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The Autumn Sky’s Constellations
During the autumn season, when the sky is often covered by clouds, stargazing can be challenging. However, there are several constellations that can still be observed, including Delphinus, Microscopium, and Capricornus.
In the northern hemisphere, you can see constellations such as Delphinus, Equuleus, Aquila, Cepheus, Lacerta, Pegasus, and Sagitta.
In the southern hemisphere, you can observe constellations like Capricornus, Cygnus, Indus, Microscopium, Pavo, Grus, Aquarius, Octans, Phoenix, and Piscis Austrinus.
In total, there are 7 constellations visible to the naked eye in the north and 9 in the south.
The Zodiac contains a constellation that is often overlooked due to its subtle appearance. Only under the right conditions, on a clear night without the interference of the moon, can its stars be seen. However, despite its inconspicuous nature, this constellation holds numerous fascinating objects.
A notable star within this constellation is Cnc, which is known by its Arabic name Akubens, meaning “claw.” It is a visual double star with a magnitude of 4.3. Its companion, with a magnitude of 12, can be found at a distance of 11 І from the primary star. Interestingly, the primary star itself is also a double, with two identical companions separated by a mere 0.1 l. This close proximity makes it inaccessible to amateur telescopes.
An additional intriguing feature of this constellation is the star z Cnc. It is part of a captivating multiple system, with two stars forming a double system that orbits each other every 59.6 years. In addition, a third component orbits around this pair with a period of approximately 1150 years.
Cancer is home to two well-known dispersed groups. One of them is the Crèche (Praesepe, M 44), which is sometimes referred to as the Beehive. It can be seen as a faint patch just to the west of the line connecting the g and d stars of Cancer. Galileo was the first to separate this group into individual stars. In a modern telescope, it is possible to observe around 350 stars within the magnitude range of 6.3 to 14. About 200 of these stars are members of the cluster, while the remaining stars are either closer or more distant, and are randomly projected onto the cluster. The Crèche is one of the closest star clusters to us, with a distance of 520 light years. As a result, its apparent size in the sky is quite large – three times the size of the moon.
It is worth mentioning that the geographical terms “Tropic of Cancer” and “Tropic of Capricorn” were initially established thousands of years ago when the position of the summer solstice coincided with the constellation Cancer, and the position of the winter solstice coincided with Capricorn. However, due to the phenomenon of Earth’s axial precession, this alignment has shifted. Consequently, geographers currently refer to these lines on the globe, which are situated 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, as the Northern Tropic and the Southern Tropic, respectively.
What do we mean by asterisms?
In the vast expanse of the sky, we can also behold numerous asterisms – captivating arrangements of stars. These star clusters, with their historical names and remarkable luminosity, hold a significant place in the celestial landscape. They often represent objects that were of great importance to ancient seafarers, such as the Bucket, the Cross, and the Belt. In addition to these, there are also asterisms in the form of geometric shapes, like triangles and squares, for instance, the Winter Triangle and the Great Square.
These star groupings played a crucial role in guiding travelers and navigators in the bygone era. The dazzling brilliance of these stars, along with the imaginary lines connecting them across the celestial sphere, aided people in determining their precise location.
The following attributes are identified:
- The designation, which has a historical derivation;
- Can be perceived with the unaided eye;
- Easily recognizable form;
- Encompasses only a portion of the constellation;
- Limited number of celestial objects.
Typically, asterisms are the most brilliant and prominent stars within constellations, such as the Big Dipper. The components of a single asterism may pertain to more than one constellation.
Lyra
A constellation known for its small size, Lyra is located between Hercules and the Swan. In ancient Babylon, it was referred to as the “bearded lamb” or “attacking antelope” (large hawk). The Arabs had their own name for it, calling it “the falling eagle.” This constellation has a rich mythological history and is often associated with the tales of Orpheus. According to legend, Orpheus’ lyre was crafted by Hermes using the shell of a tortoise. In some depictions, multiple myths are combined, such as in the Uranometria Bayer, where the lyre is shown on the breast of an eagle.
Sheliak (b Lyr), a star in the Lyra constellation, has the Arabic name meaning “turtle.” It is an interesting double star system that goes through eclipses, causing its brightness to fluctuate between 3.4 and 4.5 stellar magnitudes. This change occurs over a period of approximately 13 days. The stars in this system are surrounded by a gas ring or envelope that is constantly being lost by the stars themselves.
Close to Sheliak is another star system called e Lyr, which is known as a “double double.” This means that it is a visual double system, where each component is also a close double star. Recently, a fifth companion has been discovered orbiting this system of two double stars.
In the Lyra constellation, between the stars b and g, which form the south side of a parallelogram shape, there is a planetary nebula called the Ring (M 57). This nebula has a circular shape and has a magnitude of 9 stars. It is an expanding gas shell that has been shed and heated by the central star. The temperature of the central star is estimated to be around 100,000 K.
What sets asterisms apart from constellations
Asterisms are distinct formations in the celestial sphere that aid in locating various celestial objects. They are composed of imaginary lines that connect well-spaced stars, which may belong to either one or multiple constellations. In other words, an asterism can be a component of a constellation.
One renowned example of an asterism is the Great Summer Triangle, comprised of the prominent stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair – the alpha stars of the constellations Lyra, Cygnus, and Aquila, respectively. These three brightest stars in the summer sky form an almost isosceles triangle that is highly noticeable.
Another well-known asterism is the Big Bucket within the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper. While the Big Dipper is an entire constellation, the Big Bucket is just a small section of it. Nevertheless, this particular section stands out and distinctly resembles a bucket.
The asterism known as the “W” of the constellation Cassiopeia is equally renowned – everyone has observed it and compared it to the letter. Moreover, this is merely a fraction of the entire constellation.
Another well-known asterism is Orion’s Belt, comprised of three stars arranged in a line.
Indeed, there are numerous asterisms in the night sky. They form simple shapes that are easily remembered and aid in locating various celestial objects or constellations. For instance, the Summer Triangle can be spotted at a glance, with its vertices marked by the principal stars of three constellations. Likewise, Polaris can be easily found using the Big Dipper’s ladle.
An asterism may be part of a single constellation or consist of stars from different constellations. Additionally, the shapes of constellations themselves are often based on asterisms.
What sets asterisms apart from constellations?
As previously mentioned, there is a relatively small distinction between asterisms and constellations, which can lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of studying the universe. To establish a clear delineation between these terms, it is beneficial to understand the individual meanings of each.
A constellation refers to a collection of stars situated within a specific region. This includes not only the stars that form a recognizable pattern, but also those in close proximity. Ancient civilizations observed that certain stars in the sky could be grouped together, thus giving rise to the concept of constellations.
Did you know? The Greek writer Aratus was the first to compile the constellations, describing them in 270 BC.
Claudius Ptolemy made a significant contribution to the compilation of constellations. He spent extensive time studying the sky and identifying star patterns. In approximately 150 AD, Ptolemy discovered and described 48 constellations that astronomers still use today for navigation. Many of these constellations are named after mythical creatures and animals from Greek mythology.
Asterisms are an integral component of constellations and serve as their foundation, comprised of the most prominent stars. These are the stars that can be observed through an amateur telescope. Given that not every astronomer had access to professional equipment during those times, they had to appreciate the asterisms, while the less luminous stars of the constellations remained concealed.
Interesting: Earth’s planetary group – definition, list, description, size, composition, photos, and videos
In ancient times, people would observe the night sky and etch the shapes of different animals and even legendary figures. These depictions served as a way to remember the positions of the stars and constellations, and were accompanied by stories and narratives to aid in memorization.
Orion and Taurus. This plate contains 13 cards.
For instance, different cultures have revered Orion and Taurus for countless generations and have attributed various legends to them. When astronomers started creating their initial maps, they took advantage of the existing myths.
The term “constellation” is derived from the Latin word “constellātiō,” which means “a multitude with stars.” According to Ammianus Marcellinus, a Roman soldier and historian, this word began to be used in the 4th century. It entered the English language in the 14th century and initially referred to planetary unions. Only in the mid-16th century did it start to acquire its present-day meaning.
The Babylonian astronomy was embraced by the Greeks, resulting in the merging and duplication of constellations. Numerous constellations remained elusive to the Greeks, Babylonians, Arabs, and Chinese due to their invisibility. The southern constellations were documented in the 16th century by Dutch navigators Federico de Houtman and Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser. Subsequently, these constellations were incorporated into Uranometria (1603), Johann Bayer’s star atlas.
An engraving depicting Johann Bayer’s “Uranometria,” which displays the recently discovered constellations in the southern hemisphere.
Bayer introduced 11 new constellations, which included the Toucan, Fly, Goldfish, Indian, and Phoenix. Furthermore, he assigned Greek letters to approximately 1,564 stars, ranking them by their brightness (beginning with Alpha). These designations have endured to the present day and are among the 10,000 stars visible to the naked eye. Some stars have been given full names due to their exceptional luminosity, such as Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, and others.
Nicholas Louis de Lacaille, a French astronomer, contributed several new constellations to the field. In 1756, his catalog was published, documenting his discoveries after scanning the southern sky. Among the notable additions are Octanthus, Painter, Furnace, Table Mountain, and Pump.
The total number of constellations is 88, with 36 located in the northern sky and 52 in the southern sky.
How many constellations exist in the sky?
In 1930, the International Astronomical Union officially established a list of 88 constellations, with 13 of them being zodiacal constellations. This list is still used today. The boundaries of each constellation were also modernly defined by Belgian astronomer Eugene Depport. There are currently no plans to modify this list.
However, it wasn’t always so rigid. In the past, different nations had their own mythologies and legends, resulting in different constellations. Additionally, astronomers have made various attempts to create their own rules, such as dividing some constellations and introducing new ones.
In 1799, the renowned French astronomer Jerome de Lalande made the decision to establish the Cat constellation. He did so out of his love for cats and as a tribute for his many years of hard work, believing he could afford to place a cat in the sky. Surprisingly, this constellation was actually created near Hydra and remained in existence for a significant period of time, being depicted in atlases of that era. However, it was eventually removed in 1930 and is no longer visible in the sky.
Similar stories abound throughout history. Even Edmond Halley attempted to establish the Charles’ Oak constellation as a homage to the tree where King Charles II sought refuge during his father’s defeat by Oliver Cromwell’s army. This constellation also existed for a time until the Argo Ship constellation was disassembled, with the Oak being located in that particular section of the sky.
Constellations of the Zodiac
Each person is born under a specific astrological sign. However, what many people may not realize is that each of these signs has its own unique constellation known as a “zodiacal”. Currently, there are a total of 13 constellations that fall under this category:
- Aries;
- Taurus;
- Gemini;
- Cancer;
- Leo;
- Virgo;
- Libra;
- Scorpio;
- Serpens;
- Sagittarius;
- Capricorn;
- Aquarius;
- Pisces.
While most people are familiar with the traditional 12 zodiacal constellations, the addition of Serpens to this group is a relatively recent development. How exactly did this constellation come to be included?
The first star chart was discovered in a cave in France. The primitive drawings left by early humans on the cave walls depicted the night sky, and even in these rudimentary depictions, the outlines of constellations can be observed. The Babylonians, who lived 3,000 years ago, also observed and mapped the stars. The ancient Greeks built upon their work, adding intricate details. Among the constellations known even then were the zodiacal constellations.
These constellations serve as markers for the changing of seasons throughout the year. As the Earth orbits the Sun, different stars become visible during different periods of time. This principle applies to the zodiacal constellations as well. For instance, towards the end of October, the distinct shape of the Scorpio zodiac sign can be easily distinguished. In ancient times, this aided people in determining the time of year and month.
From the observations that have been made, it is evident that the moon does not remain in a fixed constellation at all times. Instead, it continuously transitions from one constellation to another, moving in an easterly direction at a rate of 13 degrees per day. Over the course of 27.32 days, the moon completes a full circle in the sky, passing through a total of 12 constellations. The Sun follows a similar path to the moon, but its movement is much slower, progressing at a rate of 1 degree per day. It takes the Sun an entire year to complete its journey through all the constellations.
What is the origin of star group names?
The names of star constellations have their roots in cultural traditions, mythology, and the shapes of celestial objects. Many of these names have been passed down from ancient Rome, which in turn borrowed them from the ancient Greeks, who were known to adopt ideas from other cultures, such as the ancient Babylonians.
The Babylonian astronomers and astrologers named star groups after mythical heroes, rulers, and animals. The ancient Greeks later adopted this system, replacing the Babylonian heroes with their own.
Ancient Rome contributed to the celestial landscape by adding their own achievements, notable personalities, and creatures. This resulted in the creation of constellations such as Andromeda, Hercules, Hydra, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Centaurus, and others.
During the era of geographical discoveries, new constellations like Peacock, Indian, and Bird of Paradise emerged in the night sky.
The constellations of the modern era have been given straightforward names that are often associated with animals or instruments. Examples of these names include Toucan, Microscope, and Compass.
Constellations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
When observing the sky from one hemisphere, we can only see half of the celestial sphere above us. This hemisphere encompasses approximately 180 degrees, matching the shape of our planet Earth.
In each hemisphere, individuals can only see the constellations that are located directly above them. To view the constellations on the opposite side of the celestial sphere, one must relocate to the other hemisphere.
Imagine yourself standing on an orange and gazing upwards. You can only see the space above the orange, which represents the Southern Hemisphere. The space below the orange is not visible to you.
As a result, astronomers categorize constellations as either exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere or accessible to individuals residing in the Northern Hemisphere.
The constellations of the southern hemisphere include:
- The Canis Major,
- the Lupus,
- Corvus,
- Columba,
- Sacrarium,
- Pictor,
- Grus,
- Lepus,
- Carina,
- Indus,
- Carina,
- Capricornus,
- Pyxis,
- Sagitta,
- Volans,
- Microscopium,
- Musca,
- Puppis,
- Noggin,
- Octans,
- Pavo,
- Vela,
- Fornax,
- Apus,
- Marina,
- Bird of Paradise,
- Caelum,
- Reticulum,
- Horologium,
- Scutum,
- Southern Water Snake,
- Southern Crown,
- Southern Fish,
- Southern Cross,
- Southern Triangle.
The constellations in the Southern Hemisphere include:
- Andromeda,
- Gemini,
- the Big Dipper,
- the Volopassus,
- Veronica’s Hair,
- Hercules,
- Hound Dogs,
- Dolphin,
- Dragon,
- Giraffe,
- Cassiopeia,
- Swan,
- Lyra,
- Foxy,
- Little Bear,
- the Lesser Horse,
- Little Leo,
- Aries,
- Pegasus,
- Perseus,
- Cancer,
- Lynx,
- Northern Crown,
- Sextant,
- Arrow,
- Triangle,
- Cepheus,
- Lizard.
Constellations in the Universe
So, what exactly are constellations? They are significant regions of the starry sky.
Their exploration is not only crucial for navigation and understanding the universe, but each individual constellation is also unique and captivating. It is undeniable that observing them will never be dull.
Furthermore, scientists have discovered that the positions of stars change over time. Admittedly, this process is very gradual and slow. However, it is undeniably fascinating.
The definition of the term “constellation” has evolved over time. In the present day, constellations commonly refer to specific areas of the celestial sphere.
During ancient times, individuals would observe the night sky and mentally link the stars together, creating various imaginary shapes and patterns. These formations were commonly referred to as constellations, which encompassed a specific group of stars. However, the system that emerged from this practice was intricate and flawed due to a lack of organization. As a result, confusion often arose when certain stars were included in multiple constellations, while other celestial elements were overlooked and forgotten. Furthermore, the storage and categorization of existing knowledge posed significant challenges in ancient times.
In 1922, a unified system was finally established for dividing the sky into separate areas, thanks to the efforts of the International Astronomical Union. This system consisted of a total of 88 approved constellations. However, in Russia, only 54 of these constellations are recognized and displayed. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 most well-known and iconic constellations that grace the night sky.
10. Dragon
Dragons are mythical creatures that have fascinated people for centuries. They are often depicted as large, reptilian creatures with wings and the ability to breathe fire. In many cultures, dragons are seen as symbols of power, strength, and wisdom.
One common belief about dragons is that they hoard treasure. In stories and legends, dragons are often portrayed as guarding a vast hoard of gold and jewels. This has led to the popular image of a dragon sitting on a pile of treasure.
Dragons have also been featured in many works of literature, from ancient myths to modern fantasy novels. They are often portrayed as fierce and dangerous creatures, capable of wreaking havoc and destruction. However, they have also been depicted as wise and noble beings, capable of great acts of heroism.
In recent years, dragons have become even more popular thanks to popular culture. They have been featured in movies, TV shows, and video games, capturing the imagination of audiences around the world. From the fire-breathing dragons of “Game of Thrones” to the friendly dragon Toothless in “How to Train Your Dragon,” these creatures continue to captivate and inspire.
Whether they are seen as fearsome beasts or noble creatures, dragons hold a special place in human imagination. Their power, mystery, and beauty continue to make them a beloved symbol in art, literature, and popular culture.
The dragon constellation is one of the largest constellations in the night sky. It covers an impressive area of 1,083 square meters and can leave anyone in awe. This constellation is located in the northern hemisphere, positioned between the Big and Little Bears. Unfortunately, it is quite challenging to observe.
The stars that form the Dragon constellation are not particularly bright. They emit a dim and dull light, with only 80 stars having a brightness value exceeding 6 m.
The Dragon constellation can be spotted near Ursa Major in the starry sky. Its shape is depicted as a curved line ending in a quadrangle, which represents the head of the dragon. The body of the dragon is located a bit farther away. The best time to observe the Dragon constellation is during the summer and fall months, from May to December.
9. Cepheus
Cepheus, also known as the King of Ethiopia, is a constellation located in the northern sky. It is one of the 48 constellations listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Cepheus is named after the mythical king Cepheus, who was the husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. The constellation is easily recognizable due to its distinct shape, which resembles a house with a peaked roof. Cepheus is best seen during the autumn months in the northern hemisphere, when it is high in the sky.
The region of the northern hemisphere is where Cepheus resides. It encompasses an area of 588 square degrees. For those who want to appreciate its beauty, there are 148 elements available. The constellation is situated in the shape of an irregular pentagon, adjacent to the Little Bear, making it easy to locate.
Cepheus does not contain any stars with a bright, vibrant glow; however, the constellation is visible throughout the year in the Russian Federation.
Fame has been achieved due to the calculations of scientists, who predict that the north pole will eventually move to this constellation in a thousand years.
8. Centaurus
Centaurus is an astronomical constellation located in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is one of the largest constellations, spanning over 1000 square degrees of the sky. The name Centaurus is derived from the Greek word “kentaur” which means “centaur” in English.
The constellation Centaurus is best known for containing the bright star system Alpha Centauri, which is the closest star system to Earth. Alpha Centauri is actually a triple star system, consisting of three stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri. Proxima Centauri is the closest of the three stars and is also the closest star to our solar system.
Centaurus is also home to several other famous stars and deep-sky objects. One of the most notable is Omega Centauri, which is the largest and brightest globular cluster in the Milky Way galaxy. It is often referred to as a “miniature galaxy” because of its tightly packed stars.
Another interesting object in Centaurus is the Centaurus A galaxy, also known as NGC 5128. It is a peculiar galaxy that is believed to be the result of a collision between two galaxies. Centaurus A is a strong source of radio waves and is often observed by radio telescopes.
Overall, Centaurus is a fascinating constellation with many interesting objects to observe. Whether you are a casual stargazer or a professional astronomer, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Centaurus.
Centaurus is a vast constellation spanning 1060 square degrees and boasting an abundance of stars. Unfortunately, it cannot be observed by residents of the northern hemisphere, who are deprived of the opportunity to marvel at its splendor.
This constellation is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and can be located by drawing an imaginary straight line from the Big Dipper to Virgo. In Russia, there is a secret trick for viewing Centaurus – the closer you are to the south, the better visibility you have. However, due to its size and location, residents of the Russian Federation are unable to fully appreciate its beauty.
The name Centaurus was not chosen randomly; it was inspired by the mythical creatures known as centaurs in Greek mythology. According to the most well-known legend, the centaur that found its place in the sky was a wise and immortal being named Chiron. This name has since become a popular choice in movies and literature.
7. Virgo
Virgo is situated on the equator, between Leo and Libra, and covers an area of 1,294 square degrees, making it the second largest constellation. Its significance lies in the fact that it marks the point of the autumnal equinox.
In ancient depictions, Virgo was depicted as a young girl holding a small corn cob. However, this image may be difficult for modern observers to see in the night sky, as it requires a vivid imagination and extraordinary thinking.
The primary reference point for studying Virgo is the first magnitude star Spica, which is one of the brightest stars and ranks sixteenth in terms of brightness. The constellation is composed of a total of 171 stars.
According to myths, the event’s history is recounted, with one legend suggesting that it was the goddess of justice, Dika, who departed from Earth due to mistreatment of humanity. Now residing in heaven, she selected the element of justice, Libra, as her companion.
6. Hydra
The Hydra constellation stretches primarily in length, covering an area of 1300 square degrees. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
In Russia, this constellation can be observed at the end of winter and in early spring. The residents of cities in the southern part of the country will have the best view of it. Without the use of telescopes, the naked eye or binoculars can spot 229 stars. These stars do not have a strong and intense brightness.
The Hydra constellation features a multitude of well-known stars, such as Alpha Hydra, Xi Hydra, Gamma, as well as numerous small scattered clusters.
5. Cassiopeia
The fifth constellation in the list is Cassiopeia.
The constellation Cassiopeia can be seen year-round by residents of the middle latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to observe it is during the autumn season. Its shape is reminiscent of the letter W in the English alphabet. Cassiopeia covers an area of 598 square degrees and contains 90 visible stars, with the largest and brightest being a part of the cluster of 5 stars.
Named after the wife of King Cepheus, Cassiopeia is also the mother of Andromeda. She was known for her excessive pride and was punished by being tied to a revolving throne around a pole. Every day, Cassiopeia would be turned upside down as part of her punishment.
4. Pegasus
Pegasus is a mythical winged horse from Greek mythology. It is often depicted as white and is known for its ability to fly. In Greek mythology, Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was beheaded by the hero Perseus. Pegasus is often associated with poets and artists, and is said to have been tamed by the hero Bellerophon. According to legend, Pegasus helped Bellerophon defeat the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster. Pegasus has become a popular symbol in art and literature, representing freedom, inspiration, and the power of imagination.
The constellation known as Pegasus is a vast expanse of stars situated in the Northern Hemisphere, covering an impressive area of 1120.8 square degrees. A total of 166 stars can be easily observed without the aid of specialized instruments. The optimal time to view Pegasus is during the late summer and late fall seasons.
Pegasus appears as a large square shape with smaller appendages that resemble tentacles. Those with a vivid imagination may even envision the majestic form of a horse.
According to legend, Pegasus was born from the drops of blood that fell from the head of the decapitated Medusa Gorgon. In Greek mythology, Pegasus is depicted as a winged horse capable of soaring through the clouds.
Hercules can be found in the southern hemisphere and covers an area of 1,225 square degrees. This star cluster is easily identifiable as all its components are clearly visible. Residents of the Russian Federation have the opportunity to observe it in its entirety, with the best visibility occurring in June. The Trapezium is particularly prominent and easily seen.
The constellation was originally known as Kneeling. It was described by the renowned ancient poet Aratus in his works as a suffering husband. The specific reasons for his suffering are not mentioned anywhere, and there are no available sources of information on the matter.
It was only in the 5th century BC that the constellation’s name was changed to Hercules. Subsequently, it underwent another name change, reverting back to Hercules.
2. The Great Bear Constellation
Arguably, the most renowned constellation in the night sky is the Big Dipper. Situated in the Northern Hemisphere, it has captivated countless individuals who have sought out the iconic ladle and have always managed to locate it. Spanning an area of 1,280 square degrees, it ranks as the third largest constellation. Even without the aid of instruments, one can observe the stunning composition comprised of 125 stars.
Commonly referred to as an asterism (a prominent group of stars), the Big Dipper also goes by various other names.
The origins of this constellation are detailed in ancient Greek myths. The most popular version recounts how Zeus, seeking to rescue the beautiful nymph Callisto from the wrath of the goddess Hera, transformed her into a Bear.
1. The Tiny Bear
The Little Dipper, also known as The Little Bucket or the Guardians of the Pole, is a well-known constellation in the night sky. This circumpolar constellation can be easily located in the Northern Hemisphere by focusing on the Big Dipper. These neighboring constellations can be admired all year round and are currently positioned near the North Pole.
According to mythology, the Little Dipper is said to be the dog of the nymph Calypso. Zeus, the mighty god, transformed both the nymph and her loyal companion into stars and placed them in the sky. As a result, they acquired eternal life and now watch over our planet from above.
During the month of August, you have the opportunity to observe the five primary constellations that grace the summer night sky. As you gaze up at these celestial formations, it’s as if you can peer into the very essence of the universe. This particular quintet boasts a remarkable assortment of extraordinary and captivating celestial objects.
The constellations that adorn the summer sky: June July August
Southern Corona
The Corona from the South
Corona in the Southern Region
Southern Side of Corona
The top five constellations to observe in August include the Southern Crown, which is one of the smaller and less bright constellations in the southern hemisphere. Covering an area of 128 square degrees, the Southern Corona contains only around forty stars visible to the naked eye.
Similar in appearance to its northern counterpart, the Northern Crown, the Southern Corona also takes the shape of an arc or crown. To locate it, use the star Kaus Australis, the brightest star in Sagittarius, as a guide. The desired constellation of stars will be situated to the southeast of Kaus Australis. Scorpius can be found to the west, while the constellations of Sacrifice and Telesocpus are located to the south.
The Southern Corona can be observed in the southern and south-central regions of Russia. It is best seen during the month of July.
The constellation contains two prominent stars, Alpha and Beta. Alpha, also known as Alfecca Southern, is significantly larger than the Sun, measuring almost three times its size. It is located approximately 125 light years away from Earth. On the other hand, Beta is an orange giant star situated much farther away at a distance of 508 light-years.
In addition to the stars, the Southern Corona constellation is shrouded in a cloud of cosmic dust, which further diminishes its visibility. Within the constellation, there are also three stunning blue-colored nebulae and a single globular cluster.
Lyra
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Lyra
Lyra is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere. It is famous for containing one of the brightest stars in the night sky, Vega.
Lyra can be observed at any time throughout the year, except in Antarctica. This constellation is always visible and never goes below the horizon, but it is best seen during the summer months.
To locate Lyra, you can look for the Summer-Fall Triangle, with Vega being one of its vertices. The constellation has a shape similar to a parallelogram, appearing as if it is “hanging” from Vega.
Beta Lyra is known as Sheliak. It is a binary star system that is encompassed by a nebulous cloud.
Within the Lyra constellation, there is a meteor shower known as Lyrid. It is characterized by a velocity of approximately 10 meteors per hour.
This constellation is also home to the renowned Ring Nebula.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is one of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the symbol of the archer. People born between November 22 and December 21 fall under this sign.
Sagittarius is known for their adventurous and free-spirited nature. They are always seeking new experiences and love to explore the world. They have a strong sense of curiosity and are constantly learning and expanding their horizons.
Sagittarians are optimistic and have a positive outlook on life. They are enthusiastic and always see the bright side of things. They have a natural ability to inspire and motivate others with their contagious energy.
One of the key traits of Sagittarius is their love for freedom and independence. They value their personal space and need room to grow and explore. They are not afraid to take risks and are always up for a challenge.
Sagittarians are also known for their honesty and straightforwardness. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They value honesty and expect the same from others.
In relationships, Sagittarius is loyal and committed. They value their independence but also enjoy the companionship of a partner who shares their love for adventure and exploration.
Overall, Sagittarius is a sign that embodies a sense of adventure, optimism, and independence. They are always on the lookout for new experiences and are driven by their desire to constantly learn and grow.
Sagittarius is among the largest constellations in the southern hemisphere, covering a vast area of 867 square degrees. To observe Sagittarius in the clusters of the Milky Way, it is most convenient to focus on the neighboring constellation of Eagle. The tail of the Eagle will guide us towards the sought-after constellation.
Sagittarius holds a prominent position among the constellations visible in our sky. Firstly, it is situated at the center of our galaxy. Secondly, it is also home to a supermassive black hole. Thirdly, the star Alpha Sagittarius, known as Kaus Australis, serves as a navigational guide. And lastly, it encompasses the most stunning segment of the Milky Way.
Describing the exact resemblance of the constellation is quite challenging due to the vast number of stars visible to the naked eye, exceeding 200.
Additionally, the constellation incorporates three planetary nebulae: Omega, Triple, and Lagoon, along with its own globular clusters.
Furthermore, there are three intriguing facts about this constellation:
Located in the northeastern part, there is an irregular galaxy, and in close proximity, a planet was discovered in 2002.
Amongst the stars within Sagittarius, Ross 154 is noteworthy as it is one of the nearest stars to the Sun, just 9.6 light-years away.
Moreover, in addition to its other distinctions, the constellation holds a leading position in terms of the number of variable stars it contains, boasting a total of 5,559.
Protective Cover
The constellation Shields, which is situated in the southern hemisphere, is located in close proximity to the equator. It is considered one of the smallest constellations, covering an area of only 109 square degrees. Despite its small size, it contains approximately twenty-four discernible stars within its boundaries.
Observation of the Shields constellation is possible throughout Russia, south of the 74th parallel, with the optimal time being in the month of July.
The shape of the Shields constellation bears a striking resemblance to a shield. It can be easily identified by using the Tail of the Snake and the Eagle constellation as reference points. Additionally, the Shields constellation is fully aligned with the Milky Way, making it quite challenging to spot the few faint stars it contains.
The brightest star in the Shields constellation, Alpha Shield, is named Janina. It is classified as an orange giant and has a magnitude of 4 stars.
Beta Shield is a binary star system made up of a luminous yellow giant and a blue-white companion. This stellar duo is situated 690 light-years distant from our planet Earth.
Within the vast expanse of the Shield, two noteworthy star clusters can be observed. One such cluster is identified as the Wild Duck cluster, renowned for its abundance of stars and its prominent position in the celestial sphere.
Optical Instrument for Observation of Distant Objects
The Telescope constellation consists of five constellations that are visible in August. This constellation is located in the southern hemisphere and covers an area of 252 square degrees. It contains approximately 50 stars that can be easily seen without the need for telescopes.
The shape of the Telescope constellation resembles a long line and is situated north of the Sacristy and south of the Southern Corona. It can only be observed in the southern hemisphere and is not visible from Russia.
The brightest stars in the Telescope constellation have a magnitude of only 4 and 5. The Alpha Telescope star is a blue-white subgiant that is located 249 light years away from Earth.
There are also several double stars within this constellation, and the Xi Telescope is a unique irregular variable star.
