 (an irregular galaxy in Ursa Major).

3.2 Constellations

Andromeda (And, Andromedae)

Meaning and origin: female name. From Greek mythology - Andromeda was the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus. She was rescued by Perseus after she had been chained to a rock to be eaten by Cetus (the latter is now usually interpreted as a whale, but a sea monster is more appropriate in this context). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.

Located on figures: 2.22, 2.24, 2.30, 2.37, 2.62, 2.111 Area: 720 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 55

Named stars Alpheratz or Sirrah - a And (co-equal brightest star with

f3 And - magnitude 2.06) Mirach - f3 And (co-equal brightest star with a And -

magnitude 2.06) Almach or Alamak - r And (blue and gold visual double

star, separation 10")

- -" -" - NIbuIae, ....... ,,;... and other obiecta of interest

~ NOM NGC Type "

- - 205· Galaxy(£) ,.......32 - 221· Galaxy(£) ,....,31 Andromeda 22A Galaxy ($I

Variable stars R And (long-period variable or Mira-type - period 1.1

years - magnitude range 5.9 to 14.9)

Antlia (Ant, Antliae) - originally Antlia Pneumatica

Meaning and origin: Pump or Air Pump. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.117, 2.122 Area: 240 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 9 Brightest star: a Ant, magnitude 4.25

Apus (Aps, Apodis)

Meaning and origin: Bee. Often alternatively interpreted as a Bird of Paradise. The confusion probably dates from Bode's Uranographia of 1801 wherein the constellation was named both as Apus (Bee) and as Avis Indica (Bird of the Indies). Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.82, 2.88 Area: 205 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 9 Brightest star: a Aps, magnitude 3.83

~ := Visual Size H m ~- n 00 40 A1.7 8.0 17 00 A3 40.9 8.2 8 00 A3 A 1.3 3.5 180

C~3. - 752 Galactic CIv ... 01 58 37.7 5.7 50 I "L.~ 891 ~(SJ 02 23 A2.A 10.0 14 I",. LA . ::~.: -

.... SnowbaII 7662 ~LNebuIa 23 26 42.6 9.2 2 I • COlllp." 1OM31.

ofi....., NGC Type RAaoo

H m 6101 Globular Cluster 16 26

Aquarius (Aqr, Aquarii) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Water Carrier. Possibly derives from Zeus pouring rain on to the Earth, or commemorates Ganymede, cup-bearer to the gods. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.30, 2.88, 2.94, 2.111 Area: 980 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 56

Named stars Sadalmelik _. a Aqr (magnitude 2.96) Sadalsuud - f3 Aqr (brightest star - magnitude 2.91) Sadachbia - y Aqr Skat - SAqr Albali - 8 Aqr Ancha - () Aqr

Double stars ? Aqr (visual binary, magnitudes 4.3 and 4.5, separation

2", period 850 years)

Aquila (Aql, Aquilae)

Meaning and origin: Eagle. From Greek mythology - Zeus changed into a black eagle in order to carry off Ganymede to become the cup-bearer to the gods. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.37, 2.43, 2.94 Area: 650 square degrees

Aquarius - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type


Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good conditions - 47

Named stars Altair - a Aql (brightest star - magnitude 0.77; a part of

the Summer Triangle) Alshain - f3 Aql Tarazed - y Aql

Variable stars 1/ Aql (Cepheid variable - period 7.2 days - magnitude

range 4.08 to 5.25)

Ara (Ara, Arae)

Meaning and origin: Altar. From Greek mythology - the altar used by the Olympian gods to swear allegiance to each other before their battle with the Titans. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.

Located on figures: 2.82 Area: 235 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 18 Brightest star: f3 Ara, magnitude 2.85

Aries (Ari, Arietis) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Ram. From Greek mythology -Phrixus and Helle flew off on a ram to escape their stepmother, Ino. Helle fell off and was drowned in the straits between Europe and Asia, giving her name to the Hellespont (now the Dardanelles). The ram bore Phrixus to safety, where with remarkable ingratitude he then sacrificed it. The ram's fleece was the golden fleece sought by Jason. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy'S

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag (')

Messier 72 6981 Globular Cluster 20 54 -12.5 9.4 6 Messier 73 6994 Open Cluster' 20 59 -12.6 8.9 3 Caldwell 55 Saturn 7009 Planetary Nebula 21 04 - 11.4 8.3 2 Messier 2 7089 Globular Cluster 21 34 -0.8 6.5 13 Coldwell 63 Helix 7293 Planetary Nebula 22 30 -20.8 7.4 13

• Only four stars involved.


Ara - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n

Caldwell 82 6193 Open Cluster 16 41 -48.8 5.2 15 6250 Open Cluster 16 58 -45.8 5.9 8 IC 4651 Open Cluster 17 25 -50.0 6.9 12

Caldwell 81 6352 Globular Cluster 17 26 -48 .4 8.2 7 Caldwell 86 6397 Globular Cluster 17 41 -53.7 5.7 26

Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that -possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 28

Named stars Hamal- a Ari (brightest star - magnitude 2.00) Sheratan - {3 Ari Mesartim - 'Y Ari (visual binary star, separation 8.2")

Double stars 'Y Ari (magnitudes 4.7 and 4.7, separation 8") e Ari (visual binary, magnitudes 5.2 and 5.5, separation

1.5")

Auriga (Aur, Aurigae)

Meaning and origin: Charioteer. From Greek mythologya son of Hephaestos (Vulcan) and a cripple from birth, Erichthonius (Auriga) was reputed to have been the inventor of the chariot. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably predates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 50

Auriga - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type

Named stars Capella - a Aur (brightest star - magnitude 0.08) Menkalinan - {3 Aur (variable - see below)

Variable stars {3 Aur (Algol type eclipsing binary star - period 4 days -

magnitude range 1.9 to 2.0) e Aur (eclipsing binary - period 27 years - magnitude

range 3.7 to 4.5) C Aur (eclipsing binary - period 2.7 years - magnitude

range 5.0 to 5.6) 1/11 Aur (irregular variable - magnitude range 4.5 to 5.6)

BoOtes (Boo, BoOtis)

Meaning and origin: Herdsman. Represented on some old star maps as holding the hunting dogs (Canes Venatici) in leash and driving the great bear (Ursa Major) around the sky. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 52

Named stars Arcturus - a Boo (The brightest star - magnitude 0.06.

The fourth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the northern hemisphere.)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n

Caldwell 31 Flaming Star IC405 Emission Nebula 05 16 34.3 .. 7 3 1893 Open Cluster 05 23 33.4 7.5 11

Messier 38 1912 Open Cluster 05 29 35.8 6.4 21 Messier 36 1960 Open Cluster 05 36 34.1 6.0 12 Messier 37 2099 Open Cluster 05 52 32.6 5.6 24

Nekkar - {3 Boo Seginus - y Boo Izar, Mizar or Pulcherrima - 8 Boo (visual binary star,

separation 2.9"; Mizar is also the name of C UMa) Muphrid - 1/ Boo Alkalurops - f.L Boo

Variable stars W Boo (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.5 to 5.5,

time scale a few months)

Double stars C Boo (visual binary, magnitudes 4.4 and 4.6, separation

I", period 120 years)

Ccelum (Cae, Cceli) - originally Ccela Sculptoris

Meaning and origin: Sculptor's chisel or engraving tool. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.


conditions - 4. This is the sparsest of the constellations Brightest star: a Cae, magnitude 4.45

Camelopardalis (Cam, Camelopardalis), also called Camelopardus

Meaning and origin: Giraffe. Introduced as a new constellation by Plancius on his star globe of 1613.

BoOtes - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 45 5248 Galaxy (S)

Camelopardalis - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 5 IC 342 Galaxy (5)



conditions - 43 Brightest star: {3 Cam, magnitude 4.08

Variable stars VZ Cam (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.5 to

5.3, time scale 20 days)

Cancer (Cnc, Cancri) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Crab. From Greek mythology - the crab that attacked Heracles (Hercules) and was killed during the latter's fight with the sea serpent (Hydra). The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures; 2.55, 2.69, 2.122 Area: 505 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 23 Brightest star: {3 Cnc, magnitude 3.52

Named stars Acubens - aCne Asellus Borealis - y Cne Asellus Australis - 8 Cnc Tegmeni - ~ Cnc (A multiple visual binary system. The

brightest component is of magnitude 5.6, and it has a magnitude 6.0 companion about 1" away from it in a 60-year long orbit. The third component is of magnitude 6.2 and is itself a binary with a separation of about

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n 13 38 8.9 10.2 7


03 47 68.1 9.1 18 1502 Open Cluster 04 08 62.3 5.7 8

Caldwell 7 2403 Galaxy (5) 07 37 65 .6 8.4 18


Cancer - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob jects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag (')

Messier 44 Praesepe 2632 Open Cluster 08 40 20.0 3.1 95 Messier 67 2682 Open Cluster 08 50 11.8 6.9 30 Caldwell 48 2775 Galoxy (S)

0.25". This latter system orbits the former at a distance of about 6" with a period in excess of 1000 years.}

Canes Venatici (CVn, Canum Venaticorum)

Meaning and origin: Hunting Dogs (named Chara and Asterion). Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.


conditions - 14

Named stars Cor Caroli - a CVn (The brightest star, magnitude 2.89.

This is the prototype of the a CV n -type of variable star whose variations arise from surface features combined with rotation. It is also a visual double star with a fifth magnitude companion about 20" away. The name means Charles' Heart, and probably recognises the foundation of the Royal Greenwich Observatory by Charles II, alternatively however it may have arisen from the beheading of Charles I.)

Chara - {3 CV n

Canes Venatici - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


4214 Galaxy (I) Caldwell 26 4244 Galaxy (5) Messier 106 4258 Galaxy (5) Caldwell 21 4449 Galaxy (I)

4490 Galaxy (5) Caldwell 32 4631 Galaxy (5) Messier 94 4736 Galaxy (5) Caldwell 29 5005 Galaxy (5) Messier 63 Sunflower 5055 Galaxy (5) Messier 51 Whirlpool 5194 Galaxy (5)

09 10 7.0 10.3 5

Canis Major (CMa, Canis Majoris)

Meaning and origin: Large Dog. One of Orion's two dogs (see also Ursa Minor). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145.


cbnditions - 54

Named stars Sirius - a CMa (The brightest star and the brightest star in

the night sky, magnitude -1.47. It is also a visual binary with an eighth-magnitude white dwarf as a companion. The separation ranges from 3" to 11", with an orbital period of 50 years.)

Mirzam - {3 CMa Wezen - BCMa Adhara - e CMa Furud - CCMa Aludra - 1/ CMa

Variable stars w CMa (emission line star, magnitude range 3.5 to 4.3) EW CMa (emission line star, magnitude range 4.4 to 4.8)


12 16 36.3 9.7 8 12 18 37.8 10.2 16 12 19 47.3 8.3 18 12 28 44.1 9 .4 5 12 31 41.6 9.8 6 12 42 32.5 9.3 15 12 51 41.1 8.2 11 13 11 37.1 9.8 5 13 16 42 .0 8.6 12 13 30 47.2 8.4 11

Messier 3 5272 Globular Cluster 13 42 28.4 6.4 16


Canis Maior - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m d~rees mag 11

Messier 41 2287 Open Cluster 06 47 -20.7 4.5 38 Caldwell 58 2360 Open Cluster 07 18 -15.6 7.2 13 Caldwell 64 2362 Open Cluster 07 19 -25.0 4.1 8

UW CMa (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 4.8 to 5.3, period 4.4 days)

Canis Minor (CMi, Canis Minoris)

Meaning and origin: Small Dog. One of Orion's two dogs (see also Ursa Major). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 13

Named stars Procyon - a CMi (The brightest star, magnitude 0.34. It is

also a visual binary with an eleventh-magnitude white dwarf as a companion. The separation ranges from 2" to 4", with an orbital period of about 41 years.)

Gomeisa - f3 CMi

Capricornus (Cap, Capricorni) - the most inconspicuous of the zodiacal constellations

Meaning and origin: Goat. Possibly representing Pan from Greek mythology. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably predates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 32

Capricomu. - Nebulae, alaxies and other objects of interest


Named stars Algedi or Giedi - a Cap (a naked-eye double star, separa

tion 6.2', magnitudes 3.56 and 4.24; both components are also visual doubles with faint companions visible through a telescope)

Dabih - f3 Cap Nashira - y Cap Deneb Algedi - 8 Cap (the brightest star, magnitude 2.83)

Carina (Car, Carinae)

Meaning and origin: Keel. Originally this constellation, along with Puppis (poop or stern) and Vela (sails), formed the constellation Argo (ship - also called Argo Navis and one of Ptolemy'S constellations). Argo, in Greek mythology, was Jason's ship as used by the argonauts during the hunt for the golden fleece. In Lacaille's star catalogue Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763, Argo was subdivided into the three smaller constellations for convenience.

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.100, 2.117 Area: 495 square degrees. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 75

Named stars Canopus - a Car (the brightest star and the second bright-

est star in the night sky, magnitude -0.73) Miaplacidus - f3 Car Avior - e Car Aspidiske - L Car

Variable stars 1] Car (irregular variable, magnitude range 5.8 to 8, but

reached magnitude -0.8 in 1843)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m d~rees mag 11

Messier 30 7099 Globular Cluster 21 40 -23.2 7.5 11


R Car (long-period variable, magnitude range 4 to 11, period about 10 months)

S Car (long period variable, magnitude range 4.4 to 10, period about 5 months)

I Car (Cepheid, magnitude range 3.2 to 4.2, period 36 days)

ZZ Car (Cepheid, magnitude range 3.3 to 4.3, period 36 days)

Cassiopeia (Cas, Cassiopeiae)

Meaning and origin: female name. From Greek mythology - Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian queen, wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda. As punishment for boasting of her own and of her daughter's beauty, a monster (Cetus) was sent to plague the country. To save themselves, Andromeda had to be sacrificed to the monster, however she was rescued by Perseus who turned the monster to stone by revealing the head of Medusa. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


Carina - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Numbers of stars visible to the naked eye under good conditions - 52

Named stars Schedar - a Cas (The brightest star - magnitude 2.24.

Variable - see below.) Caph - {3 Cas (magnitude 2.25) Cih - 'Y Cas (Magnitude 2.65. Variable - see below. The

brightest of the Be stars; hot stars with prominent emission lines in their spectra. A visual double star with an eleventh magnitude companion, separation 2.1".)

Ruchbah - 8 Cas

Variable stars a Cas (irregular variable, magnitude range 2.2 to 2.8) 'Y Cas (irregular variable, magnitude range 1.6 to 3.1) p Cas (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4 to 6) R Cas (long-period variable, magnitude range 4.5 to 13,

period 14 months) YZ Cas (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 5.6 to 6.1,

period 4.5 days) SU Cas (Cepheid, magnitude range 5.6 to 6.1, period 2

days)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I')

Caldwell 96 2516 Open Cluster 07 58 -60.9 3.8 30 2808 Globular Cluster 09 12 -64.9 6.3 14

Caldwell 90 2867 Planetary Nebula 09 21 -58.3 9.7 0.2 3114 Open Cluster 10 03 -60.1 4.2 35

Caldwell 102 Southern Pleiades IC 2602 Open Cluster 10 43 -64.4 1.9 50 Caldwell 92 Eta Carina 3372 Emission Nebula 10 44 -59.9 2.5 120 Coldwell 91 3532 Open Cluster 11 06 -58.7 3.0 55

Cassiopeia - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I')

Coldwell 17 147 Galaxy IE) 00 33 48.5 9.3 13 Coldwell 18 85 Galaxy IE) 00 39 48.3 9.2 12

225 Open Cluster 00 43 61.8 7.0 12 Coldwell 13 457 Open Cluster 01 19 58.3 6.4 13 Coldwell 8 559 Open Cluster 01 30 63.3 9.5 5 Messier 103 581 Open Cluster 01 33 60.7 7.4 6 Coldwell 10 663 Open Cluster 01 46 61.3 7.1 16 Caldwell 11 Bubble 7635 Emission Nebula 23 21 61.2 8.5 15 Messier 52 7654 Open Cluster 23 24 61.6 6.9 13

7789 Open Cluster 23 57 56.7 6.7 16

Centaurus (Cen, Centauri)

Meaning and origin: Centaur. From Greek mythology - a beast consisting of a human head and torso set upon a horse's body. Supposedly originally fathered by Centaurus (son of Ixion and Nephele) upon mares belonging to Magnes. In fact the beast is derived from the first encounters of the chariot-riding Greeks with horses being ridden by invaders from the north. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably predates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.82, 2.100, 2.117 Area: 1060 square degrees. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 101. This is the most populated of the constellations

Named stars Rigil Kentaurus - a Cen (The brightest star and the third

brightest star in the night sky, magnitude -0.27. A visual double with a separation ranging from 2" to 25" and an orbital period of 80 years. The components have magnitudes of 0.0 and 1.7. A tenth-magnitude third member of the system, located about 1.5° south of a Cen, is the closest star to the Earth after the Sun. This star is called Proxima Centauri, and its distance from us is 1.31 pc (4.26Iy).)

Agena - f3 Cen (visual double star, magnitudes 0.7 and 3.8, separation 1.5")

Menkent - 0 Cen

Variable stars jJ, Cen (emission line star, magnitude range 2.8 to 3.6) 0 1 Cen (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.7 to 5.5,

time scale 6 months)

Centaurus - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest



Double stars a Cen (see above) f3 Cen (see above) 'Y Cen (visual binary, magnitudes 3.0 and 3.0, separation


Cepheus (Cep, Cephei)

Meaning and origin: male name. From Greek mythology -an Ethiopian king, husband of Cassiopeia and father of Andromeda (see above). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 57

Named stars Alderamin - a Cep (the brightest star, magnitude 2041) Alfirk - f3 Cep (variable - see below) Alrai or Errai - 'Y Cep Garnet - jJ, Cep (see below) Kurhah - t Cep

Variable stars f3 Cep (Archetype of the f3 Cep-type variable stars. These

are also known as the f3 CMa variables. They have a small magnitude range and periods of a few hours.)

8 Cep (Archetype of the classical Cepheid variable stars. Magnitude range 3.6 to 4.3, period 504 days.)

jJ, Cep (Semi-regular variable star. Magnitude range 3.6 to 5.1 on a time scale of a year or so. The reddest naked eye star in the northern sky, and so also known as the Garnet Star.)

VV Cep (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 4.8 to 5.5, period 20 years)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I'l

Caldwell 97 3766 Open Cluster 11 36 -61 .6 5.3 12 Caldwell 100 IC 2944 Open Cluster 11 37 -63.0 4.5 15

Blue Planetary 3918 Planetary Nebula 11 50 -57.2 8.4 12 Caldwell 83 4945 Galaxy (S) 13 05 -49.5 8.6 20 Caldwell 77 Cen A 5128 Galaxy (S) 13 26 -43 .0 7 .0 18 Coldwell 80 w Centauri 5139 Globular Cluster 13 27 -47.5 3.7 36 Caldwell 84 5286 Globular Cluster 13 46 -51.4 7.6 9

5316 Open Cluster 13 54 -61.9 6.0 14 5460 Open Cluster 14 08 -48.3 5.6 25 5617 Open Cluster 14 30 -60.7 6.3 10 5662 Open Cluster 14 35 -56.6 5.5 12

The Individual Constellations 9

Cepheus - Nebulae. galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 2 40 Planetary Nebula 00 13 72.5 10.7 0.6 Caldwell 1 188 Open Cluster 00 44 85 .3 8.1 14 Caldwell 12 6946 Galaxy (51 20 35 60.2 8.9 11 Caldwell 4 7023 ReAection Nebula 21 02 68.2 7 .0 18

IC 1369 Open Cluster 21 39 57.5 3 .5 50 Caldwell 9 Cave Sh2·155 Emission Nebula 22 57 62 .6 <= 9 50

Cetus (Cet, Ceti) Chamaeleon (Cha, Chamaelontis)

Meaning and origin: Whale or Sea Monster. From Greek mythology - the monster sent in punishment for Cassiopeia's boasting, which was turned to stone by Perseus. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that -possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Meaning and origin: Chamaeleon. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


conditions - 55

Named stars Menkab or Menkar - a Cet Deneb Kaitos or Diphda - {3 Cet (the brightest star,

magnitude 2.04) Baten Kaitos - ? Cet Mira - 0 Cet (variable - see below)

Variable stars o Cet (The archetypal long-period variable star, which are

therefore also known as Mira variables. Magnitude range about 3.5 to 8.5 over a period of about one year.)

Cetus - Nebulae. galaxies and other objects of interest


Located on figures: 2.76, 2.88, 2.100 Area: l30 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 12 Brightest star - a Cha - magnitude 4.06

Circinus (Cir, Circini)

Meaning and origin: Geometer's compasses. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.


conditions - 9 Brightest star - a Cir - magnitude 3.17

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mog n

Caldwell 62 Caldwell 56 Caldwell 51 Messier 77

247 246 IC 1613 1068

Galaxy (51 Planetary Nebula Galaxy III Galaxy 151

00 47 00 47 01 05 02 43

-20.8 8.9 20 -11.9 8.0 4

2.1 9 .3 12 0.0 8 .8 7

Chama. 1eon - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Coldwell 109 3195 Planetary Nebula

RA2000 H m

10 10

Dec2000 degrees

- 80.9

Visual mag

11.6

Size ("

0.6


Circinu. - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n

Caldwell 88 5823 Open Cluster 15 06 -55.6 7.9 10

Columba (Col, Columbae) - originally Columba Noachii

Meaning and origin: Dove. The dove sent from Noah's Ark to find land. Introduced as a new constellation by Plancius in 1592.


conditions - 22

Named stars Ph act - a Col (the brightest star, magnitude 2.63) Wazn - {3 Col

Coma Berenices (Com, Comae Berenices)

Meaning and origin: Berenice's Hair. Queen Berenice of Egypt pledged her long and beautiful hair for the safe return of her husband from a war with the Assyrians. The

Columba - Nebulae, galaxies and ather ob'ects of interest


constellation probably dates back to 200 BC, but was only formally defined by Mercator in 155l.


conditions - 23 Brightest star - {3 Com - magnitude 4.26

Corona Australis (Cr A, Coronae Australis)

Meaning and origin: Southern Crown. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 20 Brightest stars - a CrA and f3 CrA - both of magnitude

4.10

RA2000 H m

===

Dec2000 d~rees

Visual mag

Size

(1 Caldwell 73 1851 Globular Cluster 05 14 -40.1 7.3 11

Como Berenice. - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 98 4192 Galaxy (5) 12 14 14.9 10.1 10 Messier 99 4254 Galaxy (5) 12 19 14.4 9.8 5 Messier 100 4321 Galaxy (5) 12 23 15.8 9.4 7 Messier 85 4382 Galaxy (5) 12 25 18.2 9.2 7 Messier 88 4501 Galaxy (5) 12 32 14.4 9.5 7 Messier 91 4548 Galaxy (5) 12 35 14.5 10.2 5 Caldwell 38 4565 Galaxy (5) 12 36 26.0 9.6 16 Coldwell 36 4559 Galaxy (5) 12 36 28.0 9.9 11

4725 Galaxy (5) 12 50 25 .5 9.2 11 Messier 64 Black-eye 4826 Galaxy (5) 12 57 21.7 8.5 9 Coldwell 35 4889 Galaxy (E) 13 00 28.0 11.4 3 Messier 53 5024 Globular Cluster 13 13 18.2 7.7 13


Corona Australis - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000

H m Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag (')

Caldwell 78 Caldwell 68 R CrA

6541 6729

Globular Cluster ReAection Nebula

18 08 19 02

-43.7 6.6 13 -37.0 = 11 1

Double stars y CrA (visual binary, magnitudes 4.7 and 5.0, separation

1.3", period 125 years)

Corona Borealis (CrB, Coronae Borealis)

Meaning and origin: Northern Crown. From Greek mythology - this is the crown given to Ariadne by Dionysus (Bacchus) upon their marriage. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.

Located on figures: 2.l3, 2.43, 2.48 Area: 180 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 20

Named stars Alphecca - a CrB (brightest star, magnitude 2.23) Nusakan - f3 CrB

Variable stars R CrB (Archetype of the R CrB variables. Magnitude range

6 to 14 on time scales of a few months.) T CrB (Recurrent nova. Magnitude range 2 to 10, interval

between outbursts 80 years).

Corvus (Crv, Corvi)

Meaning and origin: Crow. From Greek mythology - one version has it that Apollo left a crow (then a white bird) to guard Coronis while he was in Delphi. Coronis' infidelity was not prevented by the crow, who was turned black along with all his descendants as a punishment for the failure. Another suggestion is that it is the crow sent by Apollo to fetch water for a sacrifice. The crow delayed to eat figs, and was condemned to everlasting thirst by

Corvus - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 60 Antennae 4038 Galaxy (5) Caldwell 61 Antennae 4039 Galaxy (5)

Apollo - hence the rasping call of the bird. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 10

Named stars Alchiba - a Crv Gienah or Minkar - y Crv (the brightest star, magnitude

2.6; also the name of e Cyg) Algorab - (j Crv

Crater (Crt, Crateris)

Meaning and origin: Cup. From Greek mythology - possibly the cup of Apollo, or the wine goblet of Dionysus (Bacchus). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 9 Brightest star - 8 Crt - magnitude 3.56

Named stars Alkes - a Crt

Crux (Cru, Crucis) - also known as Crux Australis

Meaning and origin: a cross. Recognised from early times, but regarded as a part of Centaurus until 1598 when it was


12 02 -18.9 10.7 3 12 02 -18.9 10.7 3

9

shown as a separate constellation by Plancius on his star globe.

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.117 Area: 70 square degrees - the smallest of the constellations. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 20

Named stars Acrux - a Cru (the brightest star, magnitude 0.87; visual

binary, magnitudes 1.3 and 1.7, separation 4.5") Gacrux - y Cru

Cygnus (Cyg, Cygni) - also known as the Northern Cross

Meaning and origin: Swan. From Greek mythology -either the swan into which Zeus (Jupiter) metamorphosed himself in order to ravish Leda, or the boy Cygnus who was metamorphosed into a swan to search for the body of his friend Phaethon. Phaethon had been drowned in the river Eridanus by Zeus (Jupiter) after losing control of the chariot of the Sun. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 80

Crux - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob· of interest



Named stars Deneb - a Cyg (the brightest star, magnitude 1.26; a part

of the Summer Triangle) Albireo - f3 Cyg (blue and gold double star, separation

35", magnitudes 3.2 and 5.4) Sadr - yCyg Gienah - e Cyg (also the name of y Crv)

Variable stars X Cyg (long-period variable, magnitude range 3.3 to 14.2,

period 1.1 years) P Cyg (YJ Car-type variable, magnitude 4.88, time scale for

changes is tens of years)

Delphinus (Del, Delphini)

Meaning and origin: Dolphin. The dolphin that reputedly saved the life of the musician Arion when he jumped off a ship to escape sailors plotting to kill him and steal prizes won in a competition. Alternatively the messenger of Poseidon (Neptune). The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 10

~ Dec:2000 Visual H m rees ~

Caldwell 98 4609 Open Cluster 12 42 -63.0 6.9 5 Caldwell 99 Coalsock Absorption Nebula 12 53 -63.0 350 Caldwell 94 Jewel Box 4755 Open Cluster 12 S4 -60.3 4.2 10

CYI!!!!! - Nebulae aloxies and other ob· of interest

Object Name NGC Type ~ ~ VISUal Size H m

Caldwell 15 Blinking 6826 Planetary Nebula 19 4S 50.5 9.8 2 Caldwell 27 Crescent 6888 Emission Nebula 20 12 38.4 .11 20 Messier 29 6913 Open Cluster 20 24 38.5 6.6 7 Caldwell 34 Veil (WI 6960 Supernova Remnant 20 46 30.7 8.0 70 Caldwell 33 Veil (E) 6992/ S Supernova Remnant 20 57 31.5 8.0 60 Caldwell 20 North America 7000 Emission Nebula 20 59 44.3 5.0 120 Messler 39 7092 OpenClu ..... 21 32 48.4 4.6 32 Caldwell 19 Cocoon IC 5146 Emission Nebula 21 S4 47.3 7.2 12


Named stars Sualocin - a Del (the brightest star, magnitude 3.77) Rotanev - f3 Del (magnitude 3.78)

Double stars y Del (magnitudes 4.5 and 5.4, separation 10")

Dorado (Dor, Doradus)

Meaning and origin: literally Golden-coloured fish - from the colour taken on by dying coryphenes (dolphins). Nowadays it is usually taken to be a Swordfish. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Located on figures: 2.88, 2.100 Area: 180 square degrees N umber of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 15 Brightest star - a Dor - magnitude 3.26

Variable stars f3 Dor (Cepheid, magnitude range 3.8 to 4.6, period 10

days) R Dor (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.5 to 6.5,

time scale 1 year)

Del~inul - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Draco (Dra, Draconis)

Meaning and origin: Dragon. Many possible legends exist to explain this constellation. One is the Babylonian story of Bel and the Dragon, another the dragon Ladon which guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides and which was killed by Heracles (Hercules) . The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: (2.13 & 2.37), 2.22, 2.62 Area: 1085 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 75

Named stars Thuban - a Dra Alwaid or Rastaban - f3 Dra Eltamin or Etamin - yDra (the brightest star, magnitude

2.22) Altais - {) Dra Aldhibain - 'T] Dra Edasich - L Dra Giausar - A Dra Alrakis - JL Dra Grumium - ~ Dra

RA2000 H m

Dec2000 degrees

Visual Size mag 1'1

Coldwell 47 Coldwell 42

6934 7006

Globular Cluster Globular Cluster

20 34 21 02

7.4 8.9 6 16.2 10.6 3

Dorado - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag (')

Lorge Magellanic Cloud Galaxy (S?) 05 20 -68.0 0.1 600 Coldwell 103 Tarantula 2070 Emission Nebula 05 39 -69.1 8.2 40

Draco - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n

Coldwell 3 4236 Galaxy (S) 12 17 69.5 9.7 19 Messier 102 5866 Galaxy (S) 15 07 55.8 10.0 5 Coldwell 6 Cot's Eye 6543 Planetary Nebula 17 59 66.6 8.8 6

Double stars v Dra (magnitudes 4.9 and 4.9, separation 62") 40/41 Dra (magnitudes 5.6 and 6.0, separation 19")

Equuleus (Equ, Equulei)

Meaning and origin: Little Horse. From Greek mythology - either it represents Thea who was turned into a mare while pregnant to avoid the wrath of her father, or the horse given to Castor by Hermes (Mercury). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 5

Named stars Kitalpha - a Equ (the brightest star, magnitude 3.92)

Eridanus (Eri, Eridani)

Meaning and origin: River. From Greek mythology - the river in which Phaethon drowned after losing control of the chariot of the Sun (see also Cygnus). The river is sometimes identified with the river Po in Italy or with the Nile. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that -possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: (2.88 & 2.106),2.69,2.100 Area: 1140 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 74

Named stars Achernar - a Eri (the brightest star, magnitude 0.47) Cursa or Kursa - f3 Eri Zaurak - 'Y Eri Azha - 'Yl Eri Acamar - () Eri (visual double star; separation 8.5",

magnitudes 3.4 and 4.4)

Fornax - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest



Beid - 0 1 Eri Keid - cl Eri

Double stars () Eri (magnitudes 3.5 and 4.5, separation 8") pEri (visual binary, magnitudes 5.7 and 5.7, separation


Fornax (For, Fornacis) - originally Fornax Chemica

Meaning and origin: Furnace. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.


conditions - 11 Brightest star - a For - magnitude 3.86

Gemini (Gem, Geminorum) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Twins. From Greek mythology - the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leda named Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux). When the mortal Castor was killed, the immortal Polydeuces shared his immortality, and the two are commemorated individually by the two brightest stars in the constellation (see below). The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 45

Named stars Castor - a Gem (visual binary, separation 4", magnitudes

l.9 and 2.8, period 500 years)


Caldwell 67 1097 Galaxy (51 02 46 -30.3 9.3 9 1316 Galaxy (51 03 23 -37.2 8.9 7


Pollux - f3 Gem (the brightest star, magnitude 1.15) Alhena or Almeisam - 'Y Gem Wasat - 8Gem Mebsuta - 8 Gem Mekbuda - ~ Gem (variable - see below) Prop us - 1/ Gem (variable - see below)

Variable stars ~ Gem (Cepheid; magnitude range 4.4 to 5.2, period 10

days) 1/ Gem (semi-regular variable; magnitude range 3.0 to 3.9,

time scale 7.5 months)

Grus (Gru, Gruis)

Meaning and origin: Crane (the bird, not the lifting device). Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


conditions - 22

Named stars Al Na'ir - a Gru (the brightest star, magnitude 1.73)

Variable stars 7T1 Gru (semi-regular variable, magnitude 5.5 to 6.7, time

scale 6 months)

Hercules (Her, Herculis)

Meaning and origin: male name. From Greek mythology -Heracles (Hercules) the fabled strong man who was set

Gemini - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


twelve labours as a penance for killing Megara, the wife of Eurystheus, during a fit of madness. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 80 Brightest star - ~ Her - magnitude 2.82 (visual binary,

maximum separation 1.6", period 34 years)

Named stars Rasalgethi - a Her (variable - see below; visual double

star, companion of magnitude 5.4, separation 4.6") Kornephoros - f3 Her (magnitude 2.83)

Variable stars a Her (irregular variable, magnitude range 3.0 to 4.0, time

scale a few months) 68 Her (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 4.7 to 5.4,

period 2 days)

Double stars ~ Her (visual binary; magnitudes 2.9 and 5.2, separation

1.5", period 34 years)

Horologium (Hor, Horologii)

Meaning and origin: Clock. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: (2.88 & 2.100) Area: 250 square degrees

RA2000 H m

Dec2000 degrees

Visual mag

Size

Messier 35 Caldwell 39 Eskimo

2168 2392

Open Cluster Planetary Nebula

06 09 07 29

24.3 20.9

5.1 9.9

11 28 0.7

Hercules - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 13

Messier 92

6205 6210 6341

Globular Cluster Planetary Nebula Globular Cluster

RA2000 H m

16 42 16 45 17 17

Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag n

36.5 5.9 17 23.8 9.0 14 43.1 6.5 11


Brightest star - a Hor - magnitude 3.85

Variable stars R Hor (long-period variable, magnitude range 4.7 to 14,

period 400 days)

Hydra (Hya, Hydra e)

Meaning and origin: Sea Serpent or Water Snake. From Greek mythology - this monster haunted the source of the river Amymone in the Lernaean swamps, terrorising the local area. It had according to various accounts 8, 9, 50, 100 or even 10,000 heads, and its breath was fatal. It was slain by Heracles (Hercules) as the second of his twelve labours. A crab (Cancer - see above) attacked Heracles during the fight with the Hydra and was also killed. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.55, 2.69, 2.76, 2.117, 2.122 Area: 1305 square degrees (the largest of the constellations) Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 68

Named stars Alphard or Cor Hydrae - a Hya (the brightest star,

magnitude 2.0)

Variable stars R Hya (long-period variable, magnitude range 3.5 to 11,

period 1.1 years)

Horo!!»gium - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest



U Hya (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.2 to 6.0, time scale 1.5 years)

Hydrus (Hyi, Hydri)

Meaning and origin: Little Snake. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


conditions - 12 Brightest star - {3 Hyi - magnitude 2.79

Indus (Ind, Indi)

Meaning and origin: Indian (that is, a native American) . Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Located on figures: 2.82, 2.88, Area: 295 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 10 Brightest star - a Ind - magnitude 3.10

Lacerta (Lac, Lacertae)

Meaning and origin: Lizard. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.

RAzooo H m

Caldwell 87 1261 Globular Cluster 03 12

Hydra - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag 11

Messier 48 2548 Open Cluster 08 14 -5.8 5 .8 54 Caldwell 59 Ghost of Jupiter 3242 Planetary Nebula 10 25 -18.6 8.6 21 Messier 68 4590 Globular Cluster 12 40 -26.8 8.2 12 Messier 83 5236 Galaxy (S) 13 37 -29.9 8.2 11 Caldwell 66 5694 Globular Cluster 14 40 -26.5 10.2 4



conditions - 21 Brightest star - a Lac - magnitude 3.85

Leo (Leo, Leonis) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Lion. From Greek mythology - the N emean or Cleonaean lion, which was invulnerable to weapons made of iron, bronze or stone. It was slain by Heracles (Hercules) as the first of his twelve labours. Heracles choked the lion to death but lost a finger during the fight. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that -possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 48

Named stars Cor Leonis or Regulus - a Leo (brightest star, magnitude

1.36) Denebola - {3 Leo Algeiba or Algieba - 'Y Leo (visual double star, separation

4", magnitudes 2.2 and 3.5, period 600 years) Zosma- 8Leo Asad Australis or Ras Elased - e Leo

Lacerta - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Adhafera or Aldhafera - ,Leo Chertan, Chort or Coxa - () Leo Alterf - A Leo Rasalas - J.L Leo

Variable stars R Leo (long-period variable, magnitude range 4.3 to 11 ,

period 10 months)

Leo Minor (LMi, Leonis Minoris)

Meaning and origin: Little Lion. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.


conditions - 12 Brightest star - 46 LMi - magnitude 3.81

Lepus (Lep, Leporis)

Meaning and origin: Hare. From Greek mythology - the hare being hunted by Orion with his two dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor (see above). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 25

RA2000

H m Dec2000 degrees

Visual mag

Size (')

Caldwell 16 7243 Open Cluster 22 15 49.9 6.4 21

Leo - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 95 Messier 96 Messier 105

Messier 65 Messier 66 Caldwell 40

3351 3368 3379 3521 3623 3627 3626

Galaxy (S) Galaxy (5) Galaxy (E) Galaxy (S) Galaxy (5) Galaxy (5) Galaxy (S)

RA2000 H m

10 44 10 47 10 48 11 06 11 19 11 20 11 20

Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag n

11.7 9.7 7 11.8 9.2 7 12.6 9.3 5 0.0 8.9 10

13.1 9.3 10 13.0 9.0 9 18.4 10.9 3


Lepus - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob·ects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag 11

Messier 79 1904 Globular Cluster 05 25 -24.0 8.0 9

Named stars Arneb or Arsh - a Lep (brightest star, magnitude 2.59) Nihal- f3 Lep

Variable stars J.L Lep (magnetic star. magnitude range 3.0 to 3.5, time

scale 2 days)

Libra (Lib, Librae) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Balance or Scales. Its name may derive from the balancing (equality) of day and night, since the Sun would have been at the autumnal equinox when in this constellation as seen in ancient Mesopotamia. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 Be).


conditions - 32

Named stars Zuben el genubi - a Lib Zuben eschamali - f3 Lib (brightest star, magnitude 2.61)

Variable stars 8 Lib (Algol-type eclipsing binary star, magnitude range

4.8 to 6.1, period 2.3 days)

Lu s - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Lupus (Lup, Lupi)

Meaning and origin: Wolf. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 48 Brightest star - a Lup - magnitude 2.30

Double stars y Lup (visual binary magnitudes 3.5 and 3.6, separation

0.8", period 150 years) K Lup (magnitudes 3.9 and 5.7, separation 27") 1T Lup (magnitudes 4.5 and 4.6, separation IS')

Lynx (Lyn, Lyncis)

Meaning and origin: Lynx. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.


conditions - 27 Brightest star - a Lyn - magnitude 3.14

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I')

5822 Open Cluster 15 05 -54.4 6.5 40 5986 Globular Cluster 15 46 -37.8 7.1 10

L x -Nebulae galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I

Caldwe" 25 2419 Globular Cluster 07 38 38.9 10.4


Lyra (Lyr, Lyrae)

Meaning and origin: Lyre. From Greek mythology - the Lyre of Orpheus. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably predates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.37, 2.43 Area: 2S5 square degrees N umber of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 26

Named stars Vega - a Lyr (the brightest star and the fifth brightest star

in the night sky, magnitude 0.04; a part of the Summer Triangle)

Sheliak - f3 Lyr (variable - see below) Sulafat - y Lyr Double-double - B Lyr (A quadruple system. Two close

visual binaries: e1 Lyr (separation 2.6", period 1200 years), t? Lyr (separation 2.3", period 600 years) are in turn separated by 20S".)

Variable stars f3 Lyr (archetype of the f3 Lyra-type eclipsing binary stars;

magnitude range 3.4 to 4.1, period 12.9 days) R Lyr (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 3.6 to 4.9,

time scale SO days)

Double stars B Lyr (see above) t Lyr (magnitudes 4.2 and 5.9, separation 44")

Mensa (Men, Mensae) - originally Mons Mensae (Table Mountain)

Meaning and origin: Table. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763. Originally named for the Table Mountain in South Africa, beneath which Lacaille made his observations.

Located on figures: 2.SS, 2.100 Area: ISS square degrees

Lyra - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest Object Name NGC Type


Brightest star - a Men - magnitude 5.0S. The most inconspicuous of the constellations, and the only one not to include a single fourth-magnitude or brighter star, though it does share the Large Magellanic Cloud with Dorado.

Microscopium (Mic, Microscopii)

Meaning and origin: Microscope. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.S2, 2.SS, 2.94 Area: 210 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 10 Brightest star - y Mic - magnitude 4.66

Monoceros (Mon, Monocerotis)

Meaning and origin: Unicorn. Introduced as a new constellation by Plancius on his star globe of 1613.

Located on figures: 2.55, 2.69, 2.100, 2.117 Area: 4S0 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 32 Brightest star - f3 Mon - magnitude 3.S (a visual triple star,

magnitudes 4.6, 5.2 and 5.6, separations 7.4" and 2.S")

Double stars f3 Mon (magnitudes 4.7 and 5.2, separation 7") B Mon (magnitudes 4.5 and 6.5, separation 14")

Musca (Mus, Muscae) - originally Musca Australis (Southern Fly)

Meaning and origin: Fly. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.100 Area: 140 square degrees

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag I'

Messier 57 Ring 6720 Planetary Nebula 18 54 33.0 9.7 3 Messier 56 6779 Globular Cluster 19 17 30.2 8.3 7


Monoceros - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees (')

Caldwell 50' 2244 Open Cluster 06 32 4.9 24 Caldwell 49 Rosette 2237-9 Emission Nebula 06 32 5.1 ", 4 80 Caldwell 46 Hubble's variable 2261 Emission Nebula 06 39 8.7 10.0 2

2286 Open Cluster 06 48 -3 .2 7.5 15 2301 Open Cluster 06 52 0.5 6.0 12

Messier 50 2323 Open Cluster 07 03 -8.3 5.9 16 Caldwell 54 2506 ORen Cluster 08 00 -10.8 7.6 7 • Inside Caldwell 49.

Musca - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 108 4372 Globular Cluster 12 26 -72.7 7.8 19 Caldwell 105 4833 Globular Cluster 13 00 -70.9 7.4 14

Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good Octans (Oct, Octantis) - originally Octans Hadleianus (Hadley's Octant) conditions - 14

Brightest star - a Mus - magnitude 2.71

Double stars f3 Mus (visual binary, magnitudes 3.7 and 4.1, separated

by 1.5", period 400 years)

Norma (Nor, Normae)

Meaning and origin: Rule (that is, a straight-edge, not a regulation). Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.


conditions - 10 Brightest star - y Nor - magnitude 4.01

Norma - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Meaning and origin: Octant. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.76, 2.82, 2.88 Area: 290 square degrees The celestial South Pole is contained within this constella

tion, and the star u Oct (magnitude 5.46) is the nearest naked-eye star to the pole, though it is far too faint to be classed as a useful pole star.


Brightest star - v Oct - magnitude 3.75

Variable stars 8 Oct (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 4.5 to 5.5,



Caldwell 89 S Norma 6087 Open Cluster 16 19 -57.9 5.4 12


Ophiuchus (Oph, Ophiuchi) - an "unofficial" zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Serpent Carrier. From Greek mythology - also known as Asclepius (Aesculapius), Ophiuchus was a highly skilled physician able to restore life to the dead. Hades (Pluto), lord of the underworld, complained to Zeus (Jupiter) at the diminution in the numbers of his subjects occurring through Ophiuchus' healing powers, and so Ophiuchus was killed by a thunderbolt. Zeus later restored Ophiuchus to life, and after his second demise, his image, bearing a curative serpent, was set among the stars by Zeus. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.

Located on figures: 2.43, 2.48, 2.82, 2.94 Area: 950 square degrees Ophiuchus, the serpent carrier, separates the two halves of

Serpens (Serpens Caput - the head of the serpent, and Serpens Cauda, the body of the serpent).


Named stars Ras alague or Ras alhague - a Oph (the brightest star,

magnitude 2.08) Cebalrai or Cheleb - {30ph Yed Prior - 80ph Yed Posterior - e Oph Sabik - YJ Oph Marfik - A Oph (visual binary; magnitudes 4.2 and 5.2,

separation 1.5", period 130 years)

Variable stars K Oph (irregular variable, magnitude range 2.8 to 3.6) X Oph (emission line star, magnitude range 4.2 to 5.1)

Ophiuchus - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


RS Oph (recurrent nova, magnitude range 4 to 12, interval between outbursts 10 to 30 years)

Double stars 70 Oph (visual binary; magnitudes 4.2 and 6.0, separation

1.5" to 7", period 88 years)

Orion (Ori, Orionis)

Meaning and origin: male name. From Greek mythology -a hunter in Boeotia, and the handsomest man of his time, Orion sought to marry Merope. He rapidly succeeded in the nuptial task of ridding the island of Chios, which was given to him by Merope's father, Oenopion, of wild beasts in order to be worthy of her hand in marriage. Oenopion, however, then refused to honour the bargain, and a drunken Orion ravished Merope. Oenopion plied Orion with further wine until he was comatose, and then blinded him. Orion's sight was restored by Helius, and he sought revenge upon Oenopion. Apollo, however, had been angered by boasts made by Orion of his prowess as a hunter and arranged for him to be attacked by an invulnerable scorpion. Orion fled the scorpion by swimming out to sea, where he was shot and killed in error by an arrow from Artemis (Diana). In atonement, Artemis set Orion's image amongt the stars, opposite to the scorpion (Scorpio) in the sky. (Some versions of the legend have Orion being killed by the scorpion.) The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 70

Named stars Betelgeuse - a Ori (variable star - see below)


Messier 107 6171 Globular Cluster 16 33 -13.1 8.1 10 Messier 12 6218 Globular Cluster 16 47 -2.0 6.6 15 Messier 10 6254 Globular Cluster 16 57 -4.1 6.6 15 Messier 62 6266 Globular Cluster 17 01 -30.1 6.6 14 Messier 19 6273 Globular Cluster 17 03 -26.3 7.2 14 Messier 9 6333 Globular Cluster 17 19 -18.5 7.9 9 Messier 14 6402 Globular Cluster 17 38 -3.3 7.6 12

IC 4665 Open Cluster 17 46 5.7 4.2 40 6633 Open Cluster 18 28 6.6 4.6 27

Rigel- {3 Ori (the brightest star, magnitude 0.08; a visual double with a sixth-magnitude companion 9" away)

Bellatrix - 'Y Ori

Alnilam - e Ori Orion's belt Mintaka - 80ri }

Alnitak - ~ Ori (double star, magnitudes 1.9 and 4.1, separation 2.5")

Trapezium - () Ori (A multiple star system at the heart of the Orion nebula (M42 - see below). It contains four or more stars with separations ranging from 9" to 19", and magnitudes ranging from 5.4 to 7 (variable). The stars form the corners of a distorted rectangle, from which shape arises the name.)

Saiph - K Ori Meissa - A Ori

Variable stars Betelgeuse (0' Ori - semi-regular variable, magnitude

range 0.1 to 1.3, period 6 years) U Ori (long··period variable, magnitude range 4.5 to l3,

period 1 year)

Double stars ~ Ori (visual binary, magnitudes 1.9 and 4.2, separation

2.5", period 1500 years) YJ Ori (magnitudes 3.9 and 4.7, separation l.5") A Ori (magnitudes 3.4 and 5.5, separation 4.5")

Pavo (Pav, Pavonis)

Meaning and origin: Peacock. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Orion - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest




conditions - 25

Named stars Peacock - 0' Pav (the brightest star, magnitude, l.93)

Variable stars K Pav (Cepheid variable, magnitude range 3.9 to 4.8,

period 9 days) A Pav (Shell star, magnitude range 3.4 to 4.3)

Pegasus (Peg, Pegasi)

Meaning and origin: Flying Horse. From Greek mythology - conceived of Poseidon and Medusa, Pegasus was released from the Gorgon's dead body after she had been decapitated by Perseus. Later Bellerophon rode Pegasus to attack and kill the Chimaera, a fire-breathing monster with the tail of a snake, the body of a goat, and the head of a lion. Bellerophon then attempted to fly Pegasus to Olympus, but Zeus (Jupiter) caused a horse fly to bite Pegasus so that the horse bucked and flung Bellerophon off to fall back to Earth. Pegasus however continued the journey to Olympus, and duly took his place in the sky. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.24, 2.30, 2.37, 2.94, 2.111 Area: 1120 square degrees.

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual

H m degrees mag

Size

(')

1981 Open Cluster 05 35 -4.4 4 .6 25 Messier 42 Orion 1976 Messier 43 Orion 1982 Messier 78 2068

2175

Pavo - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest

Object Name NGC

Caldwell 101 Caldwell 93

6744 6752

Emission Nebula Emission Nebula

Reflection Nebula Open Cluster

Type

Galaxy (5) Globular Cluster

05 35 -5 .5 4.0 05 36 -5.3 9.0 05 47 0.1 8.0 06 10 20.3 6.8

RA2000 Visual

H m~==~~====~~ 19 10 19 11

--63 .9 --60.0

66 20 8

18

Size



Named stars Marchab or Markab - a Peg (magnitude 2.56; same name

as KVel) Scheat - f3 Peg (variable - see below) Algenib - 'Y Peg (also the name of a Per) Enif - 8 Peg (the brightest star; irregular variable, magni-

tude normally about 2.4) Homam- ~Peg Matar - TJ Peg Biham - () Peg Sadalbari - fL Peg

Variable stars f3 Peg (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 2.4 to 2.8,

time scale 1 month)

Perseus (Per, Persei)

Meaning and origin; male name. From Greek mythology -Perseus undertook to slay Medusa in order to prevent an unwanted marriage being forced upon his mother Danae. He obtained winged sandals, a magic bag to contain Medusa's head and a helmet of invisibility from the Stygian Nymphs, a brightly polished shield from Athene

Pegasus - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 43 7814 Galaxy (5)

(Minerva), and a diamond sickle from Hermes (Mercury). He avoided the petrifying look from Medusa, by watching only her reflection in the shield, and cut off her head with the sickle. Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor sprang from the dead body fully grown. The invisibility helmet enabled Perseus to escape Medusa's sisters, Stheno and Euryale. On his return journey, Perseus rescued Andromeda from the Hydra by decapitating the latter with the sickle. Perseus was promised Andromeda as his wife by her parents Cepheus and Cassiopeia as a reward for the rescue. When they tried to back down from the arrangement afterwards, Perseus used Medusa's head to turn his opponents to stone. In the same fashion he rescued his mother from her unwanted suitor Polydectes. Later Perseus was to kill his own grandfather with a discus while competing in funeral games. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that -possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 60

Named stars Algenib, Marfak or Mirfak - a Per (the brightest star,

magnitude 1.79; the first name is shared with 'Y Peg) Algol- f3 Per (variable - see below)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag n 00 03 16.2 10.5 6

Messier 15 7078 Globular Cluster 21 30 12.2 6.4 12 Caldwell 30 7331 Galaxy (5) 22 37 34.4 9.5 11 Caldwell 44 7479 Galaxy (5) 23 05 12.3 11.0 4

P.rseus - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 76 Little Dumbbell 650 Planetary Nebula 01 42 51.6 12.2 5 Caldwell 14 h&x Per 869/884 Open Cluster 02 20 57.1 4.3/4.4 30/30

1023 Galaxy (E) 02 40 39.1 9.3 9 Messier 34 1039 Open Cluster 02 42 42.8 5.2 35

1245 Open Cluster 03 15 47.3 8.4 10 Caldwell 24 1275 Galaxy (I) 03 20 41.5 11.6 3

1342 Open Cluster 03 32 37.3 6.7 14 California 1499 Emission Nebula 04 01 51.3 7 140

1528 Open Cluster 04 15 51.2 6.4 24

Atik - (Per Menkib - g Per

Variable stars f3 Per (the archetypal eclipsing binary star; magnitude

range 2.l to 3.4, period 2.9 days) p Per (semi-regular variable; magnitude range 3.2 to 4.1,


Phoenix (Phe, Phoenicis)

Meaning and origin: Phoenix. A legendary bird, worshipped in Egypt, that was consumed by fire every 500 years, but then rose rejuvenated from the ashes. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.

Located on figures: 2.88, 2.111 Area: 470 square degrees. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 20

Named stars Ankaa - a Phe (the brightest star, magnitude 2.39)

Variable stars (Phe (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 4.0 to 4.5, period

40 hours)

Double stars f3 Phe (visual binary, magnitudes 4.0 and 4.2, separation

1.5")

Pictor (Pic, Pictoris) - originally Equuleus Pictoris (the Painter's Easel)

Meaning and origin: Painter. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.100 Area: 245 square degrees. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 10 Brightest star - a Pic - magnitude 3.26

Pisces - Nebulae, galaxies and ather objects of interest


Messier 74 628 Galaxy (S)


Pisces (Psc, Piscium) - a zodical constellation

Meaning and origin: Fishes. From Greek mythology -when the giant Typhon attacked Olympus the gods fled to Egypt and hid in the form of various animals. Aphrodite (Venus) and Eros (Cupid) transformed themselves into fish and hid in the river Euphrates. This constellation commemorates that episode. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


conditions - 45 Brightest star - 11 Psc - magnitude 3.62

Named stars Al rescha - a Psc (visual binary, magnitudes 4.3 and 5.2,

separation ranges from I" to 4", period 900 years)

Variable stars TV Psc (semi-regular variable; magnitude range 4.7 to 5.s,

time scale 50 days) TX Psc (irregular variable; magnitude range 4.6 to 5.2)

Double stars IjJ Psc (magnitudes 5.6 and 5.8, separation 30")

Piscis Austrinus (PsA, Piscis Austrini)

Meaning and origin: Southern Fish. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.88, 2.94, 2.111 Area: 245 square degrees. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 12

Named stars Fomalhaut - a PsA (the brightest star, magnitude 1.16)

RA2000 DeC2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag (')

01 37 15.8 9.2 10


Puppis (PUp, Puppis)

Meaning and origin: Poop or Stern. Originally this constellation along with Carina (keel) and Vela (sails), formed the constellation Argo (ship - also called Argo Navis, and one of Ptolemy's constellations). Argo, in Greek mythology, was Jason's ship as used by the argonauts during the hunt for the golden fleece. In Lacaille's star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763, Argo was subdivided into the three smaller constellations for convenience.


conditions - 84

Named stars Naos or Suhail Hadar - ~ Pup (the brightest star, magni

tude 2.2)

Variable stars V Pup (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 4.4 to 4.8,

period 35 hours) U Pup (semi-regular variable, magnitude range 2.5 to 6.0,


Double stars k Pup (magnitudes 4.5 and 4.8, separation 10")

Pyxis (Pyx, Pyxidis) - originally Malus, then Pyxis Nautica

Meaning and origin: Mariner's Compass. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.100, 2.117 Area: 220 square degrees

Puppis - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest



Brightest star - a Pyx - magnitude 3.68

Reticulum (Ret, Reticuli) - originally Reticulum Rhomboidalis (Rhomboidal Net)

Meaning and origin: Net. The name derives from the network of cross-wires used by Lacaille inside the eyepiece of his telescope to determine star positions (compare the modern usage: reticle). Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.


conditions - 8 Brightest star - a Ret - magnitude 3.34

Sagitta (Sge, Sagittae)

Meaning and origin: Arrow. Possibly Eros' (Cupid's) arrow, or the arrow that killed Orion (see above), or an arrow from the centaur Cheiron (see Sagittarius) aimed at the scorpion (Scorpio), or the arrow shot by Apollo to kill the Cyclops, or the arrow shot by Heracles (Hercules) to kill the griffon-vulture that was tormenting Prometheus. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 6 Brightest star - 'Y Sge - magnitude 3.56

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag 1'1

Messier 47 2422 Open Cluster 07 37 -14.5 4.4 30 Messier 46 2437 Open Cluster 07 42 -14.8 6.1 27 Messier 93 2447 Open Cluster 07 45 -23.9 6.2 22

2451 Open Cluster 07 45 -38.0 2 .8 45 Coldwell 71 2477 Open Cluster 07 52 -38.6 5.8 27

2527 Open Cluster 08 05 -28.2 6 .5 22


Sagitta - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC Type RA2000

H m

Messier 71 6838 Globular Cluster 19 54

Sagittarius (Sgr, Sagittarii) - a zodiacal constellation

Named stars Rukbat or Alrami - a Sgr Arkab - f3 Sgr Alnasl - y Sgr Kaus Media - 8 Sgr

Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag 11

18.8 8.3 7

Meaning and origin: Archer. From Greek mythology -represents Cheiron, the wise, learned and immortal king of the centaurs, who acted as tutor to Asclepius (see notes on Ophiuchus), Jason and Heracles (Hercules). Cheiron was wounded in the knee by a poisoned arrow shot by Heracles during his fourth labour. To escape the agony of his wound, Cheiron relinquished his immortality to Prometheus enabling the latter to be released from a captivity in which a griffon-vulture tore at h is liver daily. An alternative legend has it that the constellation represents Crotus who invented the bow and arrow. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145 but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Kaus Australis - 8 Sgr (the brightest star, magnitude 1.84) Ascella - ~ Sgr

Located on figures: 2.43, 2.82, 2.94 Area: 865 square degrees.

Al kitn - 7] Sgr Kaus Borealis - A Sgr Nunki - (T Sgr

Variable stars W Sgr (Cepheid, magnitude range 4.3 to 5.0, period 7.5

days) X Sgr (Cepheid, magnitude range 4.0 to 4.8, period 7 days)

Scorpius (SCO, Scorpii) - also known as Scorpio - a zodiacal constellation

The centre of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is in Sagittarius about 3° west of y Sgr

Meaning and origin: Scorpion. From Greek mythology -this is the immortal scorpion from which Orion (see above) fled to his death. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145, but probably predates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).


Sagittarius - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 23 6494 Open Cluster Messier 20 Tri~d 6514 Emission Nebula Messier 8 lagoon 6523 Emission Nebula Messier 21 6531 Open Cluster Messier 24 6603 Star Cloud Messier 18 6613 Open Cluster Messier 17 Omega 6618 Emission Nebula Messier 28 6626 Globular Cluster Messier 69 6637 Globular Cluster Messier 25 IC 4725 Open Cluster Messier 22 6656 Globular Cluster Messier 70 6681 Globular Cluster Messier 54 6715 Globular Cluster Messier 55 6809 Globular Cluster Caldwell 57 Barnord's 6822 Galaxy (I) Messier 75 6864 Globular Cluster

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m d~rees mag (')

17 57 -19.0 5 .5 27 18 03 -23.0 6 .3 29 18 04 -24.4 5.8 90 18 05 -22.5 5.9 13 18 18 -18.4 11.1 5 18 20 -17.1 6.9 9 18 21 -16.2 6.0 46 18 25 -24.9 6.9 11 18 31 -32.4 7.7 7 18 32 - 19.3 4 .6 32 18 36 -23 .9 5.1 24 18 43 - 32.3 8.8 8 18 55 -30.5 7.7 9 19 40 -31.0 7.0 19 19 45 -14.8 9.4 10 20 06 -21.9 8.6 6


Located on figures: 2.43, 2.48, 2.76, 2.82, 2.94 Area: 495 square degrees




Named stars Brightest star - a Scl- magnitude 4.30

Antares - a Sco (The brightest star, irregular variable, magnitude range 0.9 to l.l. The name derives from the star's red colour and means "Rival of Mars". It may easily be mistaken for the planet by the inexperienced observer.)

Akrab or Graffias - {3 Sco (visual double star, magnitudes

Scutum (Set, Scuti) - originally Scutum Sobieskii

2.6 and 4.8, separation 14") Dschubba - 8 Sco Shaula - A Sco Lesath - JJ Sco

Double stars

Meaning and origin: Shield of Arms. From the shield of arms ofJohannes Sobieski III, king of Poland. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.

~ Sco (visual binary, magnitudes 4.8 and 4.8, separation 0.5", period 45 years)

Located on figures: 2.43, 2.94 Area: 11 0 square degrees

Sculptor (Scl, Sculptoris) - originally Apparatus Sculptoris (Sculptor's equipment)


Brightest star - a Sct - magnitude 3.84

Variable stars

Meaning and origin: Sculptor. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

8 Sct (archetype of the 0 Scuti variables, magnitude range 4.9 to 5.2, period 4.5 hours)

R Sct (RV Tau variable, magnitude range 4.9 to 8.0, period about 145 days)

Scorpius - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 80 6093 Globular Cluster Messier 4 6121 Globular Cluster Caldwell 75 6124 Open Cluster Caldwell 76 6231 Open Cluster Caldwell 69 Bug 6302 Planetary Nebula

6388 Globular Cluster Messier 6 Butterfly 6405 Open Cluster

6416 Open Cluster Messier 7 6475 Open Cluster

Sculptor - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

~~ ~~ NOC ~

Caldwell 72 Caldwell 65

Caldwell 70

Silver Coin

7793 55 253 288 300

Galaxy (5) Galaxy (5) Galaxy (S) Globular Cluster Galaxy (S)

RA2000 H m

16 17 16 24 16 26 16 54 17 14 17 36 17 40 17 44 17 54

RA2000 H m

23 58 00 15 00 48 00 53 00 55

Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag (')

-23.0 7.2 9 -26.5 5.9 26 -40.7 5.8 29 -41.8 2.6 15 -37.1 12.8 1 -44.7 6.9 9 -32.2 4.2 15 -32.4 5.7 18 -34.8 3.3 80

Dec2000 Visual Size degrees mag n -32.6 9.0 9 -39.2 7.9 32 -25.3 7.1 25 -26.6 8.1 14 -37.7 8.7 20


Scutum - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m dE1grees mag (')

Messier 26 6694 Open Cluster 18 45 -9.4 8.0 15 Messier 11 Wild Duck 6705 Open Cluster 18 51 -6.3 5.8 14

Serpens (Ser, Serpentis)

Meaning and origin: Serpent. From Greek mythology -the serpent carried by Ophiuchus (see above). This is a serpent of healing in Ophiuchus' guise as the physician Asclepius (Aesculapius). But other versions of the legend have the two involved in a death struggle. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

This constellation is unique, being in two sections. The sections are Serpens Caput (the head of the serpent), and Serpens ~auda (the body or tail of the serpent), and they are separated by Ophiuchus, the serpent carrier.

Located on figures: 2.43, 2.48, 2.94 Total area: 635 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 30

Named stars Unukalhai - a Ser (the brightest star, magnitude 2.65) Alya - () Ser

Double stars 8 Ser (magnitudes 4.2 and 5.2, separation 4") () Ser (magnitudes 4.5 and 5.4, separation 22")

- Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of inl8rest


Sextans (Sex, Sextantis) - originally Sextans Uranice (Heavenly Sextant)

Meaning and origin: Sextant. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.


conditions - 4 Brightest star - a Sex - magnitude 4.49

Taurus (Tau, Tauri) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Bull. From Greek mythology - Zeus (Jupiter) took the form of a white bull in order to lure Europa away. With Europa on his back he swam from Canaan to Crete. Once there he transformed into an eagle in order to consummate their union. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145 but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.24, 2.62, 2.69, 2.106

,"

~ ~ Visual Size H m mag n

Messier 16 - 6611 Open Cluster' 18 19 -13.8 6.0 7 - Eagle IC 4703 Emission Nebula' Messier 5 - 5904 Globular Cluster , The star duster is embedded inside the nebula, so that these two are really one object.

Sextans - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


Caldwell 53 Spindle 3115 Galaxy IE)

18 19 15 19

~ H m 10 OS

-13.8 2.1

-7.7

8 5.8

9.2

35 17

Size ..n.

8


Area: 795 square degrees Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 90

Named stars Aldebaran - a Tau (the brightest star, magnitude 0.86) EI Nath - f3 Tau Celaeno - 16 Tau Electra - 17 Tau Taygeta - 19 Tau Maia - 20 Tau Asterope or Sterope - 21 Tau Merope - 23 Tau

The Pleiades

Alcyone - 1/ Tau Atlas - 27 Tau Pleione - 28 Tau (variable star - see below)

Variable stars A Tau (eclipsing binary, magnitude range 3.4 to 3.9,

period 4 days) Pleione (28 Tau or BU Tau, Shell star; magnitude range

4.6 to 5.5)

Double stars () Tau (magnitudes 3.4 and 3.8, separation 337")

Telescopium (Tel, Telescopii)

Meaning and origin: Telescope. Introduced as a new constellation by Lacaille in his star catalogue, Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763.

Located on figures: 2.82 Area: 250 square degrees

Taurus - Nebulae. galaXies and other objects of interest



Brightest star - a Tel - magnitude 3.50

Triangulum (Tri, Trianguli)

Meaning and origin: Triangle. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 10 Brightest star - f3 Tri - magnitude 3.00

Named stars Caput Trianguli - a Tri

Triangulum Australe (Tr A, Trianguli Australis)

Meaning and origin: Southern Triangle. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


conditions - 10

Named stars Atria - a IrA (the brightest star, magnitude 1.91)

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag 11

Messier 45 Pleiades Open Cluster 03 47 24.1 1.2 110 Caldwell 41 Hyades Open Cluster

1647 Open Cluster Messier 1 Crab 1952 Supernova Remnant

Triangulum - Nebulae. galaxies and other objects of interest


Messier 33 Triangulum 598 Galaxy (51

04 27 04 46 05 35

RA2000 H m

01 34

16.0 19.1 22.0

Dec2000 degrees

30.7

0.5 6.4 8.4

Visual mag

5.7

330 45 6

Size t1 62


Tria~ulum Au. tra .. - Nebulae galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 H m

Dec2000 Visual Size

Caldwell 95 6025 Open Cluster 16 04 degrees =:::::m~a ~==:;l;;(')=-.., -60.5 5 .1 12

Tueana (Tue, Tueanae)

Meaning and origin: Toucan. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


conditions - l2 Brightest star - a Tuc - magnitude l.39

Double stars {3 Tuc (quadruple system, two close double stars, magni

tudes 4.3 and 4.4, separated by 27")

Ursa Major (UMa, Ursae Majoris)

Meaning and origin: Great Bear. From Greek mythology -Callisto, a handmaiden of Artemis (Diana), was seduced by Zeus (Jupiter). For punishment, Artemis (goddess of chastity as well as of hunting) transformed Callisto into a bear, and set her pack of dogs to hunt the bear to death. Zeus saved Callisto by placing her, still in bear-form, in

Tucana - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest


Small Mogellanic Cloud Galaxy (II

the sky. Her son by Zeus, Arcas, joined her as Ursa Minor. The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy's Almagest in about AD 145.


conditions - 65

Named stars Dubhe- aUMa Merak - {3 UMa Phecda - 'Y UMa Megrez - () UMa Alioth - e UMa (the brightest star,

magnitude l.76) Mizar - (UMa (also the name of e B06) Alcaid, Alkaid, Benatnasch or Benetnasch -

T/UMa Talitha - L UMa Tania Borealis - A UMa Tania Australis - JL UMa Alula Borealis - v UMa

RA2000 H m

00 55

Visual ma

-73.0 2.4

The stars of the Plough or Big Dipper

Size ('I

250 Caldwell 106 47 Tucanae 104 Globular Cluster 00 24 -72.1 4.0 31 Coldwell 104 362 Globular Cluster 01 03 -70.9 6.6 13

Ursa Ma"ar - Nebulae, galaxies and other ob'ects of interest


Messier 81 Bode's 3031 Galaxy (51 09 56 69.1 6.9 26 Messier 82 3034 Galaxy (II 09 56 69.7 8.4 11 Messier 108 3556 Galaxy (51 11 12 55.7 10.1 8 Messier 97 Owl 3587 Planetary Nebula 11 15 55.0 12.0 3 Messier 109 3992 Galaxy (51 11 58 53.4 9.8 8 Messier 40 2 stars 12 22 58.1 0.8 9 Messier 101 Pinwheel 5457 Galaxy (51 14 03 54.4 7.7 27


Alula Australis - g UMa (visual binary, magnitudes 4.3 and 4.8, separation 2", period 60 years)

Muscida - 0 UMa Alcor - 80 UMa

Double stars ~UMa (visual double, magnitudes 2.4 and 4.0, separation

14.5") ~ UMa and 80 UMa (Mizar and Alcor; A naked-eye

double, separation 12")

Ursa Minor (UMi, Ursae Minoris)

Meaning and origin: Little Bear. From Greek mythology -the son of Callisto (see commentary on Ursa Major). The constellation was first recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145.

This constellation contains the celestial North Pole, which has the bright star, a UMi (Polaris), located about three quarters of a degree away from it. This star therefore forms a useful marker for the approximate position of the pole in the sky.


conditions - 15

Named stars Alruccabah, Cynosura or Polaris - a UMi (the brightest

star, magnitude 2.0) Kochab - {3 UMi Pherkad - y UMi Yildun - B UMi

Vela (Vel, Velorum)

Meaning and origin: Sails. Originally this constellation, along with Carina (keel) and Puppis (poop or stern), formed

Vela - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest


the constellation Argo (ship - also called Agro Navis and one of Ptolemy's constellations). Argo, in Greek mythology, was Jason's ship as used by the argonauts during the hunt for the golden fleece. In Lacaille's star catalogue Coelum Australe Stelliferum of 1763, Agro was subdivided into the three smaller constellations for convenience.


conditions - 70 Brightest star - yl Vel- magnitude 1.82 (archetype of the

Wolf-Rayet emission line stars; a visual double star with y Vel which has a magnitude of 4.2 and a separation of 41")

Named stars Markab - K Vel (same name as a Peg) Al Suhail- A Vel

Double stars B Vel (magnitudes 2.1 and 5.0, separation 2.5") yl Vel (see above) '" Vel (visual binary, magnitudes 4.1 and 4.4, separation

I", period 34 years)

Virgo (Vir, Virginis) - a zodiacal constellation

Meaning and origin: Virgin. From Greek mythology -either represents Demeter (Ceres), goddess of harvest, or Astraea, goddess of order and justice. The constellation was recorded in Ptolemy'S Almagest in about AD 145, but probably pre-dates that - possibly back to Babylonian times (2000 BC).

Located on figures: 2.13, 2.43, 2.48, 2.55, 2.76, 2.122 Area: 1295 square degrees - the second largest constellation. Number of stars visible to the naked eye under good

conditions - 55

RA2000 Dec2000 Visual Size H m degrees mag 11

2547 Open Cluster OS 11 -49.3 4.7 20 CaidwellS5 IC 2391 Open Cluster OS 40 -53 .1 2.5 50

IC 2395 Open Cluster OS 41 -46.3 4.6 8 Caldwell 74 Eight-Burst 3132 Planetary Nebula 10 OS -40.4 S.2 O.S Caldwell 79 3201 Globular Cluster 10 18 -46.4 6.8 18

Named stars Spica - a Vir (the brightest star, magnitude 0.96) Zavijava - f3 Vir Porrima or Arich - 'Y Vir (visual binary, magnitudes 3.6

and 3.6, separation ranges from 0.2" to 7", period 170 years)

Vindemiatrix - 8 Vir Zaniah - 11 Vir Syrma - L Vir

Volans (Vol, Volantis) - originally Pisces Volans

Meaning and ongm: Flying Fish. Introduced as a new constellation by Keyser and de Houtman around 1600.


Virgo - Nebulae. galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC

Messier 61 4303 Messier 84 4374 Messier 86 4406 Messier 49 4472 Messier 87 Virgo A 4486 Messier 89 4552 Messier 90 4569 Messier 58 4579 Messier 104 Sombrero 4594 Messier 59 4621

4636 Messier 60 4649 Caldwell 52 4697

4699

Vulpecula - Nebulae, galaxies and other objects of interest

Object Name NGC

Type

Galaxy (S) Galaxy (E) Galaxy (E) Galaxy IE) Galaxy IE) Galaxy (E) Galaxy (S) Galaxy (S) Galaxy (S) Galaxy (E) Galaxy (E) Galaxy IE) Galaxy (E) Galaxy (S)

Type



Brightest star - 'Y Vol- magnitude 3.70

Double stars 'Y Vol (visual double, magnitudes 3.9 and 5.8, separation

14")

Vulpecula (Vul, Vulpeculae) - originally Vulpecula et Anser (Fox and Goose)

Meaning and origin: Fox. Introduced as a new constellation by Hevelius in his star atlas, Firmamentum Sobiescianum of 1690.


conditions - 25 Brightest star - a Vul- magnitude 4.45


12 22 4.5 9.7 6 12 25 12.9 9.3 5 12 26 13.0 9.2 7 12 30 8.0 8.4 9 12 31 12.4 8.6 7 12 36 12.6 9 .8 4 12 37 13.2 9.5 10 12 38 11.8 9.8 5 12 40 -11 .6 8 .3 9 12 42 11.7 9.8 5 12 43 2.7 9.6 6 12 44 11.6 8.8 7 12 49 -5.8 9.3 6 12 49 -8.7 9.6 4


Brocchi Open Cluster 19 25 20.2 3 .6 60 Messier 27 Dumbbell 6853 Planetary Nebula 20 00 22.7 7.6 15 Caldwell 37 6885 Open Cluster 20 12 26.5 5.7 7

The constellations visible in the sky for a particular observer depend upon the time of night, the time of year and the latitude of the observing site. Unless you are on the equator, then some of the constellations will be permanently below the horizon, and so never be seen, while others may never set (known as circumpolar constellations), and so be visible on any clear night.

There are now numerous computer programs that will plot the view from a specific site given the date and the time of night. If you have access to one of these programs then they will quickly tell you which constellations you should be able to see. The programs are advertised extensively in popular astronomy magazines (Appendix 3) and elsewhere. The astronomy magazines themselves also usually contain sky maps showing the appearance of the heavens for the following month, and similar sketches are often to be found in newspapers. Additionally there are books published annually (Appendix 3, Section A3.1) giving similar information.

However, whether or not a constellation should be visible can be determined without any of these aids, just by using the diagrams that follow. These diagrams show the rising and setting times for the major constellations, and also the times that the constellation is on the prime meridian. The prime meridian is the line passing through the zenith and the north and south points on the horizon. When a constellation is on the prime meridian it is nearest to being overhead, and so is best placed in the sky for viewing. The diagrams show the night time hours, and the times of sunrise and sunset for northern ("N"), equatorial ("Eq") and southern ("S") observers. The diagrams appear complex to start with, but they are actually easy to

use, and with a little practice you will soon become familiar with them.

To find whether a particular constellation is visible or not and roughly whereabouts it may be found in the sky, then go to the diagram for that constellation (Table 4.1). Rule a vertical line at the point corresponding to the date. If the vertical line intersects any of the lines marked as "Rising Times", then the time at which the constellation rises may be read off the vertical axis. On most diagrams three rising lines are given corresponding to latitudes 400N (marked "N"), the equator (marked "Eq") and 400S (marked "S"). Similarly if the vertical line intersects any of the lines marked "Setting Times", then the time at which the constellation sets may be found. If the vertical line intersects the line marked "Prime Meridian", then that gives the time at which the constellation will be highest in the sky. The times for the minor constellations may be found from those for their nearest major constellation.

Thus, for example, in Figure 4.1 Auriga is shown for October 15th. For northern hemisphere observers, the constellation will then rise at about 19.00 hours (7 pm), for equatorial observers it will rise at about 22.00 hours (10 pm), and for southern hemisphere observers it will rise at about 01.00 hours (1 am). For all observers it will be on the prime meridian at about 04.00 hours (4 am). For no observer will it set before the Sun has risen. On June 1st, however, Auriga will have set before sunset for southern observers, but will still be briefly visible to equatorial and northern observers; setting at about 19.00 hours (7 pm), and 22.00 hours (10 pm) respectively. For southern observers, Auriga will not be visible at all between about May 15th (when it sets with the Sun), and


Table 4.1. The major constellations and their visibility July 10th (when it rises with the Sun). Whereas for northern hemisphere observers it will always be visible for some part of the night, and will be visible all night between about November 10th and January 8th.

diagrams

Constellation Diagram

Andromeda Fig. 4.2 Ara Fig. 4.4 Bootes Fig. 4 .6 Canis Minor Fig. 4.8 Cassiopeia Fig. 4.10 Cetus Fig.4.12 Cygnus Fig. 4 .14 Grus Fig . 4.16 Lupus Fig. 4.18 Orion Fig. 4 .20 Pegasus Fig . 4.22 Pisces Austrinus Fig . 4.24 Sagittarius Fig. 4.26 Taurus Fig . 4 .28 Ursa Major Fig. 4.30 Vela Fig. 4.32

Time

06.00 On the

Prime - ----- 04.00-Meridean

Rising 02.00

-- -- -- ----(S)

00.00

Rising --- -- 22.00-

(Eq)

Rising 20.00 ----- ----- -(N)

18.00

Constellation

Aquila Auriga Canis Major Carina Centaurus Crux Gemini Leo Lyra Pavo Perseus

Puppis Scorpius Triangulum Australe Ursa Minor

Diagram

Fig. 4.3 Fig. 4 .5 Fig . 4.7 Fig. 4.9 Fig.4. 11 Fig. 4.13 Fig. 4.15 Fig. 4.17 Fig. 4.19 Fig. 4.21 Fig. 4 .23 Fig . 4.25 Fig . 4.27 Fig . 4.29 Fig. 4.31

The times plotted in Figs 4.2 to 4.32 are based upon the centres of the constellations, and are normal civil times (that is, not including any adjustments for summer time etc.). Since some constellations span tens of degrees, parts of the constellation may be visible earlier than the rising times given by the diagrams, or later than the setting times. The times are plotted only for latitudes 0° and ±40°. If your latitude differs from any of these values, then you will need to interpolate or extrapolate from the lines shown on the diagrams. However, the actual times of rising or setting may differ from those shown by up to 30 minutes if you are towards the eastern or western edge of your local time zone, so the times should only be regarded as an approximate guide.

To get an idea of the constellation's position in the sky, refer to the line marked "Prime Meridian". If you are observing before the time given by that line, then the constellation will be towards the east, while after that time it

08_00 Time

06.00

04.00

02 .00

00.00

20_00

18.00

N 16.00 '----'--'---'-----'------'--'-----'--'---'---11--'---'----'----'---'----'----'-+----'--'---'------'---'----'-----' 16.00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Date

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

I October

15th June 1 st

Figure 4.1. Visibility diagram for Auriga (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +50°, not seen south of latitude about _50°). Examples are shown for October 15th and June 1 st.

The Sky throughout the Year

will be towards the west. On some maps only one rising or setting line is marked, corresponding to the time for equatorial observers. This occurs when the constellation is circumpolar at 40° N or 40° S. It will then be visible all night and at all times of the year. However for observers above or below the corresponding latitude in the opposite hemisphere, the constellation will not be seen at all.

The best time to observe any constellation is when it is highest in the sky; that is, when it is on or near the prime meridian. Since most people will probably want to observe in the evening, different constellations are best placed for observing at different times of the year. The months when the major constellations are on or near the prime meridian at 22.00 hours (10 pm) are listed in Table 4.2.

Dote

Jul

Time

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00 Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon

Dote

Table 4.2. Times of the yeor when constellations are on or neor the prime meridian at 22.00 hours (10 pm)

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Taurus, Auriga, Orion Canis Major, Gemini, Canis, Minor, Puppis Carina, Vela Leo, Ursa Major Crux, Centaurus, Sagittarius Bootes, Ursa Minor, Lupus, Triangulum Australe Scorpius, Ara Lyra, Aquila, Pavo Cygnus Grus, Pisces Austrinus, Pegasus Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cetus Perseus

Eq

N

08.00 Time

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00

Figure 4.2. Visibility diagram for Andromeda (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +55°, not seen sauth of latitudes about _55°).


Date

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 08.00 08.00

Time N~" I"S~' 1-- -

Time I I --Y.!1!l!! I I I 1 I I I • I I I I

06.00 E +- I I I :Ey: I Eq 06.00 q~, I I

I I' I I I I I I I I I I I I I

5 I I ' N I I

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 : Rising time

00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 I Eq 18.00

N 16.00 16.00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Date

Figure 4.3. Visibility diagram for Ara (circumpolar for loti tudes south of about-35°, not seen north of latitudes about +35°).

Dale

08.00 Time Time

06.00 06.00

04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Date

Figure 4.4. Visibility diagram for Aquila (an equatorial constellation) .


Time

Dale

Jul 08.00

06.00 06.00 I

I I I S I I I

04.00 _ _ .J _ __ L _ _ .J __ _ L _ _ 04.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

02 .00 _ _ J ___ L __ 4 _ __ L __ 4_ - 02.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

00.00 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 Eq 18.00

N 16.00 '-...!---'---'----'--"----'-----''----'----'---'---'--'----'-----'--'---"--''----'--'---'----'---'-----'---' 16.00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dale

Time

Figure 4.5. Visibility diagram for Auriga (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +50·, nol seen south of latitudes about-50·).

Jul 08.00

06.00 06.00 I

I I I I

04 .00 S I I I N I I __ .J ___ L _ _ .J _ __ L __ ...1 _ _ _ L _ _ --' _ __ 1. __ _ 1 _ _ _

I I I I I I I I I I 04.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

02 .00 __ J _ __ L _ _ J _ __ L __ J _ __ L __ J _ __ L __ J __ _ L __ _

I I I I I I I I I I I 02.00 : : : : : : : : : : :N

I 00.00

I I I I I I I I I I 00.00 I---+----l--+----+---+--I------+------<f---+----+--!---*--\,.......:~~

I I

I I 22.00 -- ;- --t- --22.00

I I I I I I I I 20.00 ---r--20.00 I I

S

18.00 18.00

16.00 '----'-----'_--'----"-_-'---'-_'----'-----'_-'---'-_.L---'-_'---'-----1._-'----L_L---L----1_--L.--'---I 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Ocl Nov Dec

Dale

Time

Figure 4.6. Visibility diagram for Bootes (Circumpolar for lalitudes north of about +60', nol seen south of latitudes obout -60').


Dote

Jon Feb Mor Apr Moy Jun 08.00 r--r----r----,r---.---'-r-___r-..-::..,--'--r-,__--r---,-,...-..,----r--'-,---:~__r___r---=::..,...._:"""T""___,_-,__...,

Time N~rise ! 06.00 Eq i .vi ! v : I I 04.00 _~L __ ~ __ L __ ~ __ J ~ __ L.N_

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

02.00 __ ~ - --~ -- ~ - -- ~ --~- - - ~ - -...J I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

00.00 1 Rising times-+-T-""*--'I .... 1 1 1 1

I t I I I I I I 22.00 -- .,.-- - ,.. - - .,. --- ,.. - - ~ ---r - -., - --r- - "

I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I I I I I I I r

20.00 --~ - - -~ - - ~ - - - ~ - - ~ - -- ~ - - ~- -- ~ - ---:-- -T S~' 1 J-- ;N 1 1 1

I I I I I I I I I I I ; I I I

Eq~i : ! ! i---tEq 1 1 Sunset 1 1 1 N ,---, 'S

~~~~bM~~~~~~~~~~bM Dote

Eq

Eq

N

Aug Sep Od Nov Dec

08.00 Time

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00

Figure 4 .7. Visibility diagram for Canis Major (circumpolar for latitudes south of about _70°, not seen north of latitudes about +70°).

Jul Aug Sep Od Nov Dec Jon

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00 ~--+--!----+--!----+-, -!----+--!>"7"""'-~I----+--

22.00

20.00

18.00

1 1

I I I I I I I , I I - - ~-- -r-- ~---r - - ; - --r -- ; --- r- -'-- - r

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t r I I I I I

08.00

Eq 06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00 16.00 ~~~~~bM~~~~~~~~~~bM~~~~~

Dote

Figure 4.8. Visibility diagram for Canis Minor (an equotorial constellation).

Time


Jul 08.00

Time Time

06.00 06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00 16.00 Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.9. Visibility diagram for Carina (circumpolar for latitudes south of about-30°, not seen north of latitudes about +30°).

08.00 Time

06.00 06.00 I

04.00

I I S I I

_ _ ..l _ __ L __ _ L _ _ L I I I ! 04.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I

02.00 __ ~ ___ ~ _ _ J ___ ~ _ _ ~

I I I J I 02.00

1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

00.00 f---+----1- -+---+-+----+-''t--I---+- 00.00

22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 Eq 18.00

N 16.00 16.00

Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dote

Figure 4.10. Visibility diagram for Cossiopeia (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +30°, not seen south of latitudes about -30°).


06.00

04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 I---l---+-+---+---+-+---+----+- , , , -+--+-~>----+---+--+---+, ---l 00.00

, , I I I I

-" -- -1---;- --1---I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I --+ ---t---+-- -t- ---t- --t- --; ---t- --;---r-- ;---

I I I I I I I I I I I 22.00 22.00

I I I I I I I I I I I , , , I I I I I I I 1 I I I , , , , , ,

-r- --,- --r--, : 5

I I I I I I 1 I I I I - - ., - - - r - -., - - - r - -..., - - - r - - .,- - - T - - ,- - - T - - -1- - -

5~' , '·- ·N ' , , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Eq~i : ; -t--tEq , , Sunset , ,

N ,-- '5 L-~~-~-L~-~-L-~~~-L--L~-~-L~_J--L-L-~~-~-L~16.00

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 5ep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 5ep Oct Nov Dec

20.00 20.00

18.00

Figure 4.11. Visibility diagram for Centaurus (circumpolar for latitudes south of about-35°, not seen north of latitudes about +35°).

Time

Dote

06.00 +--+~~+-+Eq 06.00

04.00 04 .00

02.00 02.00

00.00 .W<--+--\f-~~44--+-+---+---+-+---+----I--+--+-, ----j 00.00 , , 22.00

I I I I I I I I I - - -- ~- -- +-- -~ --+ -- -t----t---t- - - ; - --t- - -

I I I I I I I I I I 22.00

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

20.00 I I I I I I I I - - -'-- -r--, - -- r - - -,---r-- ..,- --r--, ,- '.N~' , '5 I I I I I I I , I I I I, I

'" , ' E I , I I I E '\ ,---,- q I , 'N' q I I I I 'I I I t I I I I I I I I S - I I I I N

20.00

18.00

16.00 L-~~_~-L~_...l...--L_~~~_L--L~_~-L----''--...J......--'-_'---'----'-_~--'---' 16.00 Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 5ep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.12. Visibility diagram for Cetus (an equatorial constellation) .


04.00 04.00

02 .00 02.00

00.00 f----+---+-4----+--+-+---+----+- +--+----+--'k--+----+---c . .,+----l-~::-+-+---+----+I---+,---l 00.00 I I

I I I I --~---r - -;- - -r- -

I I I I 22 .00 22.00

I I I I I I I I

I I I - - - r - - ---,- - - r - - 20.00 : : : S

I

18.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dale

Figure 4.13. Visibility diagram for Crux (circumpolar for latitudes south of about _300 • not seen north of latitudes about +30°).

Jul 08.00

Time Time

06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00

16.00 16.00 ~~~~~b~~~~~~~~~~~b~~~~~~

Dale

Figure 4.14. Visibility diagram for Cygnus (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +50°, not seen south of latitudes about-50°).


-I-4~~-1-.......j..Eq 06.00

04.00

02.00

-+-'I~"--'I'*'--+---+--I---+---+-+-, ->-----1 00.00 I I

I I I I I I --~ - --r-- ~ - - -r-- ; - --r-- 22.00

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I

-~;--i -;:- r -- : -- -f--:- --T ~~ I I I , ' S N

L--L~-~-L~-~~-L-~~-L--L~-~-L~-~-L~L-~~-L--L~16.00

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mor Apr Moy Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

20.00

18.00

....... 4.15. Visibility diagram for Gemini (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +650, not seen south of latitudes about -65,.

Dote

Jul 08.00

Time Time

06.00 06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00

N 16.00 16.00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Date

Figure 4.16. Visibility diagram far Grus (circumpolar for latitudes south of about _45°, not seen north of latitudes about +45°).


Jul Aug Sep Od Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

Time

06.00 I

04.00

I I I I S I I I N I _ _ J ___ L _ _ ~ __ _ L __ ~ _ __ L __ ~ ___ l __

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I

02.00 I I I I I I I I N _ _ J __ _ L __ ~ ___ L __ ~ _ __ L __ ~ __ _ L ____ _ I I I I I I I I I

02.00 I r I I I I I I J I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

00.00 :I-----I----->,~."...-~--+--~--+--+-, --l00.00 I I

22.00 , I I I I

-r - - ~-- - ~- - ;- -- r -- 22.00 'N : : : :

I I I J

20.00 I I I I -' - - - r-- -, - --r - - 20.00

I I S I I I

18.00 18.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Od Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Od Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.17. Visibility diagram for leo (an equatorial constellation).

08.00 Time

06.00 06.00

04 .00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 I----+----+--+----+-~-+--f-----+----+-_+__+''<_b_''-+>-___'-_+_'I. 00.00

22.00 22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00

16.00 '---'---'-_.l....--.L..---L_-'----'----'_...I...---I..._'----'---'-_.l....---'-----'-_.l-.....L..---L_-'----'----'_...I...----l 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Od Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.18. Visibility diagram for Lupus (circumpolar for latitudes south of about-45°, not seen north of latitudes about +45°).


04.00

02 .00

00.00 I--+,---'I<----+\;+~+-I I I I 22 .00 ---+---1--

20.00

18.00

I I I I

Rising times

, , , , -S'~---i--i-- r---,

I I I I I I ~

E ll I I

q~" , , " , , Sunset '

N 1--- '

N~: I ' S~: I I '- N

Eqi ~i iEqi ~i~;N :Eq I~I 11 ' 1 I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,---- S I I I I ' N -, I . ' . ' . S

-:~--T---:---+---~-- f ---~- --t- -- ~ -- -t- --~-- -t - RI~lng ~Ime ~--I I Sett,ing times : : : : : : : : : :

I I I I I I I I I I I I ___ _ ~ __ ___ ~ __ ~ ___ L __ ~ _ _ _ ~ __ ~ _ _ _ ~ __ ~ __ _ L __ ~ ___ ~ _ _ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I --~---+--~---+---~--~---~--1---~--4---~ --

N I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

;---:_-- -S~-r--i---i--i---r--:~N~-r--i---i/--i--- r-s t I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I m' E I I I 'E"" 'E q~1 I T"ql I ,N,-q I I I I I I 'I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - 1---- N I I I S I I I N

08.00

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00


Date

Time

figure 4.19. Visibility diagram for Lyra (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +55°, not seen south of latitudes about -55°).

Time

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

, , , , , -- +- --r--T- --r--T---~--~ --

, , , , , Rising time I I I I I , , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

S~: i ~ :N~:: Eq: ~: -II---i--+: Eq~: ~: Ii ~~set : :: I :

Oct Nov Dec

06.00

04.00

Setting time _ ~ __ _ ~ __ ~ ___ L __ ~ __ _ L __ ~ ___ L _ _

I I I I I I I I 02.00

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

- -1---+--"<--+---+--+-->---+---1---+--+---+,--1 00.00 , ,

I I I I I I +-- -r --~---r--~---r--~ -- -r- - 22.00 I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

:&~Nf:T r :/fS , , 'E: ~I~:E , q" '~iq ' I I ' I I I I I I I I I I I I S I I I I N

20.00

18.00

NV: ~--- , ' S " 16.00 L....:.-L---L_L------L----L_...l...---L_L--L----L_L----L-----L_L-----L---l_...l..--'-_L--L-----'-_L----L--..J 16.00


Figure 4.20. Visibility diagram for Orian (an equatorial constellation).


06.00 +--+~*"-+--+Eq 06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 1---+---+-+, ----'<+---+-- :---,'---+-~--+----1--+---+--+---+--+---+--+---+--+,--+----+--l 00.00 , , , , 22 .00 -- -~ -- -~ -- ~- - -- ~- -- t-- -:-- --l- -- -~ - -~ -- -~- -~ - - - ~- - ~-- - ~-- 22.00

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Rising time : : : : : : : : : : : 20.00 - -~- - -~- - ~-- - ~--~ - - -- -~--~---~-- ~---~--~---~-- ~ ---~--~-- - ~-- 20.00

S~' '. ,~ S~' , '~ " N ' , , S I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I, I I I ' I I I

18.00 Eqi ..v: : i i>-+--+~~~~-+--+Eq i ..vi i i Eq Eq 18.00

NV: ~nset : ' N~:: ' ; S N 1 6.00 '----'---'---'-----'---'---'---'-----'--'-----'-----"'----'----'--'----'----'---'-----'---'---'---'-----'--'-----' 16.00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nav Dec Date

Figure 4.21. Visibility diagram for Pavo lcircumpolar for latitudes south of about _25°, not seen north of latitudes about +25°).

08.00 Time

06.00 06.00 ,

S , __ .J ___ L_ , , 04.00 04.00 , , , , , , , N _ _ ...J ___ L _ __ _ _ , , , 02.00 02.00 , , , , , , , , ,

00.00 1---+---+--!---!----'<?oI'\-.v-------<- 00.00

22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00


Date

Figure 4.22. Visibility diagram for Pegasus Icircumpolar for latitudes north of about +70°, not seen south of latitudes about _70°).

Time

06.00

04 .00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00


Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 08.00

, , , I I I I I

--T---r- -T- - - r- - ; - -I I I I I

: : : : Rising times I I I I I I I --,-- -r--,-- -r -- , --- r-- , - - T --'-

S~" N " I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Eq : : I : : : Eq : : :

~' " ' ;....r' , , Sunset' , , , , , N ,--- , 'S "

, , , I I I I I I I

--r --T---r --;-- -r- -;---r--I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

- l -N~-r-- l---fX--l---~-s I I I I ' E' , , , , E Iql r 'N ,q I I I I I I I I I I I , S -, , , , N

Time

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.23. Visibility diagram for Perseus (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +4Y, not seen south of latitudes about -45°).

08.00

06.00 N~: : I iS~: :X!' , N

I I , I I t I I

-4---h~~~.j...-~....j.Eq: : : : -+-+Eq : : : +-+Eq ;....r:; :: : ; :N

_S __ L __ l ___ L __ l ___ ~ ~_~ _ ~_~ __ J ___ L __ L __ L~ I I I I I I I I I I I

Settin9 ,time~ : : : : : : : : :

Time

06.00

04.00 S __ .J _ __ ~ _ , , , , , ,

04.00

, , I I I I I I I I I I I ____ L __ ~ ___ L _ _ ~ _ __ L _ _ ~ ___ L __ ~ ___ L _ _ ~ ___ ~ _ _

I I I I I I I I I I I 02.00 __ .J ___ L __ ...J , , , 02.00

, , , I I I I I I I I I I I , , , I I I I I I I I I I I , , , 00.00 I----I,--+---+--~*~.___+

I I I I I I I I I I I 00.00

, , , , I I I I

22.00 ---+---t-- - +-- 22.00 , , , : Rising times

20.00 ,

20.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

S~' , I I I I

, " E ' , , , q~" , , "

, , Sunset ' N ,--- ,

18.00 18.00

Date

Figure 4.24. Visibility diagram for Pisces Austrinus (circumpolar for latitudes south of about -60°, not seen north of latitudes about +60°).


06.00 Eq+--+-~E-+-~-+ ,

04.00

02.00

00.00 1---+-- >----+-- 1-' -f----+--f----"<->--->,c-'-__<~

22.00

20.00

18.00

, , I I I I I I I I

- - ~ - --r - - ~- -- r - -~ -- - ~- -; --- r -

: : : : : Rising times "';:::"'--'--'<c-+-PO·\ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

-- ' --- r --'- - -r-- '- -- r- - ~--- T -- ~---

S~ : : : ~~- i·N~ : : : . : ~' , I I : ~'

Eq ! y ! ! 1 :Eq : .v: v: ~nset ' , '~: '

+--+~~-+--+Eq 06.00

04.00

02.00

,-~-+---'<-;----""-f----+-, - f----+-- f----+------j 00.00 , , I I I I I

- 1 - - - --r - -~ - - - r -- ;- -- r - - 22.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , -- - -- , --- r --i- -- r -- 20.00

N · ' , '~S I I I I I

: : \( I I : I-+--to:~~~+--ir--+Eq·, '\ ..... ..,.........,..Eq 18.00

I I I I I I I I I I

I r N N , ' --- I 's : f 16.00 16.00


Figure 4.25. Visibility diagram for Puppis (circumpolar for latitudes south of about _50°, not seen north of latitudes about +50°).

08.00 Time

06.00

04 .00

02.00 02.00

, 00.00 00.00 1----+-~f--...."f---+---<--+---<--+----1--+----I--'I;-f-'r+-'r-+---' , , I I I I I I I I I I , , , ,

22.00 -I-- - ;---t---, , , , , , ,

I I I I I I t I I I 22.00 - - - T - --t- -- " - - -t- - - " - - - r -- ; ---t- --; - -- t-- -I I I I I I I I I I

: : : : : : : : : Rising times , , 20.00 r - ..,- -- r - -, S

18.00

16.00

20.00 - - ~ - - - ~ -- ~ - -- ~- - ~ - - -~ - -~- - -~ - --:- - - ~- - -:- --S~' , J - ; N " , I I I I I I I I I

I I t I I

18.00 Eq~ : : :Eq+-+.,'i'Ii::-i--i--+ 'i Ku~set : : NV: l!!!!___ 'S

16.00 L--':-::--':---'-:--..L..----L.--L-:-L--:-----L:--':-:---'::----L--.l::-:-...!...........L...--L_L--L---L_':--L:-----L--.l---..J Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Date

Figure 4.26. Visibility diagram for Sagittorius (circumpolar for latitudes south of about -60°, not seen north of latitudes about +60°).


Dote

Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 08.00 .----...,....._,_--,r-,-..:..,____r-,---"'-r--'-T-~__r____r-r_...,....._,_.!...-,........;T____r_____r---..:::_,____:__r____r-~__,

Nt--.......: SYDrise : :- ; S-t--.....: : : ~., I I : ~I

06.00 EqK' : : :-+-fEq/: : : I I' I I I I I I I t I I I I I I

04.00 _ ~ .L __ L __ J ___ L __ J= __ ~ ~_ ... L _ L_J ___ 1_ ... I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

02 .00 --~ - -- ~ - -~- --~- -~-- -~-- ~---t---:--- t---:---I f I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r I I I I I I I

00.00 I---+--I---+--I---+--I---+--I---+--I---,I---+-........"I-----B..-~-+--' ,

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 22.00 - - - -t---.... --+- -- .... - - +- - - r - - -t - - - r - - -t - - - j- - - -j - --

I I I I I I I I I I I I

: : : : : : : : : : Rising times : : 20.00 __ ~ ___ ~ __ ~ ___ ~ _ - ~ ___ ~ __ ~ ___ ~ ___ : ___ -!- ___ : ___ + ___ ~ -_ ~ __ I

S~: : : ~~ i N-t--..... : : : : -I S~ : : :~'. I I :~' , I : ~'

18.00 Eq~i : ; ; i-iEq/i : i ; i I Eq/i : i I I Sunset I I I I I I I I I I I

N ' --- , ,- ' S '" N "

08.00

06.00

04 .00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

16.00 16.00 Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dote

Time

Figure 4.27. Visibility diagram for Scarpius (circumpolar for latitudes south of about -55°, not seen north of latitudes about +55°).

Dote

Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

08.00 N~:sunrise~:i- ;.S~: : ~' ,- 'N~: :: ; S~. : : : . ~ N I . I I I I , I I I t I I I I

06 00 E' " E " E" " I IE' , , '-+E . qK" q" q/, , , q, , 'N q I I ' r I I I ' I I I ' I I I 'I I I I r I I I I I r I I I I I I I I I I I I I S I I I -1-- N I r I I ~ S I I I ,~ ' N -- I I I I S

04~0 - - ~ ---~ --~---~--~ - - -~-- - t -- ---t-- ~-- --~ -- t---~-- ~ ---~ -- ~ - - - ~-- i --- t -- ~--- t --I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SeHing times I I I I I I

02.00 __ J ___ ~ __ J __ _ ~ __ J ___ L_ EqL ___ : __ 1 ___ :___ _1 __ · _j ___ i... _ _ J __ _ ~ __ J ___ L __ J ___ i __ r r r I I I I I I I I I I I r r r r

: : : : : : s : ' : : : : : : : : I r r I I I I I I I I I r I I

00.00 , , , I I I I I I 22.00 ---+---.... -- +--- .... -- -t ---r--I I I I I I

: : : : : Rising times I

20.00 ' , , , , , , , , -S~:-- : -- -:--:~-- r-N-~r--:- -

: ~I I I :~I 18.00 Eq~i :; 'iEq/i : i

, , Sunset ""

, , I I I I I I I r

Eq-- -~--~---~-- ~---~--~--- ~ --, I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I r I I I I I I I I I I I I --r--,-- - r -- , ---r--,---j --

, J.- ;'N~' , J . S I I I I I I

; \.\ I I I I ; I , \ \' 'E' , , , , Eq , ,\---r" q ' . ' '~i I I I I I r

r I I I I I I I -r--- I S -" r r I N

08.00

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

18.00

N ,--- ' S " 16.00 L....:......L---L_.L...--L..........J_~-l.._L...-....1.......---L_.J...............L...---L::-:-...l--L..........J::-:-....L.-..L--:-L.........--':--.........L=---'-:---'="---' 16.00

Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dote

Figure 4.28. Visibility diagram for Taurus (an equatorial constellation).

Time


Jul 08.00

Time

06.00 06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.00 f---+---+-+---+---+-+---+----1--+---+-->----t---+-----\;+---+-- 00.00

22.00

20.00 20.00

18.00 18.00

16.00 16.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 5ep Oct Nov Dec

Date

Figure 4.29. Visibility diagram for Triangulum Australe (circumpolar for latitudes south of about _25°, not seen north of latitudes about +25°).

08.00 Time

06.00 06.00

04.00 04.00

02.00 02.00

00.001---+---+--+--+--+---+----<'---+---+--1-, -+--'d---'----+-1

00.00 1 1

I I I I I I I t I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1

22.00 r--~---r--;---r--

Eq : 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

22.00 - -- ~- - -~- - ~ ---~ --~ - - - ~ --~ -- - ~--~ - - - ~- - ~- --I I I I I I I I I I I

: : : : : : : : Rising time

20.00

18.00

20.00 -- ~ - --~- - ~- --~ - -~- - - ~ -- ~-- - ~ - - -:-- - +---:---5~' I 1- ;·N I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I

18.00 Eq+--: : : : :Eq+-+-3*E~+--f--+ ':~~set ; : : NV: ~---, ' 5

Aug 5ep Oct Nov Dec 16.00 ':--':-::-':-:---"-:---':---L-L--;-.l..---':-----I..::--':---1:-----L..:---"::-:-...l.---L-L_.l..---L-----I..:_':-...L-L---..J--.l

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 16.00

Date

Figure 4.30. Visibility diagram for Ursa Major (circumpolar for latitudes north of about +35°, not seen south of lotitudes oboul-35°).


04.00

02.00

Jul Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec r-'-~--~-r~--~-r~~'-~--r--r~--~-r~~~-r--~~~--r--r-'OS.OO

06.00 , I I I I I

S ' " N' " __ ~ _ _ _ L __ J _ __ L _ _ ~ ___ L __ ~ ___ ~ __ ~ ___ L _ _ _ I I I I I I I I I I I 04.00 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I I I I t I _ _ J ___ ~ __ ~ __ _ L __ ~ _ __ L _ _ ~ _ __ L _ _ ~ _ __ ~ _ _ _ ~ __

I I 1 I I I I I I I I 02.00 t I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

00.00 1---+--1----+-- 1----+-- 1----+--1-, - 1----+-- 1----1-- "<---+-- > -+----+>,.-+---+--1--..... ,-, 00.00

22.00

20.00

lS.00

, , I I I I I I I I I I I

-- + - - -r--~ - --r -- ;- - - r- - ,---r- -' -- - r- - '- - -I I I I I I I I I I

, 'Eq, , :

- - r--;- - - t-- - 22.00 , , , , , , , , , , , ---,-- - r-- 20.00 , S ,

~-+~~+-+Eq lS.00

N 16.00 16.00


Figure 4.31. Visibility diagram for Ursa Minor (circumpolar for latitudes north of about + 1 0°, not seen south of latitudes about -1 0°).

~

Jan Feb Mar Apr Moy Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec OS.OOr-'-~--~-r~--~-r~~'-~--r--r-'--~-r~~~-r--~~~--r--.-' N~l sunrise: ;-- ; - s~:: :--- :-s~: : : -:-N

I , I I I I I I I I I , t

06 00 E ' , , I I IE ' , I -+--+-+E' , I ~E . q~, ,q, , ,q, , 'N q I I' I I I I I I • I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I [ I S I I I -1-- 'N I I -1-- -' N --,- I I I S

04.00 - - i--- ~ --+ --~--+--t --+--f -+ -- i - - - ~ --+ --}--+ --t--+ --t--: : : : : : : : I : Setting time : : : : I I I I I I I I I , , , I I I I

02.00 - - ~--- i --i- - - ~ -- ~---~ - -~-- - t---: _.l --i -- ~-- -~ --~---~- - ~---t- -

: : : : : : : : : Eq : : : : : : : I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I

OO.OOI-~--I--~, --I--~--I--~--I----+---Ar-l---r-~~

22.00

20.00

lS.00

, , I I I I I I I I I

- -+- - -r-- ~ ---r --; - --r- -; -- - r--, --

: : : : : : : Rising time I I t I I I I I

OS.OO

06.00

04.00

02.00

00.00

22.00

20.00

lS.00

16.00 16.00 ~~~~~bM~~~~~~~~~~bM~~~~~

Date

Time

Figure 4.32. Visibility diagram for Vela (circumpolor for latitudes south of about -40°, not seen north of latitudes about +40°).

Charles Messier (1730-1817) was an observational astronomer working from Paris in the eighteenth century. He discovered between 15 and 21 comets and observed many more. During his observations he encountered nebulous objects that were not comets. Some of these objects were his own discoveries, while others had been known before. In 1774 he published a list of 45 of these nebulous objects. His purpose in publishing the list was so that other comet-hunters should not confuse the nebulae with comets. Over the following decades he published supplements which increased the number of objects in his catalogue to 103 though objects M101 and M102 were in fact the same. Later other astronomers added a replacement for M102 and objects 104 to 110. It is now thought probable that Messier had observed these later additions with the exception of the last. Thus the modern version of his catalogue has 109 objects in it. Several of the objects in Messier's original lists are now difficult to identify, and «best guesses" have had to be made regarding the objects intended. Ironically in one case (M91) it is possible that Messier's original observation was of an unrecognised comet!

Messier observed mostly with 3 to 3.5 inch (75-90 mm) refractors. He had access to a 7.5 inch (190 mm) Gregorian reflector but since this used mirrors made from speculum metal, its equivalent aperture would have been only 3 inches or so. With modern telescopes it should be possible to observe all the Messier objects with a 2.5 inch (60 mm) or larger instrument. This accessibility of the objects in Messier's list, compared with Herschel's New General

Catalogue (NGC) which was being compiled at the same time as Messier's observations but using much larger telescopes, probably explains its modern popularity. It is a challenging but achievable task for most amateur astronomers to observe all the Messier objects. At «star parties" and within astronomy clubs, going for the maximum number of Messier objects observed is a popular competition. Indeed at some times of the year it is just about possible to observe most of them in a single night.

Messier observed from Paris and therefore the most southerly object in his list is M7 in Scorpius with a declination of -35°. He also missed several objects from his list such as h and X Per and the Hyades which most observers would feel should have been included. The well-known astronomer Dr Patrick Moore has therefore recently introduced the Caldwell Catalogue (his full name is Patrick Caldwell-Moore). This has 109 objects like Messier's list, but covers the whole sky. The Caldwell objects are listed in decreasing order of declination, so that from a given latitude all objects from C1 to Cn (or from C109 down to Cn for southern observers), where n is the number of the most southerly (northerly) objects rising at that site, should be visible. There is no overlap between the Messier and Caldwell Catalogues, and the two taken together (see below) will give sufficient fascinating and spectacular objects to keep most astronomers occupied for several years' worth of observing.

The Messier and Caldwell objects are listed within each constellation as it is discussed in Section 3.2. Here they are listed in order for ease of reference.

The Messier and Caldwell Objects

Table A 1.1 . The Messier Objects

Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Constellation Visual' Size ..

H m degrees mag (')

Messier 1 Crab 1952 Supernova Remnant 05 35 22.0 Tau 8.4 6 Messier 2 7089 Globular Cluster 21 34 -0.8 Aqr 6.5 13 Messier 3 5272 Globular Cluster 13 42 28.4 CVn 6.4 16 Messier 4 6121 Globular Cluster 16 24 -26.5 Seo 5.9 26 Messier 5 5904 Globular Cluster 15 19 2.1 Ser Cap 5.8 17 Messier 6 BUHerfly 6405 Open Cluster 17 40 -32.2 Sco 4.2 15 Messier 7 6475 Open Cluster 17 54 -34.8 Sco 3.3 BO Messier 8 Lagoon 6523 Emission Nebula 18 04 -24.4 Sgr 5.8 90 Messier 9 6333 Globular Cluster 17 19 -18 .5 Oph 7.9 9 Messier 10 6254 Globular Cluster 16 57 -4.1 Oph 6.6 15 Messier 11 Wild Duck 6705 Open Cluster 18 51 -6.3 Sct 5.8 14 Messier 12 6218 Globular Cluster 16 47 -2.0 Oph 6.6 15 Messier 13 6205 Globular Cluster 16 42 36.5 Her 5.9 17 Messier 14 6402 Globular Cluster 17 38 -3.3 Oph 7.6 12 Messier 15 7078 Globular Cluster 21 30 12.2 Peg 6.4 12 Messier 16 Eagle 6611 Open Cluster 18 19 -13.8 Ser 6.0 7 Messier 17 Omega 6618 Emission Nebula 18 21 -16.2 Sgr 6.0 46 Messier 18 6613 Open Cluster 18 20 -17.1 Sgr 6.9 9 Messier 19 6273 Globular Cluster 17 03 -26.3 Oph 7.2 14 Messier 20 Trifid 6514 Emission Nebula 18 03 -23.0 Sgr 6.3 29 Messier 21 6531 Open Cluster 18 05 -22.5 Sgr 5.9 13 Messier 22 6656 Globular Cluster 18 36 -23.9 Sgr 5.1 24 Messier 23 6494 Open Cluster 17 57 -19.0 Sgr 5.5 27 Messier 24 6603 Star Cloud 18 18 -18.4 Sgr 11. 1 5 Messier 25 IC 4725 Open Cluster 18 32 -19.3 Sgr 4.6 32 Messier 26 6694 Open Cluster 18 45 -9.4 Sct 8.0 15 Messier 27 Dumbbell 6853 Planetary Nebula 20 00 22.7 Vul 7.6 15 Messier 28 6626 Globular Cluster 18 25 -24.9 Sgr 6.9 1 1 Messier 29 6913 Open Cluster 20 24 38.5 Cyg 6.6 7 Messier 30 7099 Globular Cluster 21 40 -23.2 Cap 7.5 11 Messier 31 Andromeda 224 Galaxy 00 43 41.3 And 3.5 180 Messier 32 221 Galaxy 00 43 40.9 And 8.2 8 Messier 33 Triangulum 598 Galaxy 01 34 30.7 Tri 5.7 62 Messier 34 1039 Open Cluster 02 42 42.8 Per 5.2 35 Messier 35 2168 Open Cluster 06 09 24.3 Gem 5.1 28 Messier 36 1960 Open Cluster 05 36 34.1 Aur 6.0 12 Messier 37 2099 Open Cluster 05 52 32.6 Aur 5.6 24 Messier 38 1912 Open Cluster 05 29 35.8 Aur 6.4 21 Messier 39 7092 Open Cluster 21 32 48.4 Cyg 4.6 32 Messier 40 2 stars 12 22 58.1 UMa 0.8 9 Messier 41 2287 Open Cluster 06 47 -20.7 CMa 4.5 38 Messier 42 Orion 1976 Emission Nebula 05 35 -5.5 Ori 4.0 66 Messier 43 Orion 1982 Emission Nebula 05 36 -5.3 Ori 9.0 20 Messier 44 Praesepe 2632 Open Cluster 08 40 20.0 Cnc 3.1 95 Messier 45 Pleiades Open Cluster 03 47 24.1 Tau 1.2 110 Messier 46 2437 Open Cluster 07 42 -14.8 Pup 6.1 27 Messier 47 2422 Open Cluster 07 37 -14.5 Pup 4.4 30 Messier 48 2548 Open Cluster 08 14 -5 .8 Hya 5.8 54 Messier 49 4472 Galaxy 12 30 8.0 Vir 8.4 9 Messier 50 2323 Open Cluster 07 03 -8.3 Mon 5.9 16


Table A 1.1. (continued)

Object Name NGC Type RAwoo Dec2000 Constellation Visual" Size .,

H m degrees mag (')

Messier 51 Whirlpool 5194 Galaxy 13 30 47.2 CVn 8.4 11 Messier 52 7654 Open Cluster 23 24 61.6 Cas 6.9 13 Messier 53 5024 Globular Cluster 13 13 18.2 Com 7.7 13 Messier 54 6715 Globular Cluster 18 55 -30.5 Sgr 7.7 9 Messier 55 6809 Globular Cluster 19 40 -31.0 5gr 7.0 19 Messier 56 6779 Globular Cluster 19 17 30.2 Lyr 8.3 7 Messier 57 Ring 6720 Planetory Nebula 18 54 33.0 Lyr 9.7 3 Messier 58 4579 Galaxy 12 38 11.8 Vir 9.8 5 Messier 59 4621 Galaxy 12 42 11.7 Vir 9.8 5 Messier 60 4649 Galoxy 12 44 11.6 Vir 8.8 7 Messier 61 4303 Galaxy 12 22 4.5 Vir 9.7 6 Messier 62 6266 Globular Cluster 17 01 -30.1 Oph 6.6 14 Messier 63 Sunflower 5055 Galaxy 13 16 42.0 CVn 8.6 12 Messier 64 Black-eye 4B26 Galaxy 12 57 21.7 Com 8.5 9 Messier 65 3623 Galaxy II 19 13.1 Leo 9.3 10 Messier 66 3627 Galaxy 11 20 13.0 Leo 9.0 9 Messier 67 2682 Open Cluster 08 50 11.8 Cnc 6.9 30 Messier 68 4590 Globular Cluster 12 40 -26.8 Hya 8.2 12 Messier 69 6637 Globular Cluster 18 31 -32.4 5gr 7.7 7 Messier 70 6681 Globular Cluster 18 43 -32.3 5gr 8.8 8 Messier 71 6838 Globular Cluster 19 54 18.8 Sge 8.3 7 Messier 72 6981 Globular Cluster 20 54 -12.5 Aqr 9.4 6 Messier 73 6994 Open Cluster 20 59 -12.6 Aqr 8.9 3 Messier 74 628 Galaxy 01 37 15.8 Psc 9.2 10 Messier 75 6864 Globular Cluster 20 06 -21.9 Sgr 8.6 6 Messier 76 liHle Dumbbell 650 Planetary Nebula 01 42 51.6 Per 12.2 5 Messier 77 1068 Galaxy 02 43 0.0 Cet 8.8 7 Messier 78 2068 Reflection Nebula 05 47 0.1 Ori 8.0 8 Messier 79 1904 Globular Cluster 05 25 -24.6 Lep 8.0 9 Messier 80 6093 Globular Cluster 16 17 -23.0 Sco 7.2 9 Messier 81 Bode's 3031 Galaxy 09 56 69.1 UMa 6.9 26 Messier 82 3034 Galaxy 09 56 69.7 UMa 8.4 11 Messier 83 5236 Galaxy 13 37 -29.9 Hya 8.2 11 Messier 84 4374 Galaxy 12 25 12.9 Vir 9.3 5 Messier 85 4382 Galaxy 12 25 18.2 Com 9.2 7 Messier 86 4406 Galaxy 12 26 13.0 Vir 9.2 7 Messier 87 Virgo A 4486 Galaxy 12 31 12.4 Vir 8.6 7 Messier 88 4501 Galaxy 12 32 14.4 Com 9.5 7 Messier 89 4552 Galaxy 12 36 12.6 Vir 9.8 4 Messier 90 4569 Galaxy 12 37 13.2 Vir 9.5 10 Messier 91 4548 Galaxy 12 35 14.5 Com 10.2 5 Messier 92 6341 Globular Cluster 17 17 43.1 Her 6.5 II Messier 93 2447 Open Cluster 07 45 -23.9 Pup 6.2 22 Messier 94 4736 Galaxy 12 51 411 CVn 8.2 11 Messier 95 3351 Galaxy 10 44 11.7 leo 9.7 7 Messier 96 3368 Galaxy 10 47 11.8 leo 9.2 7 Messier 97 Owl 3587 Planetary Nebula 11 15 55.0 UMa 12 3 Messier 98 4192 Galaxy 12 14 14.9 Com 10.1 10 Messier 99 4254 Galaxy 12 19 14.4 Cam 9.8 5 Messier 100 4321 Galaxy 12 23 15.8 Com 9.4 7



Object Name NGC Type RA2000 Dec2000 Constellation Visual" Size ..

H m d rees ma ("

Messier 101 Pinwheel 5457 Galaxy 14 03 54.4 UMa 7.7 27 Messier 102 5866 Galaxy 15 07 55 .8 Ora 10.0 5 Messier 103 581 Open Cluster 01 33 60.7 Cas 7.4 6 Messier 104 Sombrero 4594 Galaxy 12 40 -11 .6 Vir 8.3 9 Messier 105 3379 Galaxy 10 48 12.6 Leo 9.3 5 Messier 106 4258 Galaxy 12 19 47.3 CVn 8.3 18 Messier 107 6171 Globular Cluster 16 33 -13.1 Oph 8.1 10 Messier 108 3556 Galaxy II 12 55.7 UMa 10.1 8 Messier 109 3992 Gala II 58 53.4 UMa 9.8 8

• This is the integrated magnitude over the whole area of the object. An angularly large object with a bright magnitude may therefore be less eosy to see than a smaller object with a fainter magnitude. The magnitudes of the emission nebulae in particular may be misleoding because they frequently contain brighter and darker regions.

•• This is the largest dimension of the object. Some objects may be filamentary or have a brighter core or outer region making them eosier to see than might be expected.

(Data for this table obtained from Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Vol. 2 (Ed. A. Hirshfeld and R.w. Sinnott, Cambridge University Press, 1985); Astrophysical Quantities (C.W. Allen, Athlone Press, 1973); NGC 2000.0 (R.W. Sinnott, Cambridge University Press, 1988); Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky (R.N. Clark, Cambridge University Press, 1990); Hartung's Astronomical Ob;ecfs for Southern Telescopes (D. Molin and OJ. Frew, Cambridge University Press, 1995); Astrophysica/Journal Supplement, 4, 257, 1959, S. Sharpless.,


Table A 1.2. The Caldwell Objects


H m degrees mag ('I Caldwell 1 188 Open Cluster 00 44 85.3 Cep 8.1 14 Caldwell 2 40 Planetary Nebula 00 13 72.5 Cep 10.7 0.6 Caldwell 3 4236 Galaxy 12 17 69.5 Dra 9.7 19 Caldwell 4 7023 Reflection Nebula 21 02 68.2 Cep 7.0 18 Caldwell 5 IC 342 Galaxy 03 47 68.1 Cam 9.1 18 Caldwell 6 Cot's Eye 6543 Planetary Nebula 17 59 66.6 Dra 8.8 6 Caldwell 7 2403 Galaxy 07 37 65.6 Cam 8.4 18 Caldwell 8 559 Open Cluster 01 30 63.3 Cas 9.5 5 Caldwell 9 Cave Sh2·155 Emission Nebula 22 57 62.6 Cep ",9 50 Caldwell 10 663 Open Cluster 01 46 61.3 Cas 7.1 16 Caldwell 11 Bubble 7635 Emission Nebula 23 21 61.2 Cas 8.5 15 Caldwell 12 6946 Galaxy 20 35 60.2 Cep 8.9 11 Caldwell 13 457 Open Cluster 01 19 58.3 Cas 6.4 13 Caldwell 14 h & X Per 869/884 Open Cluster 02 20 57.1 Per 4.3/4.4 30/30 Caldwell 15 Blinking 6826 Planetary Nebula 19 45 50.5 Cyg 9.8 2 Caldwell 16 7243 Open Cluster 22 15 49.9 lac 6.4 21 Caldwell 17 147 Galaxy 00 33 48.5 Cas 9.3 13 Caldwell 18 185 Galaxy 00 39 48.3 Cas 9.2 12 Caldwell 19 Cacaon IC 5146 Emission Nebula 21 54 47.3 Cyg 7.2 12 Caldwell 20 North America 7000 Emission Nebula 20 59 44.3 Cyg 5.0 120 Caldwell 21 4449 Galaxy 12 28 44.1 CVn 9.4 5 Caldwell 22 Blue Snowball 7662 Planetary Nebula 23 26 42.6 And 9.2 2 Caldwell 23 891 Galaxy 02 23 42.4 And 10.0 14 Caldwell 24 1275 Galaxy 03 20 41.5 Per 11.6 3 Caldwell 25 2419 Globular Cluster 07 38 38.9 lyn 10.4 4 Caldwell 26 4244 Galaxy 12 18 37.8 CVn 10.2 16 Caldwell 27 Crescent 6888 Emission Nebula 20 12 38.4 Cyg '" 11 20 Caldwell 28 752 Open Cluster 01 58 37.7 And 5.7 50 Caldwell 29 5005 Galaxy 13 11 37.1 CVn 9.8 5 Caldwell 30 7331 Galaxy 22 37 34.4 Peg 9.5 11 Caldwell 31 Flaming Star IC 405 Emission Nebula 05 16 34.3 Aur ",7 30 Caldwell 32 4631 Galaxy 12 42 32.5 CVn 9.3 15 Caldwell 33 Veil(EI 6992/5 Supernova Remnant 20 57 31.5 Cyg 8.0 60 Caldwell 34 Veil (WI 6960 Supernova Remnant 20 46 30.7 Cyg 8.0 70 Caldwell 35 4889 Galaxy 13 00 28 .0 Com 11.4 3 Caldwell 36 4559 Galaxy 12 36 28.0 Com 9.9 11 Caldwell 37 6885 Open Cluster 20 12 26.5 Vul 5.7 7 Caldwell 38 4565 Galaxy 12 36 26.0 Com 9.6 16 Caldwell 39 Eskimo 2392 Planetary Nebula 07 29 20.9 Gem 9.9 0.7 Caldwell 40 3626 Galaxy 11 20 18.4 leo 10.9 3 Caldwell 41 Hyades Open Cluster 04 27 16.0 Tau 0.5 330 Caldwell 42 7006 Globular Cluster 21 02 16.2 Del 10.6 3 Caldwell 43 7814 Galaxy 00 03 16.2 Peg 10.5 6 Caldwell 44 7479 Galaxy 23 05 12.3 Peg 11.0 4 Caldwell 45 5248 Galaxy 13 38 8.9 Boo 10.2 7 Caldwell 46 Hubble's variable 2261 Emission Nebula 06 39 8.7 Mon 10.0 2 Caldwell 47 6934 Globular Cluster 20 34 7.4 Del 8.9 6 Caldwell 48 2775 Galaxy 09 10 7.0 Cnc 10.3 5 Caldwell 49 RoseHe 2237-9 Emission Nebula 06 32 5.1 Man ",4 80 Caldwell 50 2244 Open Cluster 06 32 4.9 Mon 4.8 24


Table A 1.2. leontinued)

Object Nome NGC Type RA2000 Dee2000 Constellotion Visuol' Size .. H m degrees mog n

Coldwell 51 IC 1613 Golaxy 01 05 2.1 Cet 9.3 12 Caldwell 52 4697 Galoxy 12 49 -5.8 Vir 9.3 6 Caldwell 53 Spindle 3115 Goloxy 10 05 -7.7 Sex 9.2 8 Caldwell 54 2506 Open Cluster 08 00 -10.8 Mon 7.6 7 Coldwell 55 Soturn 7009 Planetary Nebula 21 04 -11.4 Aqr 8.3 2 Coldwell 56 246 Planetory Nebula 00 47 -11.9 Cet 8.0 4 Coldwell 57 Barnard's 6822 Galaxy 19 45 -14.8 Sgr 9.4 10 Coldwell 58 2360 Open Cluster 07 18 -15.6 CMo 7.2 13 Caldwell 59 Ghost of Jupiter 3242 Planetary Nebulo 10 25 -18.6 Hya 8.6 21 Caldwell 60 Antennae 4038 Galaxy 12 02 -18.9 Cry 10.7 3 Caldwell 61 Antennae 4039 Galaxy 12 02 -18.9 Cry 10.7 3 Coldwell 62 247 Golaxy 00 47 -20.8 Cet 8.9 20 Caldwell 63 Helix 7293 Planetary Nebula 22 30 -20.8 Aqr 7.4 13 Caldwell 64 2362 Open Cluster 07 19 -25.0 CMa 4.1 8 Coldwell 65 Silver Coin 253 Galaxy 00 48 -25.3 Sci 7.1 25 Coldwell 66 5694 Globular Cluster 14 40 -26.5 Hya 10.2 4 Coldwell 67 1097 Galaxy 02 46 -30.3 For 9.3 9 Coldwell 68 R CrA 6729 Reflection Nebulo 19 02 -37.0 CrA ., 11 1 Coldwell 69 Bug 6302 Planetory Nebulo 17 14 -37,1 Seo 12.8 1 Coldwell 70 300 Golaxy 00 55 -37.7 Sci 8.7 20 Coldwell 71 2477 Open Cluster 07 52 -38.6 Pup 5.8 27 Coldwell 72 55 Galoxy 00 15 -39.2 Sci 7.9 32 Coldwell 73 1851 Globulor Cluster 05 14 -40.1 Col 7.3 11 Caldwell 74 Eight-Burst 3132 Plonetory Nebulo 10 08 -40.4 Vel 8.2 0.8 Coldwell 75 6124 Open Cluster 16 26 -40.7 Seo 5.8 29 Coldwell 76 6231 Open Cluster 16 54 -41.8 Seo 2.6 15 Coldwell 77 Cen A 5128 Golaxy 13 26 -43.0 Cen 7.0 18 Caldwell 78 6541 Globular Clusler 18 08 -43.7 CrA 6.6 13 Caldwell 79 3201 Globular Cluster 10 18 -46.4 Vel 6.8 18 Caldwell 80 w Centauri 5139 Globular Cluster 13 27 -47.5 Cen 3.7 36 Coldwell 81 6352 Globulor Cluster 17 26 -48.4 Ara 8.2 7 Caldwell 82 6193 Open Cluster 16 41 -48.8 Aro 5.2 15 Coldwell 83 4945 Goloxy 13 05 -49.5 Cen 8.6 20 Coldwell 84 5286 Globulor Cluster 13 46 -51.4 Cen 7.6 9 Coldwell 85 IC 2391 Open Cluster 08 40 -53.1 Vel 2.5 50 Coldwell 86 6397 Globular Cluster 17 41 -53.7 Ara 5.7 26 Coldwell 87 1261 Globular Cluster 03 12 -55.2 Hor 8.4 7 Caldwell 88 5823 Open Cluster 15 06 -55.6 Cir 7.9 10 Caldwell 89 S Normo 6087 Open Cluster 16 19 -57.9 Nor 5.4 12 Caldwell 90 2867 Plonetary Nebulo 09 21 -58.3 Car 9.7 0.2 Caldwell 91 3532 Open Cluster 11 06 -58.7 Cor 3.0 55 Coldwell 92 Eta Carina 3372 Emission Nebula 10 44 -59.9 Cor 2.5 120 Caldwell 93 6752 Globulor Cluster 19 1 1 -60.0 Pav 5.4 20 Coldwell 94 Jewel Box 4755 Open Cluster 12 54 -60.3 Cru 4.2 10 Coldwell 95 6025 Open Cluster 16 04 -60.5 TrA 5.1 12 Caldwell 96 2516 Open Clusler 07 58 -60.9 Cor 3.8 30 Caldwell 97 3766 Open Cluster 11 36 -61 .6 Cen 5.3 12 Caldwell 98 4609 Open Cluster 12 42 -63.0 Cru 6.9 5 Caldwell 99 Coolsoek Absorption Nebula 12 53 -63.0 Cru 350 Coldwell 100 IC 2944 Open Cluster 11 37 -63.0 Cen 4.5 15




H m degrees mag n Caldwell 101 6744 Galaxy 19 10 -63.9 Pav 8.4 16 Caldwell 102 Southern Pleiades IC 2602 Open Cluster 10 43 -64.4 Car 1.9 50 Caldwell 103 Tarantula 2070 Emission Nebula 05 39 -69.1 Dor 8.2 40 Caldwell 104 362 Globular Cluster 01 03 -70.9 Tuc 6.6 13 Caldwell 105 4833 Globular Cluster 13 00 -70.9 Mus 7.4 14 Caldwell 106 47 Tucanae 104 Globular Cluster 00 24 -72.1 Tuc 4.0 31 Caldwell 107 6101 Globular Cluster 16 26 -72.2 Aps 9.3 11 Caldwell 108 4372 Globular Cluster 12 26 -72.7 Mus 7.8 19 Caldwell 109 3195 Planetary Nebula 10 10 -80.9 Cha 11.6 0.6

This is the integrated magnitude over the whole area of the object. An angularly large object with a bright magnitude may therefore be

less easy to see than a smaller object with a fainter magnitude. The magnitudes of the emission nebulae in particular may be misleading

because they frequently contain brighter and darker regions. The symbol "~" indicates a magnitude estimated from visual descriptions . .. This is the largest dimension of the object. Some objects may be filamentary or have 0 brighter core or outer region making them easier

to see than might be expected.

IData for this table obtained from Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Vol. 2 (Ed. A. Hirshfeld and R.W. Sinnott, Cambridge University Press, 1985); The Coldwell Card (Sky Publishing Corp., 1996); NGC 2000.0 (R.W. Sinnott, Cambridge University Press, 1988); Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky (R.N. Clark, Cambridge University Press, 1990); Hartung's Astronomical Obiects for Southern Telescopes (D. Molin and

D.J. Frew, Cambridge University Press, 1995); AstrophysicolJournol Supplement, 4, 257, 1959, S. Sharpless.)

Letter Lower case Upper case Letter Lower case Upper case

Alpha a A Nu I ' N Beta j3 B Xi g ~

Gamma 'Y r Omicron 0 0 Delta 6 .:1 Pi 7T n Epsilon e E Rho p P Zeta , Z Sigma (T ! Eta ." H Tau T T Theta 8 8 Upsilon v Y Iota I Phi cP cp Kappa K K Chi X X Lambda A it Psi

'" 'i'

Mu P- M Omega w n

A3.1 Journals Only the major and relatively widely available journals are listed. There are numerous more specialised research-level journals available in academic libraries.

Astronomy Astronomy Now Ciel et Espace New Scientist Scientific American Sky and Telescope

A3.2 E hemerises Astronomical Almanac (published each year), H.M.S.O./U.S.

Government Printing Office Handbook of the British Astronomical Association (published

each year), British Astronomical Association Yearbook of Astronomy (published each year), Macmillan

A3.3 Star and Other Catalogues, Atlases and Reference Books

Astrophysical Quantities, CW Allen, Athlone Press, 1973 Burnham's Celestial Handbook, Vols I, 2 and 3, R Burnham,

Dover Press, 1978

Cambridge Deep-Sky Album, J Newton and P Teece, Cambridge University Press, 1983

Greek Myths, Vols 1 and 2, R. Graves, Penguin, 1966 Messier Album: An Observer's Handbook, JH Mallas and

E Kreimer, Sky Publishing Corporation, 1978 Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters, KG Jones, Cambridge

University Press, 1991 Naked Eye Stars, R Lampkin, Gall & Inglis, 1972 Norton's 2000.0, I Ridpath (Ed.), Longman, 1989 Observing Handbook and Catalogue of Deep Sky Objects,

C Luginbuhl and B Skiff, Cambridge University Press, 1990 Photographic Atlas of the Stars, H. Arnold, P Doherty and

P Moore, lOP Publishing, 1997 Sky Atlas 2000.0, W Tirion, Sky Publishing Corporation, 1981 Sky Catalogue 2000, Vols 1 and 2, A Hirshfeld and R W Sinnott,

Cambridge University Press, 1985 Star Tales, I Ridpath, Lutterworth Press, 1988 URANOMETRIA 2000.0, W Tirion, B Rappaport and G Lovi,

Willman-Bell Inc., 1988

A3.4 Introductory Astronom Books

Astronomy: A self-teaching guide, DL Moche, John Wiley & Sons, 1993

Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, M Zeilik, John Wiley & Sons, 1994

Astronomy: Principles and Practice, AE Roy and D Clark, Adam Hilger, 1988

Astronomy through Space and Time, S Engelbrektson, WCB, 1994 Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, M Zeilik, SA Gregory

and EvP Smith, Saunders, 1992 Universe, WJ Kaufmann III, WH Freeman Publishers, 1994

A3.S Practical Astronom Books

Amateur Astronomer's Handbook, JB Sidgwick, Faber & Faber, 1971

Astronomical Telescope, BV Barlow, Wykeham Publications, 1975 Beginner's Guide to Astronomical Telescope Making, J Muirden,

Pelham Press, 1975 Building and Using an Astronomical Observatory, P Doherty,

Stevens Publications, 1986 Challenges of Astronomy, W Schlosser, T Schmidt-Kaler and

EF Malone, Springer-Verlag, 1991 Compendium of Practical Astronomy, GD Roth, Springer-Verlag,

1993 Handbook for Telescope Making, NE Howard, Faber & Faber, 1962

Bibliography

Modern Amateur Astronomer, P Moore (Ed.), Springer-Verlag, 1995

Observational Astronomy, DS Birney, Cambridge University Press, 1991

Practical Astronomer, CA Ronan, Pan, 1981 Practical Astronomy with your Calculator, P Duffett-Smith,

Cambridge University Press, 1981 Practical Astronomy: A User Friendly Handbook for Skywatchers,

HR Mills, Albion Press, 1993 Seeing the Sky: 100 Projects, Activities and Explorations in

Astronomy, F Schaaf, John Wiley & Sons, 1990 Seeing Stars, C Kitchin and RW Forrest, Springer-Verlag, 1997 Star Gazing through Binoculars: A Complete Guide to Binocular

Astronomy, S Mensing, TAB, 1986 Star Hopping: Your Visa to the Universe, RA Garfinkle, Cambridge

University Press, 1993 Telescopes & Techniques, C Kitchin, Springer-Verlag, 1995

Index

Acamar 96 Achernar 58, 96 Acrux 49,94 Acubens 86 Adhafera 99 Adhara 87 Aeroplane 3 Aesculapius 103, 110 Agena 90 Airpump 79 Akrab 109 Alkitn 108 AINa'ir 97 Al rescha 106 Al Suhail 113 Albali 84 Albieba 99 Albireo 94 Alcaid 112 A1chiba 93 Alcor 12, 113 Alcyone 111 Aldebaran 29,42-3,46,62,65-67,111 Alderamin 90 Aldhafera 99 Aldhibain 95 Alfirk 90 Algedi 88 Algeiba 99 Algenib 105 Algol 23, 42-3, 85, 105 Algol type 81 Algorab 93 Alhena 97 Alioth 12, 112 Alkaid 12, 16, 112 Alkalurops 86 Alkes 93 Almach 83 Almeisam 97 Alnasl 108 Alnilam 104 Alnitak 104 Alpha Tri 111 Alphabet, Greek 141 Alphard 98 Alphecca 93 Alpheratz 83 Alrai 90 Alrakis 95 Alrami 108 Alruccabah 113

Alshain 84 Altair 27,29,59,61,84 Altais 95 Altar 84 Alterf 99 Aludra 87 Alula Australis 113 Alula Borealis 112 Alwaid 95 Alya 110 Amymone river 98 Ancha 84 Andromeda 6,9, 16,22-26,29,42-3,

47,68,70,77-8,83,89-90,105, 116-7,134

Great Galaxy in 16,83 visibility diagram for 117

Ankaa 106 Antares 4,33,36,52-53,55,60-61, 109 Antennae 93, 138 Antlia 6, 73, 76, 79, 83 Aphrodite 106 Apollo 93, 107 Apus 6,51,55,58,76,83 Aquarius 5-6,26,47,58,61,64,68,70,

76,84 Aquila 5-6,9,27,29,31-3,47,52,59,

61,76-7,84,116-7 visibility diagram for 118

Ara 6,47,52,55,77,84,116-117 visibility diagram for 118

Ara/Scorpius 5 Arcas 112 Archer 108 Arcturus 16, 34, 85 Argo 4, 58, 88, 107, 113 Argonauts 107 Ariadne 93 Arich 114 Aries 5-6,23,26,43,47,70,84

first point of 26,81 Arion 94 Arkab 108 Arneb 100 Arrow 107 Arsh 100 Artemis 103, 112 Asad Australis 99 Ascella 108 Asclepius 103, 108, 110 Asellus Australis 86 Asellus Borealis 86

Aspidiske 88 Asterion 87 Asterisms 16, 23 Asterope 111 Astraea 113 Athene 105 Atik 106 Atlas 111 Atria 111 Auriga 5-6, 9, 22-3, 29, 40-42, 44,

46-7,85, 115-7 visibility diagram for 116, 119

Auriga pentagon 29,41 Autumnal equinox 100 Avior 88 Avis Indica (Bird of the Indies) 83 Azha 96

Bacchus 93 Balance 100 Barnard's star 4, 108, 138 Baten Kaitos 91 Bayer system 4, 12, 14, 49 Beid 96 Bel 95 Bellatrix 80, 104 Bellerophon 104 Belt of Orion 30 Berenice's Hair 92 13 Lyrae type 81 Betelgeuse 30, 45-6, 64, 80, 103 Big Dipper 10, 112 Biham 105 Binaries, eclipsing 81 Binary stars 82 Binoculars 79 Bird of the Indies (Avis Indica) 83 Bird of Paradise 83 Black-eye 92, 135 Blinking 94, 137 Blue Planetary 90 Blue Snowball 83, 137 Bode's 112, 135 Bonner Durchmusterung catalogue 4 Bootes 6,9,16-17,33-4,36,47,77-8,

85,116-7 visibility diagram for 119

Boundaries 12 outer 15

Bright Star catalogue 4 Brocchi 114

Bubble nebula 89, 137 Bug nebula 109, 138 Bull 110 Butterfly 109, 134

Caelum 6, 64, 76, 86 Caldwell 79-80 Caldwell objects 133-139 California 105 Callisto 112-113 Camelopardalis, see Camelopardus Camelopardus 6,22-23,43,47,86 Canaan 110 Cancer 5-6,39,46-7,76,86,98 Canes Venatici 6,17,36,47,85,87 Canis Major 6,9,30,45-7,58,62-4,

72-3,76-7,87,99, 116-7 visibility diagram for 120

Canis Minor 6,9,29,38-9,47,76-8, 88,99,116-7

visibility diagram for 120 Canopus 62,64,71,73,80,88 Capella 40,42-43, 85 Caph 89 Capricornus 5-6,33,52,58-9,61,70,

76,88 Caput Trianguli III Carina 4,6,47,49-51,58,62-4,71,73,

76-7,88, 107, 113, 116-7 visibility diagram for 121

Cassiopeia 5-6,9,16,18-23,43,47,83, 89-91,105,116-7

changing appearance of 19 visibility diagram for 121

Castor 29, 43-6, 96 Catalogues

Herschel's New General (NGC) 133 star 81,83

Cat's Eye nebula 95,137 Cave 91,137 Cebalrai 103 Celaeno 111 Celestial equators 80 Celestial North Pole 113 CenA 90,138 Centaur 90, 107-8 Centaurus 6,47-53,55,64,73,76-7,

90,93, 116-7 visibility diagram for 122

Centaurus/Crux/Musca 5 Cepheids 81

Cepheus 6,22,30,47,83,89-90, 105 Cepheus/Lacerta 5 Ceres 113 Cetus 6,47, 63,65-8,70,76-8,83, 89,

91, 116-7 visibility diagram for 122

Chamaeleon 6,51,58,64, 76,91 Chara 87 Charioteer 85 Charles I 87 Charles II 87 Cheiron 107-108 Cheleb 103 Chemical furnace 79 Chertan 99 Chimaera 104 Chios 103 Chrysaor 105 Cih 89 Circinus 5-6,51,55,76,91 Circumpolar constellations 10, liS,

117 Civil times 116 Clenched fist 1-2, 11,49, 64 Cleonaean lion 99 Clouds

Magellanic 5 Small Magellanic 52

Clusters galactic 82 galactic star 63 globular 51,82 open 82 star 79,82

Coalsack 82, 94, 138 Cocoon 94, 137 Crelum 86 Crelum Australe Stelliferum 88,91,

96-7,101 - 2,106-7,109, Ill, 113 of 1763 83,86

Columba 6,64, 73, 76, 92 Columba Noachii 92 Coma Berenices 6,17,36,39,47,92 Comets 133

Hyakutake 21 Comet hunters 133 Constellations 5-7,83-116

circumpolar 10, liS, 117 finding 9-78 individual 79-114 major 1,9-78,117 minor 47,76-78 orientation of 11,48 Ptolemy's 88,107,113 sizes of I starter 9,12,16,19,30,50,64,77 zodiacal 5

Cor Caroli 87 Cor Hydrae 98 Cor Leonis 99 Corona Australis 6,55,61,76,92 Corona Borealis 6,17,33,36,47,93 Coronis 93 Corvus 6,51,73,76,93 Coryphenes 95 Crab 86,98, Ill, 134 Crab nebula 82

Crane 97 Crater 6,73, 76,93 Crescent 94, 137 Crete 110 Cross 93 Cross-wires 107 Crotus 108 Crow 93 Crux 6,30,47-51,58,73,76-7,93,

116-7 changing appearance of 48 visibility diagram for 123

Crux/Musca/Centaurus 5 Cup 93 Cupid 106-107 Cursa 96 Cyclops 107 Cygnus 5-6,9,19,22,26-31,33,47,

94, 96, 116-7 visibility diagram for 123

Cynosura 113

Dabih 88 Danae 105 Dardanelles 84 Dark absorbing regions 82 Dark adaption 2-3 Dec 80 Delphi 93 Delphinus 6,26,30,47,61,94 Demeter 113 Deneb 19,27, 29, 94 Deneb Algedi 88 Deneb Kaitos 91 Denebola 99 Designations, Bayer 14 Diana 103,112 Dimensions 80 Dionysus 93 Diphda 91 Dipper 13 Dolphins, 94-95 Dorado 5-6,58,62,64,76,95 Double stars 82 Double-double star 10 I Dove 92 Draco 6, 17,22,30,43, 47,95 Dragon 95 Dschubba 109 Dubhe 4, 12, 112 Dumbbell 114, 134

Eagle 84, 110, 134 Earth's orbit 4 Eclipsing binaries 81 Ecliptic path 4 Edasich 95 EI Nath III Eight-Burst nebula 113,138 Electra III Elliptical galaxies 82-3 Eltamin 95 Engraving tools 86 Enif 105 Epoch 81

Equatorial observers 77-78 Equators, celestial 80 Equinox, autumnal 100 Equuleus 6,26,30,47,61,96 Equuleus Pictoris 106 Erichthonius 85 Eridanus 6,46,67,76,94,96 Eros 106-07 Errai 90 Eskimo 97,137 Eta Carina 89, 138 Etamin 95 Euphrates river 106 Europa 110 Euryale 105 Eurystheus 97 Extrinsic variables 81 Eye, pupil of 2

Filters, red 3 Finding constellations 9-78 Firmamentum Sobiescianum 87,

98-100,109-10,114 First point of Aries 26, 81 Fishes 106 Flaming Star nebula 85, 137 Flamsteed number 4

Flight paths 4 Fly 101 Flying fish 114 Flying horse 104 Fomalhaut 58, 63, 68, 70, 106 Fornax 6,67,76,79,96 Fornax Chemica 96 Fox 114 Furnace 96 Furud 87

Gacrux 49,94 Galactic star clusters 63, 83 Galaxies 5, 79, 82-83

Andromeda 83 elliptical 83 Great Galaxy in Andromeda 16 irregular 83 large spiral 83 MilkyWay 82

Ganymede 84 Garnet star 90 Gaseous nebulae 82 Gemini 5-6,9,29-30,38,43-7,62,

76-8, 96, 116-7 visibility diagram for 124

Gemini/Orion 5 Geometer's compasses 91 Ghost ofJupiter 98,138 Giausar 95 Giedi 88 Gienah 93-94 Giraffe 86 Globular clusters 51 , 82 Goat 88 Golden apples 95 Golden fleece 88, 107, 113 Gorgon 104

Index

Graffias 109 Great Bear 10, 112 Great Galaxy in Andromeda 16 Greek alphabet 141 Greenwich meridian 81 Gregorian reflectors 133 Griffon 107-08 Grumium 95 Grus 6,47,52-53,55-6, 58,61, 70,

76-7,97,116-7 visibility diagram for 124

H II regions 82 h and X Per 105,133,137 Hades 103 Hamal 85 Hare 99 Helius 103 Helix nebula 84, 138 Helle 84 Hellespont 84 Henry Draper catalogue 4 Hephaestos 85 Heracles 86,95, 97-99,107-8 Herbig Ae and Be stars 81 Herschel 133 Hercules 6,28,30,32-4,36,47,55,61,

86, 95,97-9, 107-8 Herdsman 85 Hermes 96, 105 Herschel's New General Catalogue

(NGC) 133 Hesperides 95 Hevelius 87,98-100,109-10,114 Historia Coelestis 4 Homam 105 Horologicum 58 Horologium 6, 76, 97 Hours 81 Hubble's variable 102,137 Hunting dogs 87 Hyades 29,42-43,63,65, Ill, 133,

137 Hyakutake 21 Hydra 6,39,46- 7, 51,64,71-6,86,98,

105 Hydrus 6,55,58,64,76,98

Index Catalogue 79 Indian 98 Individual constellations 79-114 Indus 6, 55, 58, 76, 98 Ino 84 Integrated magnitude 136, 139 International Astronomical Union 12 Intrinsic variables 81 Irregular galaxies 82-3 Ixion 90 Izar 86

Jason 84,108 Jason's ship 107,113 Jewel Box cluster 94, 138 Johannes Sobieski III 109

Index

Jupiter 3,31-33,52,54-5,60-1,94,96, 103-4,110,112

Ghost of 98, 138

Kaus Australis 108 Kaus Borealis 108 Kaus Media 108 Keel 58, 88, 107, 113 Keid 96 King Charles' Wain 10 Kitalpha 96 Kochab 113 Kornephoros 97 Kurhah 90 Kursa 96

Lacaille 83,86,88,91,96-7,101-2, 106-7,109, Ill, 113

Lacerta 6,22,30,47,98 Lacerta/Cepheus 5 Ladon 95 Lagoon 108, 134 Large dog 87 Latitude 80, 115 Leda 94,96 Leo 5-6,9,17,29-30,36-9,47,64,74,

76-7,99,116-7 visibility diagram for 125

Leo Minor 6,17,39,47,76,99 Lepus 6, 46-7,64,67,76,99 Lernaean swamps 98 Lesath 109 Libra 5-6,33,36,47,51,76,100 Lights, zodiacal 5 Lines 1-2 Lion 99 Little bear 113 Little Dumbbell nebula 105, 135 Little horse 96 Little lion 99 Little snake 98 Lizard 98 LMC 5,64 Long-period variable stars 63,81 Longitude 80-1 Lupus 6,47,51-2,55,76-7,100,116-7

visibility diagram for 125 Lynx 6,39,43,47, 100 Lyra 7,9,19,28-31,33,47,82,101,

116-7 visibility diagram for 126

Lyre of Orpheus 101

M31 22 M42 80 Magellan, Ferdinand Magellanic clouds 5

small 52 Magnes 90 Magnitudes 79-80

integrated 136, 139 Maia 111 Major constellations 1,9-78,117 Malus 107

Maps, stars 81 Marchab 105 Marfak 105 Marfik 103 Mariner's compass 107 Markab 105, 113 Mars 3, 74-76 Matar 105 Mebsuta 97 Medusa 89, 104-05 Megara 97 Megrez 12, 112 Meissa 104 Mekbuda 97 Menkab 91 Menkalinan 85 Menkar 91 Menkent 90 Menkib 106 Mensa 5, 7, 58, 62, 64, 77, 10 1 Merak 12, 112 Mercury 3, 96, 105 Meridian, prime 115-17 Merope 103, 111 Mesartim 85 Messier, Charles 79-80, 133 Messier objects 133-139 Miaplacidus 88 Microscopium 7,55,58,61,77,101 Milky Way 5, 82 Milky Way galaxy 82 Minerva 105 Minor constellations 47,76-78 Mintaka 80, 104 Minutes 81 Mira 63, 66-68, 70, 91 Mira stars 81 Mirach 83 Mirfak 105 Mirzam 87 Mizar 12,16,86,112 Monoceros 5,7,39,46-7,64,73,77,

101 Mons Mensae 101 Moon 3-4 Moore, Dr Patrick 133 Muphrid 86 Musca 7,51,64,77,101 Musca Australis 10 1 Musca/Centaurus/Crux Muscida 113

Names 14 of stars 4

Naos 107 Nashira 88 Nebulae

Crab 82 gaseous 82 Orion 82 planetary 82 Ring 82

Nebulous objects 133 Nekkar 86 Nemean lion 99 Nephele 90

Neptune 3,94 Net 107 New General Catalogue (NGC) 79 NGC (New General Catalogue) 79 Night, time of 115 Night vision 3 Nihal 100 Nile 96 Noah's ark 92 Norma 5,7,51,55,77,102 North America 94,137 North Pole 16

celestial 113 Northern Cross 94 Northern Crown 93 Northern hemisphere observers 9-47 Novae 3,81 N ubecula Major 5 Nubecula Minor 5,52 Numbers, Flamsteed 4 Nunki 108 Nusakan 93

Observers equatorial 77-78 Northern hemisphere 9-47 Southern hemisphere 47-77

Octans 7,51,55,58,77,102 Octans Hadleianus 102 Oenopion 103 Olympus 104, 106 w Centauri 51,82,90,138 Omega nebula 108,134 Open clusters 82 Ophiuchus 5,7,27-28,31-3,36,47,

55,60-1,77,103,108,110 Orbits, Earth's 4 Orientations, of constellations 11, 48 Orion 7,9,30,43-7,58,62-3,65-7,

76-7,80,87-8,99,103-4,107-8, 116-7,134

belt of 30 as the Hunter 45 visibility diagram for 126

Orion nebula 82 Orion/Gemini 5 Orion's belt 58 Orpheus, Lyre of 101 Outer boundaries of constellations 15 Owl 112,135

Painter 106 Pan 88 Paris 133 Patterns 2 Pavo 7,47,52-55,58,76-7,104,116-7

visibility diagram for 127 Peacock 104 Pegasus 7,9,19,24-30,47,61,70,77,

104-105,116-117 square of 19, 24 visibility diagram for 127

Perseus 5, 7, 9, 22-3, 29, 42-3, 47, 89, 91,104-105,116-117

visibility diagram for 128

Phact 92 Phad 12 Phaethon 94, 96 Phecda 112 Pherkad 113 Phoenix 7,52,56,58,70,77, 106 Phrixus 84 Pictor 7,64, 77, 106 Pinwheel 112, 136 Pisces 5,7,23,26,47,67-70,81, 106 Pisces Austrinus 47,58,61,63,68,70,

76-77,116-117 visibility diagram for 128

Pisces Volans 114 Piscis Austrinus 7, 106 Plancius 92,94,101

star globe of 1613 86 Planetariums 1 Planetary nebulae 82 Planets 3-4 Pleiades 4,23,29,42-3,46,63,65,82,

111,134 Pleione 4, III Plough 10, 112 Pluto 3, 103 Po River 96 Pointers 2,13,15,29,58 Polaris 2,4,13,15,58,81,113 Pole Star 2, 13,15 Pollux 29,38-39,43-6,96-97 Polydectes 105 Polydeuces 96 Poop 88,107,113 Porrima 114 Poseidon 94, 104 Positions 79-81 Praesepe 87, 134 Precession 81 Prime meridian 115-7 Procyon 29,38-9,46,73,88 Prometheus 107-8 Prop us 97 Proxima Centauri 90 Ptolemy's Almagest 83-101,103-108,

110-113 Ptolemy'S constellations 88, 107, 113 Pulcherrima 86 Pump 83 Pupil, of the eye Puppis 4-5,7,47,58,62-64,73,76-77,

88,107,113,116-117 visibility diagram for 129

Pyxis 4, 7,64, 73, 77, 107 Pyxis Nautica 107

Queen Berenice 92

R CrA 93,138 R CrB stars 81 RA 80 Ram 84 Ras alague 103 Ras alhague 103 Rasalas 99 Rasalgethi 97

Rastaban 95 Red filter 3 Reflectors, Gregorian 133 Regions

dark absorbing 82 H II 82

Regulus 29,37,39,74,76,99 Reticle 107 Reticulum 7,58,64,77, 107 Reticulum rhomboidalis 107 Retina 2 Rigel 45-6,62,64-67,80, 104 Right ascension 79-81 Right declination 79-80 Rigil Kentaurus 80, 90 Ring nebula 82, 101, 135 Rising line 117 Rising Times 115 River Po 96 Rosette nebula 102,137 Rotanev 95 Royal Greenwich Observatory 80, 87 RR Lyrae stars 81 Ruchbah 89 Rukbat 108 Rule 102

S Norma 102, 138 Sabik 103 Sadachbia 84 Sadalbari 105 Sadalmelik 84 Sadalsuud 84 Sadr 94 Sagitta 5,7,30-31,33,47,61,107 Sagittarius 5,7,33,47,52-53,55,

59-61,76-78,107-108,116-117 visibility diagram for 129

Sails 88, 107, 113 Saiph 104 Saturn 3,26,65-70, 84, 138 Saucepan 10, 13 Scales 9, 100 Scheat 105 Schedar 89 Scorpio 103, 107 Scorpion 103,107-108 Scorpius 5,7,33,36,47,51-53,55,

60-61,76-77,108,116-117,133 visibility diagram for 130

Scorpiusl Ara 5 Sculptor 7,58,67,70,77,109 Sculptoris 86 Sculptor's chisel 86 Scutum 5,7,33,47,61,77,109 Scutum Sobieskii 109 Sea monster 91 Sea serpent 98 Seconds 81 Seginus 86 Serpens 7, 110 Serpens caput 33,36,47, 110 Serpens cauda 33,36,47,61,77,110 Serpent 110 Serpent carrier 103 Setting circles 80

Setting line 117 Setting Times 115 Sextans 7,39,47,76-77, 110 Sextans Uranire 110 Sextant 110 Shaula 109 Sheliak 101 Sheratan 85 Shield of arms 109 Ship 107,113 Signs of the Zodiac 4 Silver Coin galaxy 109, 138 Sirius 3-4, 30, 45-46, 58,62-63, 72, 80,

87 Sirrah 83 Skat 84 Sky, throughout the year 115-132 Small dog 88 Small Magellanic Cloud 52 Small telescopes 79 SMC 5,52,55 SNRs (supernova remnants) 82 Solar system 82 Sombrero 114,136 South Pole 55, 58, 102 Southern Cross 49 Southern Crown 92 Southern fish 106 Southern hemisphere observers 47-77 Southern Pleiades 89, 139 Southern triangle III Spacecraft 3 Speculum metal 133 Spica 28,34-35,76,114 Spindle galaxy 110,138 Spiral galaxies 82 Square of Pegasus 19, 24 Star catalogues 81,83

Bonner Durchmusterung 4 Bright Star 4 Henry Draper 4 Uranometria 4

Star clusters 79, 82 Star formations 82 Star globe of 1613 86 Star hopping 2,9,15-16,47,51,53,56,

62-63, 65, 76, 79-80 Star maps 81 Star parties 133 Stars

Barnard's 4 binary 82 double 82 Herbig Ae and Be 81 long-period variable 63 Mira 81 names of 4 RCrB 81 RR Lyrae 81 T Tau 81 variable 81 W Virginis 81

Starter constellations 9,12,16,19,30, 50,64,77

Starting points 29,47 Stern 88,107,113 Stheno 105

Stygian nymphs 105 Sualocin 95 Suhail Hadar 107 Sulafat 101 Summer time 116 Summer Triangle 27,29 Sunflower galaxy 87, 135 Sunrise 115 Sunset 115 Supernova remnants (SNRs) 82 Supernovae 3, 81 Swan 94 Swordfish 95 Syrma 114 System, Bayer 12, 49

T Tau stars 81 Table 101 Table Mountain 101 Talitha 112 Tania Australis 112 Tania Borealis 112 Tarantula 95, 139 Tarazed 84 Taurus 5,7,9,29,42-43,46-47,62-63,

65-67,77-78,110,116-117 visibility diagram for 130

Taygeta 111 Tegmeni 86 Telescopes 111

modern 133 small 79

Telescopium 7,55,77, III Thuban 95 Time of night 115 Time of year 115 Titans 84 Toucan 112 Trapezium 104 Triangle 111 Triangulum 7,23,26,43,47, Ill, 134 Triangulum Australe 7,47,51-53,55,

76-77, 111, 116-117 visibility diagram for 131

Trifid 108, 134 Tucana 5,7,52,55-58,77,112 47 Tucanae 52,58, 112, 139 Twins 96 Typhon 106

Unicorn 101 Unukalhai 110 Uranometria star catalogue 4 Uranus 3 Ursa Major 2,7,9-18,22,30,37-40,

43,47-50,64,77,85,88,112-113, 116-117

changing appearance of 13 visibility diagram for 131

Ursa Minor 7,9,12-18,21-22,47,87, 112-113,116-117

visibility diagram for 132

Variable stars 81

Variables extrinsic 81 intrinsic 81 long-period 81

Vega 27,29,101 Veil (E) 94,137 Veil (W) 94,137

Index

Vela 4-5,7,47,51,58,62-64, 71-73, 76-77,88, 107, 113, 116-117

visibility diagram for 132 Venus 3,106 Vindemiatrix 114 Virgin 113 Virgo 5,7,17,28-29,33-36,47,51,

76-77,113 Virgo A 114, 135 Visibility diagrams

for Andromeda 117 for Aquila 118 for Ara 118 for Auriga 116, 119 for Bootes 119 for Canis Major 120 for Canis Minor 120 for Carina 121 for Cassiopeia 121 for Centaurus 122 for Cetus 122 for Crux 123 for Cygnus 123 for Gemini 124 for Grus 124 for Leo 125 for Lupus 125 for Lyra 126 for Orion 126 for Pavo 127 for Pegasus 127 for Perseus 128 for Pisces Austrinus 128 for Puppis 129 for Sagittarius 129 for Scorpius 130 for Taurus 130 for Triangulum Australe 131 for Ursa Major 131 for Ursa Minor 132 for Vela 132

Volans 7,58,64,77, 114 Vulcan 85 Vulpecula 5,7,30-31,33,47,114 V ulpecula et Anser 114 Vulture 107-08

W Ursae Majoris type 81 W V irginis stars 81 Wasat 97 Water Carrier 84 Water snake 98 Wazn 92 Wezen 87 Whale 91 Whirlpool 87,135 White dwarf 87 Wild Duck star cluster 110,134

Index

Wolf 100 Wolf-Rayet star 62

Year, time of 115 Yed Prior 103 Yes Posterior 103 Yildun 113

Zaniah 114 Zaurak 96 Zavijava 114 Zeus 84, 94, 96, 103-104, 11 0,

112 Zodiac 3-5

signs of 4 Zodiacal constellations

Zodiacal light Zodiacal signs Zosma 99 Zuben el genubi 100 Zuben eschamali 100

Documents

Photo-guide to the Constellations: A Self-Teaching Guide to Finding Your Way Around the Heavens