The Night Sky Month by Month [1 ed.] 0744035031, 9780744035032

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THE

NIGHT SKY MONTH BY MONTH WILL GATER with GILES SPARROW

Content previously published in UNIVERSE

2011 EDITION Editors

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Looking at the Sun with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope can cause eye damage. The authors and publishers cannot accept any liability for readers who do not take precautions to observe safely. Modifying cameras or other equipment may invalidate the manufacturers’ warranty and readers do so at their own risk. This American edition, 2021 First American Edition, 2011 Published in the United States by DK Publishing 1450 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY 10018 Copyright © 2011, 2019, 2021 Dorling Kindersley Limited DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC 21 22 23 24 25 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 001–322064–Sep/2021

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CONTENTS LOOKING UP Looking into Space

8

Looking at Stars

10

The Changing Sky

12

Getting Started

14

MONTHLY SKY GUIDES Using the Sky Guides

18

January Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

20 22 24 26

February Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

28 30 32 34

March Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

36 38 40 42

April Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

44 46 48 50

May Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes June Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66

July Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

68 70 72 74

August Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

76 78 80 82

September Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

84 86 88 90

October Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

92 94 96 98

November Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

100 102 104 106

December Overviews Highlights Northern Latitudes Southern Latitudes

108 110 112 114

ALMANAC 2021–2022

116

2023–2024

118

2025–2026

120

2027–2028

122

2029

124

Glossary Index Acknowledgments

125 126 128

CONTRIBUTORS Will Gater is an astronomy journalist and author. He has written for several of the UK’s top astronomy and science magazines and promotes both of these subjects with frequent appearances on television and radio. His blog and website can be found at www. willgater.com. Will is also the author of The Practical Astronomer, published by DK Publishing.

Giles Sparrow is a writer specializing in astronomy and space science. He has degrees in astronomy and science communication and has worked for 15 years as an editor and author. An avid follower of the unfolding story of space exploration, he has written on space technology and the history of spaceflight in a wide range of books, including DK Publishing’s bestselling Universe.

LOOKING UP By watching the night skies and observing stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies, stargazers can start to understand the vast Universe and all it encompasses. Astronomers picture the night sky as a starry sphere around Earth—“the celestial sphere”—which allows them to find their way around it and track the movements of night-sky objects as the Earth rotates.

Leonid meteor shower Shooting stars, here seen over Joshua Tree National Park in the USA, light up the sky. Eagerly anticipated every year, the Leonid meteor shower originates in the constellation Leo and annually peaks around November 17.

8

L OO K I NG U P

LOOKING INTO SPACE The Earth is a part of a much greater Universe than our eyes alone reveal to us. Knowing our place within it helps us understand what we are seeing.

NGC 147

The Andromeda Galaxy lies 2.5 million light-years away from Earth, in the Milky Way

NGC 185

Andromeda I The stellar neighborhood lies in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way, around 26,000 light-years from its center

Andromeda II Andromeda III Triangulum Galaxy Galactic nucleus

THE SCALE OF THE UNIVERSE The Universe we live in is immense, extending far beyond the farthest edge of our Solar System. On a clear night, many stars are visible to the naked eye, and sometimes the faint glowing band of the Milky Way galaxy can be seen. From a very dark site, the Andromeda Galaxy, a staggering 2.5 million light-years away, is also visible. It is one of the most distant deep-sky objects that is visible to the naked eye. A telescope or a pair of binoculars allows us to see objects that are even farther away, such as other galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters in our galaxy, the Milky Way. However, there is much more to Alpha be seen, and amateur astronomers can see Centauri only a small fraction of it. Sun

Sirius

5,000 light-years THE MILKY WAY The Milky Way galaxy is a disk of gas, dust, and stars with a bulging nucleus. It can be seen as a faint band of light stretching across the sky on a clear night. The Sun is just one of the 200– 400 billion stars that the Milky Way contains.

Orbit of Neptune

Asteroid belt Sun Earth 5 light-years

THE STELLAR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Earth

Beyond the edge of the Solar System, we leave the sphere of the Sun’s influence and move out into the stellar neighborhood. There are 106 stars within 20 light-years of the Sun, of which the closest is Proxima Centauri. A member of the Alpha (α) Centauri star system in the constellation Centaurus, Proxima Centauri sits 4.2 light-years away.

1 light-hour

THE SOLAR SYSTEM The Moon moves around Earth in a slightly elliptical orbit

0.5 light-seconds THE EARTH AND MOON The Moon is the nearest celestial body to Earth, sitting 238,900 miles (384,400km) away. Light takes just over a second to reach Earth from the Moon.

The planets, moons, dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids that orbit the Sun are known as the Solar System. The most distant planet from the Sun is the gas giant Neptune, located an average of 2,794 million miles (4,497 million km) away from the Sun.

L OOK IN G IN T O S P A C E

THE LOCAL GROUP OF GALAXIES

THE LOCAL SUPERCLUSTER

The Milky Way is a part of a much larger gathering of around 40 galaxies that exist in the nearby Universe. These are known collectively as the Local Group. Some of the Local Group galaxies can be seen easily in the night sky, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, M31, and the Triangulum Galaxy, M33.

The Local Group is itself a part of a larger group, formed by thousands of galaxies. Known as the Virgo Supercluster, this swarm of galaxies is 100 million light-years wide. This supercluster nestles in vast interconnected filaments of other superclusters, which stretch across the Universe.

Ursa Minor dwarf galaxy The Milky Way

250,000 light-years Leo A 10 million light-years

MEASURING DISTANCE Because the Universe is such a large place, the units of distance we use in everyday life, such as miles or kilometers, are not very helpful in communicating the vast distances between stars and galaxies. Instead, astronomers use units called light-years to mark the vast distances between the stars and galaxies. One light-year is equal to the distance that a ray of light travels over the course of one year. The speed of light is an incredible 186,000 miles (300,000km) per second, so one light-year is a huge distance. As the distances (see below) between the galaxies and even nearby stars are so great,

light takes a long time to travel across space. When we see the light from an object like a star, it may have taken decades, centuries, or millions of years to reach us. Essentially, we are peering back in time because we see the object as it was when that light left it, not what it looks like “now.” So for an object like the Andromeda Galaxy, which is 2.5 million light-years away, we are seeing it as it was 2.5 million years ago. In contrast, the Sun’s light takes just 8.5 minutes to reach earth. In the chart below, the first division represents 6,200 miles (10,000km). Each further division marks a 10x increase in scale.

Peering into the depths The objects we see in the night sky are not all at the same distance from us. We can see everything from meteors shooting through our atmosphere to distant stars in our own galaxy.

DISTANCE FROM THE CENTER OF EARTH

Earth: radius 3,963 miles (6,378 km)

0

Moon:

Venus:

Sun:

238,900 26 million miles miles (384,400 km) (42 million km)

93 million miles (149.6 million km)

6,200 miles (10,000 km)

620,000 miles (106 km)

Saturn:

Kuiper Belt:

745 million miles (1.2 billion km)

approx 5.5 billion miles (9 billion km)

62 million miles (108 km)

1,000-light- Center of the Oort Nearest star year sphere: Milky Way: Cloud: (Proxima approx 1 28,000 Centauri): 90% of naked-eye light-year

6.2 billion miles (1010 km)

4.2 light-years

6.2 x 1011 miles (1012 km)

stars are within 1,000 lightyears of Earth

62 trillion miles (1014 km)

light-years

6.2 x 1015 miles (1016 km)

Andromeda Galaxy:

Virgo Cluster:

Nearest quasar:

Edge of the visible Universe:

2.5 million light-years

52 million light-years

1 billion light-years

47 billion light-years 276 billion trillion miles (445 billion trillion km)

6.2 x 1017 miles (1018 km)

6.2 x 1019 miles (1020 km)

6.2 x 1021 miles (1022 km)

9

10

L OO K I NG U P

LOOKING AT STARS When we look at the sky on a clear night we are greeted by countless stars. Stargazers use several methods to navigate their way around the magnificent night sky. THE CELESTIAL SPHERE The coordinate system of latitude and longitude helps us locate an object on the Earth’s surface. This system is based around a simple imaginary grid, where latitude—the horizontal lines on the grid—is measured north or south from the equator. Longitude, the vertical grid lines, is measured east or west from a point known as the prime meridian—a circle running through the North and South Poles and Greenwich in England. Similarly, astronomers project an imaginary sphere, also known as the celestial sphere, onto the sky. It has its own grid lines: the prime meridian, known as the “celestial

meridian,” and the equator, known as the “celestial equator.” Instead of latitude, astronomers use declination, which is measured in degrees and minutes, while longitude becomes right ascension, or RA, and is measured in hours and minutes. These coordinates help astronomers to locate celestial objects in space. Earth’s axis of spin

Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5°

OUR VIEW OF THE CELESTIAL SPHERE Your view of the night sky depends on where you are on Earth’s surface. If you are located in the Southern Hemisphere, you see a different portion of the celestial sphere to someone who is observing the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere. However, from the equator you can view the entire celestial sphere over the course of a year. Limited view Your location on Earth determines the part of the celestial sphere that you can see.

Line perpendicular to ecliptic plane (plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun) Celestial sphere

North Celestial Pole lies directly above Earth’s North Pole

Stars appear to be fixed on the sphere, which moves in the opposite direction to Earth’s spin

Earth’s spin

Autumnal equinox (first point of Libra) Earth’s North Pole

Earth’s equator

The Sun and planets are not fixed on the celestial sphere, but move around on, or close to, the circular path known as the ecliptic

Earth

Celestial equator—a circle on the celestial sphere concentric with Earth’s equator

Defining positions To create a coordinate system where objects can be located on the night sky, astronomers imagine that Earth is embedded in an imaginary “celestial” sphere (as shown here).

Vernal or spring equinox (first point of Aries), one of the two points of intersection between celestial and ecliptic

Sun’s motion

South Celestial Pole lies below Earth’s South Pole

L OOK IN G A T S T A R S

MEASURING SIZES When observing the night sky for the first time it can be tricky to gauge how big a constellation or an object is by just looking at a star chart. However, there are some easy ways to measure apparent sizes on the sky. Held at arm’s length against the background of the sky, the hands and fingers can act as convenient measuring scales. For example, an index finger covers the Moon, which is only half a degree

Handspan A fully outstretched hand held at arm’s length spans about 22° of the sky.

Finger joints A side-on fingertip is about 3° wide; the second joint is 4°, the third joint 6°.

Finger width One finger at arm’s length will cover the Moon, which is less than 1° across.

STARHOPPING To navigate around the night sky using a star chart, you can use a method known as starhopping. This is a technique used by experts and beginners alike, and can come in handy when you are trying to find faint telescopic targets that may not be visible to the naked eye. The basic method is to first check a star chart (see pp.16-114) that shows the object you are trying to find, as well as any bright stars nearby. Then, start by finding a star or pattern of stars in the sky that you

across, while the width of an outstretched hand is roughly 22º across. Distances between objects on the night sky are measured in units called degrees. For example, the Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, appears roughly 3° across on the sky. A degree can be broken down into 60 arcminutes (with the symbol ‘), and each arcminute can be broken down into 60 arcseconds (with the symbol “). These units are sometimes written in slightly different ways and you might see them as minutes of arc, arcmin, seconds of arc, or arsec. These smaller units are often encountered when 1 degree dealing with the separation 90 degrees between double stars or the 360 degrees size of a nebula or cluster.

recognize and can easily locate. Once you find one recognizable star, you can then hop to another, possibly fainter star nearby, continuing to other stars until you eventually find your target. This is a great way to learn your way around the night sky, and is also handy when you use a pair of binoculars or a telescope. A more detailed printed chart from planetarium software will help you find objects when you are starhopping using a telescope, such as faint galaxies.

URSA MINOR

ANGULAR DISTANCES OBJECT OR DISTANCE

APPROXIMATE ANGULAR SIZE

Distance from the pointers in the Big Dipper to Polaris

28º

Distance between the Crux pointers

6º

Distance between pointers in the Big Dipper

5º

Your little finger at arm’s length

1º

The Moon (average size)

31’

The Sun (average size)

32’

Distance between Jupiter and Ganymede (the brightest of its main moons)

6’

Resolution of the naked eye (this means the ability of your eye to split two objects that are as close together as this)

3’ 25”

UNDERSTANDING CELESTIAL COORDINATES To understand right ascension and declination you need to know the reference points from which they are measured. The “zero” point for declination lies on a line on the celestial sphere called the celestial equator. You can think of it simply as Earth’s equator projected onto the imaginary celestial sphere. Objects above the celestial equator, toward the North Celestial Pole, have a positive declination, and those below, toward the South Celestial Pole have negative declination. For right ascension, the zero mark is a line called the “celestial meridian” marked at the moment where the Sun crosses the celestial equator.

Pherkad Kochab

Polaris (The North Star) North Celestial Pole

Celestial meridian, the line of 0° right ascension Star position

START AT URSA MAJOR (THE BIG DIPPER) Alkaid

Mizar Alioth 45°

Megrez

Phad

Dubhe

Merak

Stellar signposts Arguably the most well-known “starhop” is the one that helps you find the “pole star” Polaris, which sits in Ursa Minor. Use the pointer stars of the Big Dipper asterism, Merak and Dubhe, in Ursa Major.

Celestial equator Declination angle 45° above celestial equator

Angle of right ascension (1 hour)

A star's position To find an object on the celestial sphere we need to know its RA and declination (see left). The star in the diagram above has a right ascension of 1 hour and a declination of +45°.

11

12

L OO K I NG U P

THE CHANGING SKY The night sky changes over time, revealing a panorama of celestial objects. Understanding the sky’s movement helps us predict what will be visible and when.

Motion at the north pole At the north pole, the stars circle in a counterclockwise motion around a point above you. At the south pole, they move in the opposite direction.

North celestial pole

w

DAILY SKY MOVEMENTS The stars seem to move across the sky as the night progresses. This is caused by Earth’s rotation on its axis. Once every 24 hours, Earth completes one rotation on its axis relative to the Sun. This is known as a mean solar day. Astronomers also measure the time taken for one rotation of Earth relative to the stars. This is known as a sidereal day, and is slightly

shorter than a solar day, at 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds. This means a star will rise four minutes earlier each night. The difference between solar and sidereal days occurs because Earth has moved a little in its orbit around the Sun. The motion of the stars across the sky, over the course of an evening, depends on your location on Earth’s surface (see right).

Moving constellation Because of a 4-minute difference between the length of a sidereal and a solar day, the constellations move westward a little from one night to the next. APRIL 1, 8PM

APRIL 8, 8PM

w

S

Libra

Sun

N

E

Motion at the equator If you are standing at the equator, the stars will rise straight up from the east, pass overhead, and then move straight down to set in the west.

w

S

Direction of the Sun’s movement

N

E

Motion at mid-latitudes If you are observing from mid-latitudes, you will see the stars rise in the east and set in the west. Stars that never set are known as “circumpolar.”

Point of the Northern Hemisphere’s autumnal equinox Earth’s rotation on its axis

Leo

Cancer Gemini Earth’s equator

Sun Aries

Earth at Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice (June 21)

Hemisphere visible from equator at midnight on the winter solstice Earth’s orbit

Scorpius Ophiuchus

Virgo

N

E

Circumpolar area

APRIL 15, 8PM

YEARLY SKY MOVEMENTS Not only do the stars move across the sky during the course of a single night, they also shift slowly around the sky over the course of a year. This means that at one time of the year, a constellation or a region of the sky may be visible when it is dark, say at midnight, while at another time it is hidden behind the Sun. This is because Earth moves around the Sun, so it appears as if the Sun moves against the background night sky. Earth at Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice (December 21/22)

S

Taurus Celestial equator

Earth’s axis Capricornus Hemisphere visible from equator at midnight on the summer solstice

June and December skies If you were on the equator at midnight in June you would see exactly the opposite half of the celestial sphere from the one you would see at midnight in December.

Ecliptic

Sagittarius Aquarius

Point of the Northern Hemisphere’s vernal equinox

Pisces

Zodiac As the Sun appears to move against the background stars over the year it passes through several constellations. This band of constellations is known as the zodiac.

T H E C H A N G IN G S K Y

ECLIPSES As the Moon orbits Earth, it occasionally blocks the Sun’s light. The Moon’s shadow is cast onto Earth and anyone within the shadow will see a solar eclipse. Standing in the darker part of the Moon’s shadow, the umbra, you will see a total solar eclipse with the Sun completely covered by the Moon. If you are in the outer, lighter shadow, known as the penumbra, you will see a partial solar eclipse with only a portion of the Sun

Moon

Penumbra (outer, lighter shadow)

obscured by the Moon’s disk. If the Moon is too far away it cannot completely cover the Sun and an annular solar eclipse is seen from Earth. Similarly, if the Moon’s orbit takes it into the shadow cast into space by Earth, a lunar eclipse occurs. Eclipses require certain precise alignments of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, which is why an eclipse does not occur every time there is a full Moon or a new Moon.

Area of totality

Earth

Total lunar eclipse During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can often be tinted a wonderful copper-red colou. This is the highlight of one of the greatest spectacles that can be seen in the night sky.

Penumbra (outer, lighter shadow)

Earth

A slight darkening of the moon occurs in the light outer shadow

Sunlight

Sunlight

Umbra (inner, darker shadow)

Solar eclipse Observers in the Moon’s umbral shadow see the Sun totally covered by the Moon. Those in the penumbra region only see a partial eclipse— where the Moon partly obscures the Sun’s disk.

PLANETARY MOTIONS Most of the planets can be seen in the night sky with nothing more than the naked eye. The planets Mercury and Venus are termed the “inferior planets” because they go around the Sun in orbits that are closer to the Sun than Earth’s orbit. Because of their proximity to the Sun, they are typically seen low in the sky before sunrise and after sunset. Mars and the planets beyond it are called

Umbra (inner, darker shadow)

Area of partial eclipse

“superior planets.” They can stray far from the Sun in the sky and can be seen late at night. As most of the planets orbit in roughly the same plane as they go around the Sun they can all be found relatively close to the line of the ecliptic (the path of the Sun on the sky). For more on their locations in the night sky, see the planet locator charts in the Monthly Sky Guides section of this book (pp.20–115).

The Moon is darkest within the umbra

Full Moon

Lunar eclipse During a lunar eclipse, the Moon enters the Earth’s lighter shadow, the penumbra. It then enters the darker region, or umbra, where it typically goes deep red. Finally, it moves out into the penumbra again.

Superior conjunction

Planet Sun

Greatest western elongation

Greatest eastern elongation

Inferior conjunction

Angle of elongation Earth

INFERIOR ORBIT Conjunction

Sun Earth Opposition (closest to Earth)

Planet

SUPERIOR ORBIT Mercury and Venus Many of the planets can be seen very easily with the naked eye. In this photograph, the planets Mercury and Venus sit near each other in the sky after sunset—a striking sight.

Planetary positions These diagrams show several key positions in the orbits of the planets. Inferior planets are best seen near greatest elongation, while superior planets are generally best viewed around opposition.

13

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L OO K I NG U P

GETTING STARTED Many of the night sky’s finest sights can be seen with the naked eye, but telescopes and binoculars allow us to see farther and explore celestial objects in more detail. PLANNING AHEAD Preparation is the key to an enjoyable night’s astronomy under the stars. Start by thinking what you want to look at and the equipment you will need to see it. For example, if you are

using equipment that requires batteries, make sure they are charged and ready. Additionally, take a good star chart with you (see pp.16–114), so that you know the location of the objects you want to observe. Also, think about what to wear when observing. The clearest nights can often be the coldest, so it is crucial to wear warm clothes such as a windproof jacket as well as waterproof trousers, a warm hat, and stout shoes. If you are traveling out to a remote location, make sure to tell someone where you are going. Remembering these basic things will ensure your observing goes smoothly. Viewing location The location from which you observe is as important as the equipment you use. Ideally, head toward a dark sky site, away from sources of light pollution, such as streetlamps and houses.

BINOCULARS Loved by beginners and experts alike, binoculars are a simple, generally inexpensive way to explore the night sky. A good pair of binoculars is capable of showing a huge variety of objects on any given night. With even a small pair the rich star fields of the Milky Way, glittering open star clusters, and the Moon’s rugged surface are all wonderful sights. Binoculars come in many different Focus wheel

CHECKLIST • Warm clothes • Gloves • Red light flashlight • Notepad and pen • Any equipment (telescopes, binoculars, etc) • Compass • Star chart • Warm drink • Blanket or foldable chair Red light torch To preserve your night vision, a red light torch is crucial. This can be bought or easily made by covering a regular flashlight with a red candy wrapper, secured by an elastic band.

sizes and are defined by two numbers that can often be found marked on their sides. The first number is the number of times the binoculars can magnify a view, and the second number is the size of the main (or objective) lens in millimeters. For example, binoculars that magnify 10x with 50mm diameter lenses are said to be a “ten by fifty” pair of binoculars.

Eyepiece Eyepiece Light path Prism

Prism

Light path Objective lens

Objective lens

Compact binoculars These “roof-prism” binoculars use a design where light passes through a group of close prisms, making them more compact.

Standard binoculars

“Porro-prism” binoculars with a folded light path are popular with astronomers because their typically larger lenses result in brighter images.

Large binoculars Large binoculars can provide stunning views of celestial objects; however, they require tripods because they can be hard to hold steady.

G E T T IN G S T A R T E D

TELESCOPES Designed to collect light from celestial objects, telescopes also magnify the view and allow us to see objects in more detail. A telescope’s crucial specification is its aperture—the size of its main mirror or lens—which is usually measured in millimeters or inches. The larger the main mirror or lens, the more light it will be able to gather. A typical small telescope has an aperture of 4–6 in (10–15 cm). Telescopes can be

held on different types of mounts. These must be sturdy enough to provide a firm, stable platform for the optics and allow the telescope to aim accurately. Equatorial mounts are capable of aligning to the rotation axis of the night sky for simplified tracking. More compact in comparison to equatorial mounts, altitude-azimuth mounts work by moving around 360° (in azimuth) and up and down (in altitude). Finderscope Eyepiece

Eyepiece

Telescope tube assembly

Equatorial mount

Altitude-azimuth mount

Telescope tube assembly

15

RECORDING WHAT YOU SEE There are many ways to record the things you observe when studying the night sky. The simplest is to make a sketch of what you see with the naked eye or through the eyepiece of a telescope or binoculars. Make sure to use a good quality pencil and an artist’s sketch pad. To sketch clusters, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, the best way to begin is to draw the brighter stars first. Another popular method, although a little more tricky to master, is astrophotography. This involves connecting a camera to your telescope to take pictures. However you record your observations, be sure to note down the observing conditions, the time and date, your name and location, details of the equipment used, and the name of the object observed.

Slow motion control Main mirror located inside tube

Tripod

Newtonian reflector This simple design, consisting of a tube on a mount and tripod, is ideal for a beginner. The eyepiece is located at the top of the tube and extends from the side.

Dobsonian The Dobsonian reflector uses a simple altitude-azimuth mount. Tending to have larger apertures for their price, Dobsonians are excellent deep-sky telescopes.

OBSERVING WITH THE NAKED EYE Focus adjustment knob Eyepiece Telescope tube assembly Altitude-azimuth mount

There is a wealth of things to see in the night sky using nothing more than the naked eye. For example, meteor showers are best seen by sitting back on a chair and just watching the sky. Similarly, no equipment is needed to marvel at the great expanse of the Milky Way galaxy, or the many stars within it, from a dark sky site. To get the most spectacular naked-eye views of the night sky you must head away from light-polluted towns and cities.

An astro image of the North America Nebula Astrophotographers create stunning images of the night sky, with the help of sensitive cameras mounted on telescopes. They stack together many individual exposures to create a final detailed image.

Focus and zoom adjustment

Camera body

Tripod with eyepiece holder

Camera lens

Mount adjustment handle

Tripod head

Adjustment handle

Refractor Refractor telescopes have a classic telescope design, their lenses collect light and produce an image in the eyepiece. They are good for observing a range of celestial objects.

What you can see Many celestial objects are visible to the naked eye, including the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, meteors, noctilucent clouds, and the aurorae (shown above).

Digital SLR These cameras are used by astroimagers because they can be attached to telescopes and their shutters can be left open to gather the faint light from celestial objects.

MONTHLY SKY GUIDES During the course of a year, our view of the night sky changes from month to month as Earth orbits the Sun. Some constellations are always in the sky, while others appear and disappear over different regions. The following monthly sky guides help you recognize patterns and track changes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The aurorae The Northern and Southern lights, or the aurorae, occur in high latitudes of both hemispheres, such as Wapusk National Park in Canada, as seen here. They cause spectacular displays that often last for hours and end with a ribbonlike rippling effect.

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES

USING THE SKY GUIDES This month-by-month guide features charts that show the whole night sky as it appears from different locations. These pages explain how to get the most from the information in the charts. PEGASUS

MONTHLY OVERVIEWS For each month of the year, a double-page spread outlines the different celestial phenomena in the sky. These include bright stars, constellations, deep-sky objects, and meteor showers. The constellation box on these pages discusses a key constellation in detail, pointing out its bright stars. 20

These pages also feature planet-locator charts, which show the band of sky that lies on either side of the ecliptic, where the planets appear. These charts should be used in conjunction with the information supplied in the following highlights pages, whole-sky charts, and the Almanac.

M O NTH L Y S K Y GUIDES: O VER VIEWS

Uranus and Neptune The magnified insets of the main chart show Uranus and Neptune, the two outermost planets, as they move relatively slowly through our sky.

PISCES 29

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

AQUARIUS

21

J AN U AR Y

9 PM

MIDNIGHT

JANUARY

Each month has its own overview pages

SOUTHERN LATITUDES

In January skies, all eyes are firmly fixed on the striking constellation Orion, the Hunter. The Milky Way is another spectacular sight to behold this month. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, look high in the sky for the Large Magellanic Cloud.

The text highlights the most prominent stars, deep-sky objects, and meteor showers

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you are exploring the constellation Orion, you will see the Orion Nebula, M42, a bright deep-sky object lying

10°

south of the chain of three stars that makes up Orion’s belt. This nebula is easily visible through binoculars from northern latitudes and can be seen with the naked eye as a hazy patch. The open star clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga are also worth a look with binoculars. METEOR SHOWERS The Quadrantid meteor shower kicks off around January 3–4 every year. These meteors seem to originate from a point near the handle of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. This area was once occupied by the now-obsolete constellation Quadrans, after which the meteor shower is

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

21

Alpha (α) Aurigae, or Capella, 0.1

Aurigae

Aur

December–February

The constellation Auriga, the Charioteer, can easily be spotted within the band of the Milky Way between the constellations 50º Perseus and Gemini. Its brightest star is the magnitude 0.1 Capella. There are several interesting open 40º clusters in Auriga that make ideal targets for Castor binoculars or a 30º small telescope. Pollux

NORTHERN LATITUDES THE STARS When viewing in January, you will immediately notice the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major. Visible from midnorthern latitudes, Sirius twinkles above the southern horizon. Directly above you is the yellowish star Capella in Auriga. Meanwhile, in the northeast lies a familiar asterism, the Big Dipper. In the northwest, look for the faint band of the Milky Way passing through into Perseus and Cassiopeia.

Size ranking

7h

6h

LYNX

δ

ξ PERSEUS

9

ψ1

AURIGA

β

2 ψ ψ

Capella

π

α

7

NGC 2281

63 UU

θ

λ

ν τ υ

16

NGC 1664

4 2

ι

M37

Alnath

TAURUS

named. At the peak of the shower, you may be able to spot as many as 100 meteors an hour, but they appear relatively faint. The meteor shower is best observed from rural or light pollution–free areas. The peak lasts only a few hours and their radiant, the point in the sky from which

Arcturus

–30°

–40°

–30°

–50°

VIRGO

VIRGO

22 –20° 23

–30°

22

Pollux25

26 29

24

22

24

23

–40°

–50°

27

29

Shaula

24

Antares

27

26

25

23 25

Hyades

CANCER

VIRGO

Procyon

Bellatrix Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Procyon

M

O

R

N

I N

28 27 26

ω

27

η

–30º

ι π

θ μ α

ο2

2362

ORION

δ σ ε

Castor

Sirius

ν3 15

β

2

25

29

ξ

2

ξ

1

λ

κ

ζ

23

27

COLUMBA

24

23

22

K

23

Antares

LIBRA

29

Mars

27

26

Hyades

25

24

Venus

Jupiter

23

22

Betelgeuse

28

24

10°

10°

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

28 21 28 21 28 –20° 26 22 23 22 22 26 22 21 21

–20°

28

21 23 23 22 28

22

23

21

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS

FomalhautFomalhaut

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on January 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Jupiter’s position on January 15, 2021

21

E V E N I N G

–30°

–30°

–40°

–40°

Neptune

Uranus

Key to planet-locator chart

–50°

–50°

Shaula

–40°

Planet-locator charts (right) These charts–50° show the position of the planets at 10pm local standard time on the 15th day of the month. Each planet is represented by a colored dot, and the number inside each dot refers to a particular year. Each chart shows the planets’ positions in relation to the 13 constellations along the ecliptic.

Earth’s axis of rotation

Capella

Castor

TAURUS GEMINI

Pollux

25

Pleiades

26

LEO

Arcturus

Ecliptic

27

10°

23

ARIES

Hyades

CANCER

Betelgeuse

24

Bellatrix

21

29

VIRGO

AQUARIUS

23

26

23

25 25

24 24

SAGITTARIUS

28

22

23

28 23

Antares

22

28 22

21 21

–20°

26

CAPRICORNUS

Fomalhaut

LIBRA

–10°

21 22

24

21

–30°

24

27 29

0°

26

Mira Rigel

Spica

–20°

Celestial equator Position of a planet shown by colored dot

10°

28 27

29

29 22

–30°

SCORPIUS Shaula

–40°

–40°

The planet-locator chart shows a portion of the celestial sphere on either side of the ecliptic

–50°

Celestial sphere

22

PISCES

28

OPHIUCHUS

–10°

Celestial equator

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS The monthly highlights pages detail a selection of the best objects to look for in the night sky, such as galaxies, clusters, and double stars. Each month has four charts, which show the skies looking north and south from both northern and southern latitudes (see p.19). The colored lines indicate the region of the sky that is visible from the given latitude. The text discusses objects that are well placed for observation in the region of sky shown on the chart. There are also tips on how to locate the objects, some of which are illustrated with photographs. To hone in on objects in the sky, you can cross-reference these charts with the detailed sky charts on the following pages.

25 Aldebaran

27 Regulus

Procyon 0°

–50°

MO NT H L Y S K Y G UI D E S : H I G H L I G H T S

JANUARY NORTHERN LATITUDES

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

December 15

Midnight

1 am

January 1

11 pm

Midnight

January 15

10 pm

11 pm

February 1

9 pm

10 pm

February 15

8 pm

9 pm

-1

0

1

2

3 and above

Zenith

40°S

AURIGA GEMINI

40ºN

ERIDANUS

Ecl ipt ic

Castor

Rigel

60ºN

Sirius

Betelgeuse

URSA MINOR

Vega

Ecl ipt ic

LEO

Horizon 20ºS

EA

ST

W

ES

T

URSA MAJOR

CASSIOPEIA

ANDROMEDA

EA

ST

Big Dipper Horizon 0º

HERCULES

The Hyades The “V” of the Hyades star cluster is an unmistakable sight; its members form the head of Taurus, the Bull. The bright orange-red star nearby, Aldebaran, is not actually a part of the cluster.

looking south

looking south The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a magnificent sight to behold with the naked eye. Particularly striking is the color difference between Orion’s two brightest stars, the orange-red Alpha (α) Orionis, Betelgeuse, and the blue-white Beta (β) Orionis, Rigel. A telescope or a pair of binoculars will reveal the stunning Orion Nebula, M42, which sits in Orion’s sword. The variable star Mira in Cetus and the open cluster M35 in Gemini are also well placed for observation.

Zenith

Zenith

60°N

0°

The constellations Vela, Carina, and the long and winding Eridanus are all on show at this time of the year. The planetary nebula NGC 3132 in Vela is an interesting object when seen through a telescope. While you are observing the eastern part of the sky, be sure to look for the globular cluster NGC 3201. The open star cluster NGC 2547, also in Vela, is a good target for binoculars. Use a small telescope to bring into focus the scattered open cluster M47 in the constellation Puppis, the Stern.

ORION

Capella Sirius

40ºN

Pollux

GEMINI

Propus

20ºN

CANIS MAJOR

TAURUS

40ºS

ORION Aldebaran LEO

CANCER tic ip

Sirius

PICTOR

Rigel

CETUS

VELA

PUPPIS

CENTAURUS

Canopus Horiz on 20 ºN

CETUS

HYDRA

Horizon 40ºN

ST

CARINA

PHOENIX

ERIDANUS

CANIS MAJOR

60ºN izon Hor

EA

Achernar

Mira

HYDRA

on Horiz

ERIDANUS

Canopus Regor

PISCES

MONOCEROS

Regulus

PUPPIS

ARIES

Betelgeuse

Procyon

Rigel 20ºS

MONOCEROS

PERSEUS

AURIGA

Castor

VELA

CARINA

PICTOR

PHOENIX

W

ES

T

EA

0º

Horizon 20ºS Hor izon 40º S

ST

CRUX

OCTANS

TUCANA

β Centauri

AQUARIUS GRUS

α Centauri

PAVO ARA

21 Celestial equator 24

PISCES

The time when an 28 area of the sky is visible: evening sky Mira (from sunset to midnight) or morning sky (from midnight to sunrise)

23

Northern and southern latitudes are covered separately Text highlights the most prominent celestial objects

Regulus

PERSEUS

Horizon 40ºN 0ºN on 6 Horiz

Castor Horizon 40ºS

PISCES

Horiz on 20 ºN

Pollux

AURIGA

ARIES

Capella

BOÖTES

CYGNUS

GEMINI LEO

Mizar

DRACO Deneb

HYDRA

CANCER Regulus

Big Dipper

Alcor

T

Procyon

Aldebaran

URSA MAJOR

Polaris

CEPHEUS

PEGASUS

ES

TAURUS

CETUS

ANDROMEDA

PUPPIS MONOCEROS

0º

ORION CANCER

CASSIOPEIA

CANIS MAJOR

20ºS

Pollux

Capella

PERSEUS ARIES

W

The bright star Castor, Alpha (α) Geminorum, in Gemini, is an interesting target if observed through a telescope. Appearing as a single star to the naked eye, Castor is actually a multiple star system composed of six stars, three of which can be observed with a small telescope. Also on show are the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, the Charioteer. In the west, the prominent “V” shape of the Hyades star cluster in Taurus is a fine sight to the naked eye or through binoculars.

Zenith

20°N

TAURUS

ARIES Ecliptic

The inner planets (above) The main body of the planet-locator chart shows the six planets closest to the Sun. The bands along the top and bottom of the chart indicate in local time when that area of sky is highest in the sky. However, the local sunset and sunrise times will affect the darkness of the sky and the visibility of the planets.

looking north

PISCES

M35 in Gemini The open cluster M35 sits near the star Propus in Gemini. While a small telescope will show the cluster clearly, a larger telescope will also show the fainter cluster NGC 2158 sitting nearby.

S K Y — -10°

JANUARY SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes

observation times

looking north

The Double Cluster Both NGC 884 and NGC 869 can be seen through binoculars or a small telescope as two fuzzy patches made of many stars, sparkling against the rich star fields of the Milky Way galaxy.

— 0°

JANUARY

The pair of star clusters NGC 884 and NGC 869 are known together as the Double Cluster. They lie in Perseus, in the northwest in January skies, and are a truly wonderful sight through binoculars or a small telescope. The constellation Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, is well placed for observation in January. In the east, the double star of Alcor and Mizar in Ursa Major, the Great Bear, can be spotted through a small telescope. Capella, in the constellation Auriga, is almost overhead.

—20° —10°

Rigel

Jupiter’s position on January 15, 2024. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

24

Declination coordinates

29

Procyon

21

EXAMPLES

SCORPIUS

—30°

Bellatrix

25 25

25 25

Saturn

23

Aldebaran

CANCER

28

26

26

24

Mercury

25

PISCES

PISCES

20

S K Y

This chart shows the positions of the planets in January from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

Y

Pleiades

26

NEPTUNE

27

21

3 P.M. Regulus

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

Rigel

Rigel

GEMINI

Pollux

25

Adhara

28

28

Mira

Mira

TAURUS

LEPUS

M41

ο1

21 24PISCES PISCES

24

29

POSITIONS OF THE PLANETS

G

γ

NGC 2360

τ

The time of night (local time) when this area of sky lies on the meridian (an imaginary line that runs north to south)

PEGASUS

Spica

S

CANIS MAJOR

UW NGC

ARIES

27 TAURUS

—40°

MONOCEROS

–20º

AQUARIUS

2821

29

—50°

6h

ARIES ARIES

Hyades

Bellatrix

27

29

27

22

23

Aldebaran Aldebaran

27

CANCER Regulus

28

28 29

24

January–February

Pleiades Pleiades

GEMINI

Spica

LIBRA

LIBRA

24

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

CMa

–10º

LEO

6 P.M.

GEMINI

Capella

E V E N I N G

21

SAGITTARIUS

LEO 27 Regulus

24 22 Antares

24 22

21

21

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS Shaula

26

Abbreviation

PUPPIS

TAURUSTAURUS

GEMINI Pollux

27

27

23 24 29 24

Capella

Castor

29

29 Spica

26

–20°

LEO

Arcturus

–10°

–10°

–20°

Sitting at the heels of Orion, Canis Major, the Greater Dog, is home to the brightest star of the entire night sky—Sirius, Alpha (α) Canis Majoris. Sirius is a brilliant white star with a magnitude of -1.4. Canis Major represents one of the two hunting dogs of Orion, the Hunter, which sits nearby. It is home to two fine open clusters, NGC 2362 and M41.

29

Castor

29

Genitive

URANUS 3 A.M.

6 A.M.

Arcturus

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

Alpha (α) Canis Majoris, Canis Majoris or Sirius, -1.4

9 P.M.

MIDNIGHT

OPHIUCHUS

0°

0°

–10°

9 A.M.

10°

Brightest star

43

MIDNIGHT

26 NOON

10°

Size ranking

7h

The Milky Way This view of the Milky Way shows the regions toward the constellations Crux, the Southern Cross, and Carina, the Keel.

the trails of meteors appear to come, is quite low in the northeastern sky, even at midnight.

Capella

CANIS MAJOR

β Tau

25

0°

SIGHTS OF INTEREST It is not just observers in the northern latitudes who enjoy a good view of the constellation Orion. The Orion Nebula is ideally placed high in the sky, even if you are observing from southern latitudes. The Large Magellanic Cloud in the constellation Dorado can be seen with binoculars on January evenings. Among its

ζ

μ

χ κ

η

M38 NGC 1907 AE IC 405

M36

GEMINI RT

ε

and its star fields and clusters can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope. If you are located around latitude 20°S, the star cluster M41, near Sirius, will be directly above you. Under good conditions, M41 can be seen with the naked eye.

sparkling stars, you will find the Tarantula Nebula, which appears to the naked eye as a glowing patch the size of the full Moon. Do not forget the Small Magellanic Cloud in Tucana either—it lies to the southwestern horizon this month,

Auriga is low in the north on clear January evenings and the rich Milky Way star fields of Carina and Centaurus, which are home to many interesting celestial sights, are sitting low in the southeast.

THE STARS If you are observing the skies from southern latitudes this month, you will find the bright star Canopus in the constellation Carina sitting high in the sky, while Sirius is almost overhead. Orion’s brightest stars, Rigel and Betelgeuse, are also high up. Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, shines with a red-orange tint lower in the north. The star Capella in the constellation

AU R I G A

Ec l

18

Fomalhaut

WE

ST

NGC 2547 The gorgeous magnitude 4.7 star cluster NGC 2547 sits very close to the star Regor, Gamma (γ) Velorum, in the constellation Vela. It is a fine sight through binoculars or a small telescope.

Photographs show some of the most interesting features to observe Sky charts show positions of the stars looking north and south

27

23

S

N TA

U

EAST

S

U O

IA

S

SE

TL AN IA

EAST

NS TA M87 NS

M87

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

LEO

3

3 M5

M

3

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

M5

3

M87

MI5 I

TM3

Deep-sky object name H T R Oor number E

T

1 M10

S

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

OT

S

S

3

TE O5O1 BM

ar

ES

ES N TIC C A NA VE

Star name

Miz

EAST

EAST

3

L

L M EO IN OR

A

T

A

R

M EO B E C O M INOR RE A NI CE M6 S M5 4

3

M

TM3

S

O

N

51

H

EAST

M87

E

TH

G

BI

M

EAST

O

LE

M87 XTA SE

67

CAN

M

I

ER

EAST

M

SEX

LE67O

CAN

B E C O M DR Y RE HA NI CE M6 ulusS 4 g Re

S

NI

CA

R CE

EAST

M

1 PP M10 DI

EAST

TL AN

R

D

HY

S NI

CA

48

M R CE

EAST

M

izar

M

N

E

A

Main features S H Besides showing the TE the Milky Way T bandOOof R B galaxy, the whole-sky charts also highlight O H N T R objects, many stars, constellations, deep-sky O A N N O AIS of the Sun—also asterisms, and the Rpath CO RE L BO known as the ecliptic. S

A

E

EAST

3

M87

T

M13

M5

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

T

S

M13

3

A

E H

M

T

R OES

L

S M

n yo oc Pr

SA R U R A JO M

S

M5

LEO EAST EAST

S N TA

SEX

HERCULES

ES N TIC C A NA VE

E

M5

I

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3

M

TM3

S A

IE

S

N TA

SEX

O

LE

7

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48 M

I

O

M

EAST

llux Po

N TA SEX

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

E OM8T1 BO51

3

51

A ON IS OR ELA C N OO TH RR B M92

Constellation name

SA R ES N T I C U R A JO C A NA M VE

EAST

X

M87

LY

BO

HERCULES DRACO

O

lus

u Reg

HY

67 M

L M EO IN ORE A S T L M EO IN O OMR tor s a C EAST

O

LE

LEO

M87

S

ulu Reg

I

S

I OU U O

S

A I TL AN

A lus

67

M

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M

M5

L M EO IN OR

CA

M

M5

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HY

EAST

CA

D

Vega

R

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3

X

Regu

on

A ES13 TM OO

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D

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CSE

CAN

T AN S

N TA SEX

s

BE COM RE A NS NI XTA M6 SCEES 4

67

M

L M EO IN OR L M EO E A S T IN OR

S NI

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LYR

CA

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llux

Pro

Po

M87

LEO

M87

48

M

M87MI on

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48 M R

Pro

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CA

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53

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L M EO IN OR

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67

CAN

M

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D HY

R

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L M EO S T IENA OR

S

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67 M

M81N

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M92

EAST

D HY

48 U

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67

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48

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67

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CAN

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67

CA ulus Reg

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48

M IA tor Cas TL n yo Pollux IAN c Mn o Pr So I U M O NIocy

U

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48 M R

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48

M

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Aldeba

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M1

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M37

M35

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ORIOlN

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Betel

CA

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M6

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M

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7

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geus e

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C

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Sirius

O

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M5

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M5

M42

LEPUS

Bellatrix

BE COM E A S T RE A NI CE S M 4

7

M

tor Ca s x ollu P A I n TL yo N oc A IA Pr L

48

M

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STAR MOTION

H

M38 N M36ORIO

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M1

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M42

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M38 N M36ORIO

M3

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PL

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Bete

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HYACE URIG S US RO SEUAUR SM1 PER T

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Siriu

0

48 M R

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46

0

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North

T

M5

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N N C O ANI OC R M A JO S E R O R M41 S

U

M42

LEPUS

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M

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Vega

A

Sirius

Adhara

M93

CAELU

COLUMBA

M41

O

PH

M

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M

XIS

7

M

Asterism name

Polaris

DRACO

PY

LEPUS

M87

M4

46

S

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observation times Date

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Vega Star magnitude L O O K I N LNOOORKTI HN G NORTH G This panel shows the approximate magnitudes of the M5 stars plotted on the whole-sky chart. In astronomy, 7 the brighter a star the lower its “magnitude” value; bright objects may even have a negative value.

5

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observation times

NORTH

Date Standard time Planetary

Standard Daylight-saving time time

Midnight

1 am

Daylight-saving time A

Horizons LATITUDES 60°N 40°N | December N S20°N NORTHERN R TJANUARY nebula Midnight 15 1Oam I

Open N Ocluster H

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December 15

deep-sky objects

star magnitudes

2 -1January 0 1M9 21

3

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5

January 15

CULE1S HERFebruary February 15

Globular Openpm 11 January 1 Midnight 11Variable pm Galaxy cluster cluster star

15 11 pm 10 pm 10 January pm

M 13

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Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

Midnight

1 am

January 1

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Midnight

January 15

10 pm

11 pm

February 1

9 pm

February 15

8 pm

N 60°N

Zeniths

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Planetary nebula

deep-sky objects

LOOK IN G

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deep-sky objects

40°N

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Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

Zeniths

60°N

40°N

20°N

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60°N

9 pm

observation times

points of reference points of reference

Deep-sky objects This panel displays the symbols for deep-sky objects, including galaxies, clusters, and nebulae shown on the whole-sky charts.

R

9 pm

10 pm

Date

Standard time

December 15

Midnight

NORTH

Diffuse Planetary Variable Globular Galaxy Open Globular Diffuse Open Planetary Horizons 20°N Galaxy 60°N 40°N 20°N 60°N Zeniths40°N 60°N nebula star cluster cluster clusternebula cluster nebula nebula Horizons

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February 1 10 pm 9 pm 9 pm February 15 9 pm 8 pm

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December 15

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LOOK ING

T

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Zeniths 60°N Ecliptic 40°N 40°N 20°N

20°N

January 1 Ecliptic January 15

Points of reference February 1 To help you remember which horizon line or zenith markerFebruary 15 applies to your location, this bar shows the different colors that correspond to the different latitudes.

NUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

tudes

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LOOK ING

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JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

40°N

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Orientation To view the northern sky, turn northward and hold the map flat ES ICwith the label NORTH closest AN AT northern horizon line on the to you. TheCcolored N chart corresponds to the horizon in front of you. To VE view the south, turn yourself and the map around. X

time time N T Horizons andnezeniths IC N O R T H R NA U R SA U R SA b NORTH b Standard Midnight December 15 1 am Date Daylight-saving AN AT RO AIS PE –50° YR MINLO OR C 01 IP CO REL MIN M R 1 A 11 pm January 1 Midnight M The stars shown near the time L 2 5 time M9 CE S CE 2 CY A S CY N O RIGTDH BO Vega ENL O O K I PH PH GNC TE Polaris GN TE RTH 10 pm January 15 11 pm V E O N N G E O U B E O U USRare closeS US Mof eachS chart center ar O51 ar O M 13 iz E Midnight December 15 1 am M2 M iz 1 B 9 pm February 1 10 pm S 2 B M O E M D C RA TA 5 M 9 3 DRACO HERCUL M 9 3 M TH 9 9 De 8 pm February 15 9 pm M to the point directly overhead, 11 pm January 1 Midnight 5 ne 7 H UR1SA H CY b CY H W T TL O 1 GN M10 O R M10 RG known GasNUSthe zenith, while OKIN R RTH 10 pm January 15 11 pm IN M O N USE O O observation times RIF CE RSIFT C N N ES T chart’s edge YG PH T stars near the 9 pm February 1 10 pm EUS De Standard LYR NU Date Daylight-saving OT LY Dene ne ar O A the M92 z bM horizon. A S M92 i b 1 time time appear closeRto B 8 pm February 15 9 pm Ve 5 2 M Vega DRACON O R T H ga 9M3 M star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference CY and 9crosses M13 CY Color-coded lines M13 UL ES Midnight December 15 1 am ES ES ES C R L E G H T U C R E G H T N O 1 2 H DiffuseMidnight H NUS M O Globular Open Planetary Variable CYUS -1 BO 0 3 4 5 Galaxy Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic M5 M5 11 pmT January cluster 1 Observation times M2 cluster nebula nebula star BO 1 DRACO W 7 DRACO 7 are used29 to identify GNthe 9 M10 R LOOK US E 10 January 15 11 pm Each chart shows the sky as it appears at 10pm I N G N O RHT H O pm H H S RIF horizon and zenith for N9 pm T T W T February 1 10 pm T R R local standard time mid month. However, this E O each of the three latitude Den O LYR S 8 pm February 15 9 pm N A NA S T eb N A N 2 M9 S I O A N O VReT H view can also be seen at other times of the O AI NORTH R R projectionsLYon each monthly L g L Y a O L RA RA C RE CO RE M92 M92 Vega month, as well as one hour later when local ga starVemagnitudes deep CY BO -sky objectsBOS M 13 whole-sky chart. ES points of reference E L U C R E GN H T 13 13 M HEMRCULES daylight saving time is in use. These times range US HERCULESM OO Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Variable M B 5 2 -1 9 0 1M57 2 3 4 7 5 DGalaxy RACO Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic M5 cluster cluster nebula nebula 7 star from midnight in the middle of the previous H H month to 8pm in the middle of the next month. observation times observation times T Wstar magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference

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LY These diagrams show the direction in which the stars appear to move in the sky as the night progresses. Stars near the celestial equator appear to move from east to X west, whileYcircumpolar stars circle around the celestial N Polaris L poles without setting. C GA PE

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–10° different sphere because it combines three H 9 projections of the 28 21 H M52 N 24 CY W LA 52as NGseen fromWthree GCdifferent night sky,M23 latitudes.Polaris Each month C8 869Polaris GN E 22 CE NEG 6 C NR 28 US S 9 GC M TA88 show SC 884as it appears LAASS28 the21sky 52Rfrom the 60°–20°N on the SS sky charts IFTN 4 G –20° C T T C IO 26 Polaris IO AM UNRSA D 869 23 22CCE URSLA A 22 SA R PE latitudes GC onenthe southern YRA ELO 21 EILAO RMPT northern chart and Cfrom 0°–40°S IA R MINOR U R JO O A8R M1 MINP 84DAebLIS ACE PAMR1D0A3ASLSIS Vega 81 A 03 CE 81 M M PH MC latitudesPCAPRICORNUS chart. I HEU EUS–30° O AM CY

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THE WHOLE-SKY CHARTS In addition to the monthly highlights and overviews pages, there are two whole-sky charts for every month. These charts show the position of the stars at 10pm local time on the 15th day of the month, for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They project the half of the celestial sphere that would be visible to you without any obstruction U S on the horizon. To use the whole-sky charts, first use the world map (bottom right) to find the colored latitude line that is closest to your observing location. Then turn to the NGC 8 AS chart for the month you are observing in. Next, Clook forNGC 884 69 SI OP the horizon line that is colored the same as the latitude EIA line M1 03 that is closest to your location. The sky plotted within the U S horizon’s boundaries is visible from your location during that month for the times shown. Now turn to the appropriate M5 LA 2 NG C8 CUE (see right). month and position yourself and the chart 69 NG C SR C

U S IN G T H E S K Y G U IDE S

points of reference

11 pm 10 pm 9 pm 8 pm

Daylight-saving time 1 am

40°N 20°N 0° 20°S 40°S

Lines of latitude Midnight Use this map to find the colored latitude line 11 pm that is closest to your location. This is the color 10 pm of9 pm the line you need to find on the sky charts (see above). Note that a 10° difference in latitude has little effect on the stars that can be seen.

20

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

JANUARY In January skies, all eyes are firmly fixed on the striking constellation Orion, the Hunter. The Milky Way is another spectacular sight to behold this month. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, look high in the sky for the Large Magellanic Cloud.

au r i g a

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you are exploring the constellation Orion, you will see the Orion Nebula, M42, a bright deep-sky object lying

south of the chain of three stars that makes up Orion’s belt. This nebula is easily visible through binoculars from northern latitudes and can be seen with the naked eye as a hazy patch. The open star clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga are also worth a look with binoculars. METEOR SHOWERS The Quadrantid meteor shower kicks off around January 3–4 every year. These meteors seem to originate from a point near the handle of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. This area was once occupied by the now-obsolete constellation Quadrans, after which the meteor shower is

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

21

Alpha (α) Aurigae, or Capella, 0.1

Aurigae

Aur

December–February

The constellation Auriga, the Charioteer, can easily be spotted within the band of the Milky Way between the constellations 50º Perseus and Gemini. Its brightest star is the magnitude 0.1 Capella. There are several interesting open 40º clusters in Auriga that make ideal targets for Castor binoculars or a 30º small telescope. Pollux

northern latitudes THE STARS When viewing in January, you will immediately notice the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major. Visible from midnorthern latitudes, Sirius twinkles above the southern horizon. Directly above you is the yellowish star Capella in Auriga. Meanwhile, in the northeast lies a familiar asterism, the Big Dipper. In the northwest, look for the faint band of the Milky Way passing through into Perseus and Cassiopeia.

Size ranking

7h

6h

LYNX

δ

ξ PERSEUS

9

ψ1

AURIGA

β

2

ψ7 ψ

NGC 2281

63 UU

θ

Capella

π

λ

ν τ υ

η

χ

16

NGC 1664

ζ 4

M38 NGC 1907 AE IC 405

M36

κ

ε

μ

GEMINI RT

α

2

ι

M37

Alnath

β Tau TAURUS

named. At the peak of the shower, you may be able to spot as many as 100 meteors an hour, but they appear relatively faint. The meteor shower is best observed from rural or light pollution–free areas. The peak lasts only a few hours and their radiant, the point in the sky from which

the trails of meteors appear to come, is quite low in the northeastern sky, even at midnight. MIDNIGHT

3 A.M.

6 A.M.

25

NOON

9 A.M.

LEO

Arcturus

27

10°

28

0°

OPHIUCHUS

29

VIRGO 29

–10°

Spica 22

–20°

–30°

26

23

27 29

24 24

24 22

21

SAGITTARIUS

Antares

LIBRA

SCORPIUS Shaula

–40°

–50°

M

O

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

27 Regulus

CANCER

Pol

21

JANUARY

southern latitudes Auriga is low in the north on clear January evenings and the rich Milky Way star fields of Carina and Centaurus, which are home to many interesting celestial sights, are sitting low in the southeast.

THE STARS If you are observing the skies from southern latitudes this month, you will find the bright star Canopus in the constellation Carina sitting high in the sky, while Sirius is almost overhead. Orion’s brightest stars, Rigel and Betelgeuse, are also high up. Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, shines with a red-orange tint lower in the north. The star Capella in the constellation

and its star fields and clusters can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope. If you are located around latitude 20°S, the star cluster M41, near Sirius, will be directly above you. Under good conditions, M41 can be seen with the naked eye.

sparkling stars, you will find the Tarantula Nebula, which appears to the naked eye as a glowing patch the size of the full Moon. Do not forget the Small Magellanic Cloud in Tucana either—it lies to the southwestern horizon this month,

SIGHTS OF INTEREST It is not just observers in the northern latitudes who enjoy a good view of the constellation Orion. The Orion Nebula is ideally placed high in the sky, even if you are observing from southern latitudes. The Large Magellanic Cloud in the constellation Dorado can be seen with binoculars on January evenings. Among its

canis major Size ranking

Brightest star

43

Alpha (α) Canis Majoris, Canis Majoris or Sirius, -1.4

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

CMa

January–February

The Milky Way This view of the Milky Way shows the regions toward the constellations Crux, the Southern Cross, and Carina, the Keel.

MONOCEROS

–10º

CANIS MAJOR

γ

NGC 2360

ι π

–20º

UW NGC

τ

ο

θ μ α

2

ORION Sirius

ν3 15

ο

ξ

2362

–30º

llux25 26

GEMINI

Capella

25

23 25

Hyades Bellatrix Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Procyon

NEPTUNE

23

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

23

22

PISCES

21

20

PISCES

29

28

ARIES ARIES

27

26

25

24

Hyades

24

Bellatrix

21

29

Mira

21 24PISCES PISCES 29

28

Mira

23

27

26

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

0°

24

28

21

–10°

–10°

28 21 28 21 28 –20° 26 22 23 22 22 26 22 21 21

–20°

FomalhautFomalhaut

21

23 23 22 28

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS

–30°

–30°

–40°

–40°

Neptune

EXAMPLES

24

28

23

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on January 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

0°

25 25

S K Y

positions of the planets

10°

26

22

This chart shows the positions of the planets in January from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

21

10°

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

23

24

E V E N I N G

22

28

25 25

Rigel

Rigel

23

AQUARIUS

27

Jupiter’s position on January 15, 2021

COLUMBA

Pleiades Pleiades

GEMINI

26

21

ζ

PEGASUS

3 P.M.

Aldebaran Aldebaran

Procyon

λ

κ

TAURUSTAURUS

GEMINI Pollux

1

6 P.M.

TAURUS Castor

ξ

PUPPIS

29

Castor

2

Adhara

URANUS

Capella

LEPUS

M41

1

δ ω σ ε η

β

2

27

9 P.M.

MIDNIGHT

6h

7h

Sitting at the heels of Orion, Canis Major, the Greater Dog, is home to the brightest star of the entire night sky—Sirius, Alpha (α) Canis Majoris. Sirius is a brilliant white star with a magnitude of -1.4. Canis Major represents one of the two hunting dogs of Orion, the Hunter, which sits nearby. It is home to two fine open clusters, NGC 2362 and M41.

Jupiter’s position on January 15, 2024. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

–50°

–50°

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north The pair of star clusters NGC 884 and NGC 869 are known together as the Double Cluster. They lie in Perseus, in the northwest in January skies, and are a truly wonderful sight through binoculars or a small telescope. The constellation Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, is well placed for observation in January. In the east, the double star of Alcor and Mizar in Ursa Major, the Great Bear, can be spotted through a small telescope. Capella, in the constellation Auriga, is almost overhead.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

December 15

Midnight

1 am

January 1

11 pm

Midnight

January 15

10 pm

11 pm

February 1

9 pm

10 pm

February 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

AURIGA

TAURUS

GEMINI

40ºN

Ecl ipt ic

Castor

Pollux

Capella

PERSEUS

60ºN

ARIES

CANCER

PISCES CASSIOPEIA

URSA MAJOR

Polaris

ANDROMEDA

URSA MINOR

Regulus Big Dipper

LEO

CEPHEUS Alcor

PEGASUS

Mizar

Horiz on 20 ºN

DRACO

The Double Cluster Both NGC 884 and NGC 869 can be seen through binoculars or a small telescope as two fuzzy patches made of many stars, sparkling against the rich star fields of the Milky Way galaxy.

Deneb

W

ES

T

BOÖTES

CYGNUS

Horizon 40ºN

0 on 6 Horiz

Vega

ºN

EA

ST

HERCULES

looking south The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a magnificent sight to behold with the naked eye. Particularly striking is the color difference between Orion’s two brightest stars, the orange-red Alpha (α) Orionis, Betelgeuse, and the blue-white Beta (β) Orionis, Rigel. A telescope or a pair of binoculars will reveal the stunning Orion Nebula, M42, which sits in Orion’s sword. The variable star Mira in Cetus and the open cluster M35 in Gemini are also well placed for observation.

Zenith 60°N

Capella 40ºN PERSEUS

AURIGA

Castor Pollux

GEMINI

Propus

20ºN

TAURUS

ORION Aldebaran LEO

CANCER tic ip

ARIES

Betelgeuse

Procyon

PISCES

Ec l

22

MONOCEROS

Sirius

Regulus PUPPIS

M35 in Gemini The open cluster M35 sits near the star Propus in Gemini. While a small telescope will show the cluster clearly, a larger telescope will also show the fainter cluster NGC 2158 sitting nearby.

CETUS

Mira

HYDRA

on Horiz

Rigel

ERIDANUS

CANIS MAJOR

60ºN

Horizon 40ºN

EA

Canopus

ST

Horiz on 20 ºN

VELA

CARINA

PICTOR

PHOENIX

W

ES

T

JANUARY

JANUARY SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The bright star Castor, Alpha (α) Geminorum, in Gemini, is an interesting target if observed through a telescope. Appearing as a single star to the naked eye, Castor is actually a multiple star system composed of six stars, three of which can be observed with a small telescope. Also on show are the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, the Charioteer. In the west, the prominent “V” shape of the Hyades star cluster in Taurus is a fine sight to the naked eye or through binoculars.

Zenith 40°S

ERIDANUS

CANIS MAJOR

20ºS

Rigel

Sirius 0º

ORION

PUPPIS MONOCEROS

Betelgeuse

TAURUS

CETUS

Procyon

Aldebaran

HYDRA

CANCER GEMINI

Pollux

AURIGA

ARIES

Capella

Castor

Ecl ipt ic

Regulus

Horizon 40ºS

PISCES PERSEUS

LEO

Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

T

URSA MAJOR

CASSIOPEIA

ANDROMEDA

EA

ST

Big Dipper Horizon 0º

The Hyades The “V” of the Hyades star cluster is an unmistakable sight; its members form the head of Taurus, the Bull. The bright orange-red star nearby, Aldebaran, is not actually a part of the cluster.

looking south The constellations Vela, Carina, and the long and winding Eridanus are all on show at this time of the year. The planetary nebula NGC 3132 in Vela is an interesting object when seen through a telescope. While you are observing the eastern part of the sky, be sure to look for the globular cluster NGC 3201. The open star cluster NGC 2547, also in Vela, is a good target for binoculars. Use a small telescope to bring into focus the scattered open cluster M47 in the constellation Puppis, the Stern.

Zenith 0°

ORION

Sirius

Rigel 20ºS

MONOCEROS CANIS MAJOR 40ºS PUPPIS

ERIDANUS

Canopus Regor PICTOR

VELA

Achernar

CARINA

PHOENIX

CETUS

HYDRA CENTAURUS 0º izon Hor Horizon 20ºS Hor izon 40º EA S S

T

CRUX

OCTANS

TUCANA

β Centauri

AQUARIUS GRUS

α Centauri

PAVO ARA

Fomalhaut

WE

ST

NGC 2547 The gorgeous magnitude 4.7 star cluster NGC 2547 sits very close to the star Regor, Gamma (γ) Velorum, in the constellation Vela. It is a fine sight through binoculars or a small telescope.

23

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

H

W

D

CA SS

I

OP

U

M3 4

E I A U

S

C8

NG 84

AN

PE

M

UM

RS

E 84

69

869

C8

C

M1 03

C8

M5 NG

DR M1 03

HEU S

OM ED

S

S

N

31

A

O R N

T O R M5

7

7

LYR A

M5

LYR A

EPH EU

M5 2

E I A CE P

C

2 NG

S

NG

E SI

OP

US

US

CA S

en eb

RS

UL

A

SU M 39

ER TA

1 M333

C

NG

ED

LA

LA

CE RT A C

YG N

en eb

YG N

D

C

SR IFT

M2 M 9 3 9

9

CY GN U

M2

PE

S GA PE

T

T

TRIA

S

OM DR AN PIS CES

E

E S

T 4

5

Variable star

ella

Cap

Polaris

AURIGA C A ME LOPA RDALIS

C

LOPA RDALIS

Polaris

U R SA MINOR

U R SA MINOR

DRACO

M92

HERCULES DRACO

NORTH M92

HERCULES

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

AM E

Vega

Vega

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

N LY

LY

X

X

M 13

M 13

M81N

M81

Planetary nebula

ar Miz

G

BI

SA R U R A JO M

SA R U R A JO M ER 1 PP M10 DI

E TH

ar Miz 1 M10

NA RO AIS CO RE L BO

points of reference

M

51

E OT

TE O5O1 BM

BO

S

S

ES N TIC C A NA VE

O

O

ES N TIC C A NA VE

N

N

R

R

T

H

H

Daylight-saving time

T

Standard time

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

Ecliptic

1 am

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

observation times Date December 15 January 1 January 15 February 1

Zeniths

February 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

EAST

EAST

M87

M87

SU

H

W

3

3

M5

3

L M EO IN OR L M EO IN OR

GA PE 1

2

JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

BE COM RE A NI CE M6 S 4

M5

LEO

3

M

TM3

S

A

T

E

S

A E

I I

WEST WEST

24

EAST

SE

AN XT

u Reg lus

O

S

TL AN IA

TL AN

S

O

U T

S

O

U E A S

T

T

sunrise and sunset on 15th january

H

IA

S

VE LA

3

3

46

M9

M

48

LA

M

XIS

VE

EMR

A

D

M4

7

R

M5

N

0

O

RO

Sir

CE

S

7

Adhara

0

PU S

CAR

PPI

CAR

INA

INA

Adhara

PU MCANIS PPA ISJO R

M4

M5

R

se

DORADO

S

RETIC

ULU

M

ULU

CAELU

RETIC

M CAELU

SOUTH

SOUTH

LMC

DORADO

SOUTH

COLLMC UMBA

PICTOR

Canopus

Rigel

M42

LEPUS

Bellatrix

Rig

DE HYA

aran

Aldeb

ORIOelN

M42

M1

ellatrix AURIGBA

PL

M

R

US

US

US

HO

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

OG OL

G LO RO

R HO

N DA ERI

N DA ERI

U TA

PL

S

DE

A EI

S US SEUAUR T

M

PER

DES

HYA

aran

Aldeb

M38 N M36ORIO

M1

S

DE

A EI

IUM

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

ARIES

IUM

Mi

ra

Zeniths

F

TU

AX

O

U

60°N

S

P

O

U E HO

S

TU

X CE

NA

CE

N OR

R FO

ES SC

PI

S

AURIGA

COLUMBA LEPUS

PICTOR

Canopus

lgeu

Bete

5

M37

se

lgeu

M3

Bete

5

LOOK IN G

M41

Sirius

ius N N C O ANI OC R M A JO S E R O R M4S1

I

JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST M

E

HY M9

CA

S NI

PY

XIS

67

PY

46

O

on

H

R A

C CAN 48

M

N

cy

T

ECLIP TIC

A

D Mi ra

S LE M

PI S SC E

HY o Pr

S

ER

I X

H

T

H

NI

T

W

SE

AN XT CA

S NI M

T 40°N

20°N

South

North

Ecliptic

PT OR STAR MOTION

W

67

on

S

cy

E

o Pr

O

T

M

x

M

S

llu Po

O

E

C CAN M

S

tor

CU L

Cas

WEST WEST

M3

J A NUA R Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 25

33

ra

CET

US A U

RU S

D AN

ER I DES

T

US

Rig el M42

M36

M37

ORION

Capella

AU R I G A

M38

M1

Bellatrix

Aldebaran

ES

HYAD

US

PLEIA

R

84

SEU S

C8

PE

NG

LEP

US 69

S

S M

C8

M3 4

NG

LU M

ES

U

AR I

TIC

Mi

CE I

O

AN G

EC LIP

A

TR

ED

SI

R

M

N M

CA S PE IA M1 03

CA

LEPUS A

DR O

T

M35

us

Siri

M5

0

3

47

OS

M

M9

GEM

INI

DRACO

tor Cas

1

yon

LYN

M8

X

lux Pol

R

c Pro

M46

INO CANIS M

MONOCER

I S M A JO R

Betelgeuse

CAN

M A JO

PIS

AS U 31

H

W

E S

MELO PARDALIS

N

O R

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

NIS

PEG

S

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

CE R 4

40°S

M4

CAN

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

RA 67

Date

UR

us ul g Re

N

SA

December 15 January 1 January 15 February 1 February 15

Zeniths

M

O

0°

R

T

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

M

HYD

41 M

JANUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

OR

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

S

XT AN

O

SE

LE

IN

M

O

T

LE

S

R

E

A

HY

JO A

8 M4

CA

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

26

S

U RV CO

T

U

S

O

U H

E

E

A

A

NG C 51

S

T

US

39

US

39

CET N TA UR

S

51

N TA UR

C

A

ux

LU

LA

Acru

S

us

CIRC

aur

il K ent

Rig

Had ar

osa

ar

x

RUKent X auru s US Acru x Mim CIRC

Rig C il

Had

Bec rux

UX

LA

CR

VE

PU

cruL x UP

Ga

Ga cr

VE

MUS

INUS

CA

M

OCTANS M E N SA

O

PAVO

PAVO

SOUTH

SOUTH

ARA

SOUTH

LOOK IN G

TRIANG ULU AUSTRA M LE

APUS

ARA

OCTANS

CHAMAELEON

APUS

NS

N

U

SMC

A

04 C1

US

NG

HYDR

M

er Ach

GI U

N

nar

SMC

TUCA

04 C1

US

NG

HYDR

NA

M IU LOG A M U O L U R C R E I T LMC ArN nar HO TUC che

PICTOR CHAMAELEON

A

VOL A

RIN

NCan S opus

TRIANG ULU AUSTRA M LE

CA

CA

CA

VOL A

UM

ER

A ID

LO LMC RETICULUM HORO

CAEL

DA

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

IX

C EN

AU P S ISC T RI IS N

Planetary nebula

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference 40°S

IND

US

S

OE

U IND

PH

O PH

NI

GR

GR

M

R IC

US

US

Zeniths

X

UM

BA COLUM O DORAD

CAEL LEPUS

US

DORAD M E N SA

AJsOR Canopu

NIS

PU CA PP R IN A IS PICTOR

MUS

INUS

a

har

Ad

IS

I ER

NA FO R

N

AX FO R

PP

BA

S

JANUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

S

O

T

H

CE

NG

A

PU

COLUM

S

a

US

LEP

S

C

0°

OS

O

O

U

U

I OP

S

U

H

t

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

H

M

T

A

har

CE CU CE L P US TTO R

TO R U

EAST SC

R

LP

C

TE RA

AU P S ISC T RI IS N

S

E

A

W

EAST

S

I

E

TL AN

W

U RV CO A

I

T

R

DR S

S

M46

T

HY XI US

S RIU

QU A

TE RA

TL AN 3

S

RA alhS au

RA PY

QU

S

AFoR mIU

C XI t

47

PY au

M

HYD M9

alh

us

AN Siri

I S M A JO R

YD 8 41

Fo m

CAN

M4 M

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

Rig

Ad

J A NUA R Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 27

28

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

FEBRUARY To get your bearings this month, look out for the bright stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini from northern latitudes. If you are observing from the Southern Hemisphere, the constellations Carina, Puppis, and Vela can be seen high in the sky. northern latitudes constellations Taurus, Auriga, Perseus, and the W-shaped Cassiopeia are also on show this month. In the eastern sky, the constellation Leo, the Lion, is visible, while the familiar shape of the Big Dipper asterism sits nearby in the northeast.

THE STARS If you are observing the sky from midnorthern latitudes, you will find the constellation Gemini almost overhead. South of Gemini lies the sparkling Winter Triangle formed by the bright stars Sirius in Canis Major, Betelgeuse in Orion, and Procyon in Canis Minor. The four

SIGHTS OF INTEREST Close to the feet of Gemini, the Twins, you will find M35, a large open star cluster that can be easily spotted with a pair of binoculars. The Winter Triangle In the northern winter night sky, look out for the stars of the Winter Triangle asterism—Sirius (center bottom), the orange-red Betelgeuse (top), and Procyon (top left).

gemini Size ranking

Brightest stars

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

30

Beta (β) Geminorum, 1.15 Alpha (α) Geminorum, 1.6

Geminorum

Gem

January–February

You can find the constellation Gemini, the Twins, by looking for its two brightest stars, Beta (β) and Alpha (α) Geminorum, known to astronomers as Castor and Pollux. Castor is an interesting multiple star. You will also find the open cluster M35 near the feet of the twins.

LYNX 6h

8h

7h

Castor

30º

χ

β

φ

ο αρ

σ

θ τ

υ

ε

GEMINI

κ 20º

AURIGA

ι

Pollux

δ

Ecliptic

M35

μ

ζ

81

λ

η

1

ν

NGC 2392

Alhena

ξ

38

TAURUS ORION

γ 30

10º

CANCER Procyon

Betelgeuse

CANIS MINOR MONOCEROS

The wonderful Beehive Cluster, also known as M44 or Praesepe, is a great sight through a small telescope. It lies in the nearby constellation Cancer and appears wider than the full Moon. Meanwhile, you will find the Milky Way running through the constellation Monoceros, home to many open star clusters. If you are observing with a pair

of binoculars, look out for the star cluster NGC 2244. It is also an interesting target for a small telescope and sits between the stars Betelgeuse and Procyon.

3 A.M.

NOON 6 A.M.

20° 9 A.M.

10°

LEO

Arcturus

Altair 28

0°

–10°

OPHIUCHUS

29 21

–20°

CAPRICORNUS

22 21 28

26 21

24

22 24

29

VIRGO 29

22

29

Spica

LIBRA

27 22

Antares

–30°

SAGITTARIUS

Shaula

–40°

SCORPIUS

M

O

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

27 Regulus

2

27 27 ulus

29

FEBRUARY

southern latitudes THE STARS If you are observing from southern latitudes, you will find two stellar beacons shining away high in the sky. These are the two brightest stars in the night sky—Sirius and Canopus. Two stunning constellations, Crux, the Southern Cross, and Centaurus, the Centaur, are also visible. A little way above them, you will find the deceptive False Cross, sometimes mistaken for the true Southern Cross. The False Cross is formed by four stars in Vela and Carina. At this time of year, the two main stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, can be found sitting in the north. The constellations Orion and Taurus are also visible. In the south, you will still find the Large and Small

Magellanic Clouds. Meanwhile, Leo, the Lion, is steadily rising in the northeast.

puppis

SIGHTS OF INTEREST The regions in and around the Milky Way should be explored, as they contain many star clusters, such as M46, M47, NGC 2451, and NGC 2477, which can be found in Puppis. Also seek out the star clusters IC 2391 and IC 2395 in Vela and NGC 2516 in Carina.

Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

20

Zeta (ζ) Puppis, or Naos, 2.2

Puppis

Pup

January–February 7h

9h

The constellation Puppis, the Stern, is home to the open star clusters M46 and M47, which can be seen with a pair of binoculars. Puppis sits in the night sky just north of the bright star Canopus and is wedged between the constellations Vela, Carina, and Canis Major.

MONOCEROS

–10º

ORION

19

M47

Sirius

20

M46

CANIS MAJOR

16

–20º

LEPUS 11

ξ

M93

ο 1

NGC 2571

PYXIS

Adhara

3

-30º

6h

k NGC 2439

π

NGC 2451 NGC 2546

–40º

PUPPIS

Naos

The South Celestial Pole Find the South Celestial Pole by intersecting two imaginary lines: one, an extension of the long axis of Crux, and the other at right angles to the line joining Alpha and Beta Centauri.

VELA

COLUMBA

NGC 2477

σ

ν

L2 L1

V

PICTOR

–50º

CARINA

Canopus

9 P.M. 6 P.M.

URANUS

MIDNIGHT

Capella

Capella 29

3 P.M.

28 27 26

ARIES 25

TAURUS Castor

Pollux

25

26

GEMINI

GEMINI

Pleiades 23

23

26

25

25 Aldebaran

27

Procyon

22

21

Bellatrix

Procyon

Pleiades

ARIES

25

Aldebaran TAURUS Hyades Hyades

21

ARIES

21

TAURUS

24 29

24

29PISCES

Bellatrix

28

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

PISCES 28

27 Mira Rigel

E V E N I N G

25

28

27 23 26

23 26 26 23 23 25

Mira

Rigel

22

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

Jupiter’s position on February 15, 2022

25

Jupiter’s position on February 15, 2025. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

10°

10°

27 24

0°

28 26 22

S K Y

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on February 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

20°

0° 26 25 26 28

–10° 27

–10°

24

–20°

–20°

–30°

–30°

–40°

–40°

–50°

–50°

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

positions of the planets This chart shows the positions of the planets in February from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

20°

25

28

PEGASUS

22

23

Castor

Pollux

CANCER CANCER

24

Fomalhaut Fomalhaut

PISCES 29

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

AQUARIUS NEPTUNE

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north In February, the three prominent open clusters in the northwest M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga are a must-see. Through a telescope, each cluster appears like grains of sugar scattered against the black sky; a pair of binoculars show the clusters as gray smudges. Other objects to be spotted with binoculars are the galaxy M81 in Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and the line of stars known as Kemble’s Cascade in Camelopardalis, the Giraffe, which lies close to Cassiopeia and Perseus.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

January 15

Midnight

1 am

February 1

11 pm

Midnight

February 15

10 pm

11 pm

March 1

9 pm

10 pm

March 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

GEMINI

Pollux Castor 40ºN

AURIGA

Aldebaran

LEO

60ºN

Capella TAURUS

PERSEUS

Eclip tic

CETUS

Big Dipper

CASSIOPEIA ANDROMEDA

ARIES

URSA MAJOR

URSA MINOR

γ

CEPHEUS

DRACO

BOÖTES Horiz on 20 ºN

PISCES

Kemble’s Cascade Sitting close to the halfway point between the bright star Capella, in Auriga, and Gamma (γ) Cassiopeiae, Kemble’s Cascade is best observed with a pair of binoculars.

Horizon 40ºN

W

ES

PEGASUS

T

Arcturus

Deneb CYGNUS

Vega

on Horiz

HERCULES

60ºN

EA

ST

looking south The open cluster M41 lies just south of the bright star Sirius in Canis Major, the Greater Dog. It is worth a look if you are enjoying the more obvious sights of Orion nearby. M41 is clearly visible through binoculars or a small telescope. To the east, the cluster NGC 2244 in Monoceros, the Unicorn, is good through binoculars and small telescopes. Also worth finding is M1 in Taurus in the west. A large telescope reveals its elliptical shape, while the biggest telescopes reveal even more details.

Zenith 60°N

URSA MAJOR

Capella

40ºN

Castor Pollux

AURIGA

GEMINI

20ºN

CANCER

LEO

Aldebaran Procyon Regulus

TAURUS

Betelgeuse

ic

ORION

Ec lip t

30

MONOCEROS

HYDRA

CANIS MAJOR

VIRGO

Sirius

Rigel

Horizon 60ºN

ERIDANUS CETUS

PUPPIS

M1 in Taurus Also called the Crab Nebula, M1 is a supernova remnant that was formed by the explosion of a massive star. About 6,500 light-years from Earth, it appears as a faintly glowing patch in the sky.

Horizon 40ºN

EA

VELA

Canopus

ST CARINA

PICTOR Horizon 20ºN

W

ES

T

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north In the constellation Cancer, the Crab, look out for the wonderful star cluster M44, also known as the Beehive Cluster or Praesepe. Easy to locate, it sits at the very center of the constellation, close to the stars Gamma (γ) and Delta (δ) Cancri. M44 appears as a misty patch to the naked eye from a dark sky location. Also on show, and best seen with a telescope, are the interesting spiral galaxies M65 and M66 in Leo, the Lion. These galaxies appear as elliptical smudges through a telescope.

Zenith 40°S

PUPPIS CANIS MAJOR

20ºS

Sirius MONOCEROS 0º

Rigel

HYDRA

Procyon ERIDANUS

Betelgeuse

CANCER

𝛅 𝛄

ORION GEMINI

Aldebaran

Regulus

Eclip tic

Pollux

Castor

LEO

TAURUS AURIGA CETUS

VIRGO Horiz on 4 0ºS

Capella PERSEUS ARIES

W

ES

Horizon 20ºS Big Dipper

T

URSA MAJOR

EA

º on 0 Horiz

ST

M44 in Cancer Appearing as a glittering collection of stars, the magnitude 3.7 open cluster M44 is a beautiful sight through binoculars. It is an ideal target for amateur deep-sky astrophotographers.

Polaris

looking south This is a good time to observe and admire the rich star fields of the Milky Way stretching across the southern skies. To scan these stars, you only need your eyes or a pair of binoculars. Look out for the Milky Way running through the constellations Crux, Centaurus, Musca, and Carina in the east. Be sure to observe the Coalsack Nebula, a distinctive dark patch close to the stars of Crux, the Southern Cross. This dark nebula is a cloud of dust and gas about 600 light-years away.

Zenith 0°

MONOCEROS 20ºS

Sirius

ORION

CANIS MAJOR

Rigel

PUPPIS 40ºS

HYDRA

Canopus

VELA CARINA

PICTOR

ERIDANUS

CENTAURUS CRUX

VIRGO

Achernar

β Centauri

Spica α Centauri

ST

ic ipt Ecl

EA

Horiz on

OCTANS TUCANA

0º

CETUS

PHOENIX Horizon 20ºS

PAVO LUPUS ARA

GRUS

S n 40º Horizo

WE

ST

IC 2602 This magnitude 1.9 open cluster lying in the constellation Carina is known to astronomers as the Southern Pleiades. It is visible to the naked eye, but binoculars show it twinkling away.

31

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

PIS CE GA PE

IA

U

S G NARIE M

DE S SE US

C8

IA

M

R

N 4

AU R

la

pe l

Ca

IG

A

G

AN

PE R

DR O EUS

M E LOP ARDA LIS CEPH

Deneb

S

T US R O AS N EG P

M

AN DR O

N

Deneb

M29

CYG NUS

CEPH EUS

M39

M39

M52

M52

AU Ca pe RIG lla A CA M E LOP ARDA LIS

CA

M1 03

884

69

NG C

NG

SE US SIO P

CA S

69 M1 03

RT A

ENIAGC 88

N GC 8

LA CE CA RTA S S IO PE IA

L AC E

M38

M 31

31

A

M

ED

PE

M

A

34

TR

SU

S

M

33

LU

M

ED

33

LU

M

U

W

E

T

T

P L EIA

S

O R

T

M

34

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

LYN

X

Polaris

Polaris

NORTH

Diffuse nebula

M

81

INO

INO AM U R S 81 M

AM URS

R

R

EB

TH

EB

TH

IG

IG

RS U J A M ER

PP DI

RS U J A M ER

PP DI

CO DRA

a Veg

a Veg

CO DRA

LYRA

LYRA

Planetary nebula

M

M

1 10

1 10

2

RC

M9

HE

2

RC

M9

HE

UL

UL

points of reference

ES

ES

M

M

13

13

COO B

O

O

R

COO H B RT

N

N

T

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date January 15 February 1 February 15 March 1

Zeniths

March 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

us

TR

H

H

W

E S

CYG NUS M29

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

L M EO IN OR

FEBRUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

EAST

tur

us

Arc

tur

3

T

S

T

S

Arc

S

M5

M3

A

A E

O A R

O A R

4 M6

OT E BO M3

RERO A NA B LI S OO TE

S

C BE OMA RE NIC ES

RERO A NA L E IS

r iza

C VE ANES NA TIC I C M V E A N E S 51 NA TIC I 51 M

iza r

M M

WEST WEST

32

S

O

T

T

U

S

O

U

TE

H

H

E

E

A

A

R

S

S

TE

R

T

T

SE

SE

S

S

AN TL

IA

IA

lus

Re gu

AN TL

XT AN

XT AN

lus

Re gu

M

7

44

CA

44

HY A

VELA

V PYEXLIA S

PYX IS

DR

7

ER Castor

M47

M50

M47

M93

M50

pus Cano

ra Adha pus Cano

2

A

M4

B

ON

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

ix

PU

S

PIC

R TO

R DO

O

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

AD

TA

Zeniths

ES AD Y H

ES AD Y H

S PU LE LUM E CA

l ge Ri

LE

l ge Ri x tri ella

ON

ran eba

ORI

2

Ald

ORI

M4

B LUM

M1

latr Bel

an bar

e Ald

BA UM DO COLICTOR RA P O D UM EL CA

CO

JOR MA S I N CA

M41

us Siri

a dhar

A

IGA AURgeuse

el Bet 35 M

M1

36

e eus elg Best u Siri

M41

SOUTH

SOUTH

VOLANS

CARINA

SOUTH

CARINA

PUPPIS

M46

PUPPIS

M93

R INO CANIS M ROS MONOCE

Procyon M46

Procyon

I MRIN G INEO M S CANI ROS MONOCE

Pollux

LOOK IN G

VOLAN S

M48

CE MR 48

NC

HY ECLIPTIC DR A CA N M6

M6

ECLIPTIC

GEM

37 M

M35

S RU

U

M

I NI

O

O

U

60°N

S

S

U

ER

I

U

ER

I

T

H

T

H

US 40°N

STAR MOTION

20°N

South

North

Mira

Ecliptic

M ira

US CE T

D AN

M

FEBRUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

S

sunrise and sunset on 15th february

GO

U RV CO

W

EAST

4 10

A

W

VI R

M

S

D AN FO U RN S

U RV CO CR

E FOR S N T

4 10

A

T

CR

S

M

O

E

7

S CE T

M8

LE

AX

O AX

LE

WEST WEST

Pollux

F E BRUA R Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 33

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

CET S

D AN

I US B

l

rix

ell at

L

42 M1

M3 8

EP U

6

S

M3

TR IAN

GU

LU

A

TA

IS

RIG

M

R DA L

lla

Cap e

AU

EL OP A

O HY RI AD ON ES A l de ba ra n

C AM

M

EIA DE S

S

PL

EU

RU

RS

U

PE

T

ge

I ES

S

ER

AR 34

H

W

E

Ri

US M

N

O R

T 2

3

4

5

Variable star

B

S irius

A

M50

M47

CEROS

M46

on

R

y Proc

CANI S MI NO

x

Pollu Castor

M

48

CAN M44

CE

R

LYNX

D R AC O

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

GEM INI

MO NO etelg euse

M35

M37

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

M6

7

H

M81

Planetary nebula

s ulu g Re

URS

LE

LEO

O

NO

OR

MI

AJ

R

40°S

PE DIP

AM

BIG

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

R

Date January 15 February 1 February 15 March 1

r iza M

N

C VE

O

0°

R

EC

T

IC

B

PT LI

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

C March 15

Zeniths

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

Mira

ES 1

M53

O

RG

S

XT AN SE

FEBRUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

4

M6

RA YD

VI

87

M

T

ER CO EN M A IC ES

E

A

S

A N NE AT S IC I

PISC

34

S

83

T

U T

PU

A

T

PU

S

E A S

T

LU

S

O

U

S

S

CE

C

N

M

OR

M

rus

A

CI RC

tau

A

lK en

OR

Rig i

N

x

cru

Had

IN U

S

RU

ar

MU

X

rux

Ac

MU

AR

A

CARINA

PU

VOLANS

CARINA

OCTANS

LOOK IN G

M E N SA

LMC

R MPEI CNTSOA

M

C

DO

CA

U EL

BA

L AE

104

I

INDU

S

4 C 10 S NG NDU

SMC

TUC

AN

A

OG RAOL ON H S U A HYDR TUC

NGC

LUM RETICU C SM

IU

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference

M

M

ER

US

P

US

EN

HO

EN

O PH

Zeniths

GR

GR

r rna he Ac

ID

ID

ER

r rna he Ac

40°S

IU

OG ROL

M

UM

BA

ADO HO RS DOU HYDR

LMCanopus C

S PPI

DORA

C

U OL

MM LU LU RETICU CO

Cpus o Can M

SOUTH

SOUTH

SOUTH

PAVO

OCTANS

PAVO

MAELEON

APUS

CHA

SCA

IS

MAELEON VOLANS

APUS

CHA

SCA

A

TRI ANG AU S U L U M T RA LE AR A

Had

X

rux

Ac

VEL

TRI ANG AU S U L U M T RA LE

RU

ar

sa C

Mi mo

rusGa

x

cru

Ga

CMIN im osa U SC

tau

lK en

US CIR

39

Rig i 51

NT AU R

NG

39

US

51

NT AU R

C

A

Adha

ra

PIS

41

A N A IS JO R

FEBRUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

H

E

83

H

M

CE

NG

VEL

P UP

M

S

PU

A A

LE

S

U N

S

U N

FO

R

AX

FO

N

R

0°

S

S

O

O

U

U

T

AX N

M93

IX IX

EAST

O

H

W

M

LU

H

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

W

EAST

ica

SC

Sp

GO SCS T

VI R

C

S VU OR

E

04 M1

R

T

RA

S

S VU OR

IA

E

TE CRA TO R

R TL AN UL P

S

TU

S

IA TO R

D HY X

UL P

O GO VIR pica

CE

C S

TE CRA PY TU

X

CE

TL AN Ecliptic

WEST WEST

ara

Adh

PY IS

F E BRUA R Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 35

36

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

MARCH As the nights grow shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, the bright winter constellations move toward the west. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, the nights are getting longer, bringing many fine celestial objects into view.

cancer

Sextans, Crater, and Hydra. The most notable star in this part of the sky is Alphard, lying in the constellation Hydra. Appropriately, Alphard means “the solitary one.” Sitting high in the northeast is the reassuringly familiar shape of the Big Dipper asterism, with its handle arching down toward the bright star Arcturus in Boötes. A little way away and closer to the horizon lies the star Spica in the constellation Virgo. Also look The Sickle of Leo The asterism known as the “Sickle,” made from the stars of the head of Leo, is a useful celestial signpost for navigating March’s night skies.

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

31

Beta (β) Cancri, 3.5

Cancri

Cnc

February–March

10h

You will notice that there are no very bright stars located in the constellation Cancer, the Crab. However, that does not mean you should not pay attention to it. At its heart is one of the finest open clusters in the entire night sky, M44, which is also known as Praesepe, as well as the Beehive Cluster.

northern latitudes THE STARS Look north on March evenings and you will see the “Sickle” asterism, which makes up the head of Leo, the Lion. To its right is the less conspicuous constellation Cancer. Below this region are the rather faint and sparse constellations

Size ranking

8h

9h

LYNX Castor

ι

Pollux

GEMINI

γ

20º

Eclipti

CANCER M44

δ

c

ζ

Regulus

α

LEO

10º

M67

β

CANIS MINOR Procyon

HYDRA

out for the bright star Sirius shining in the constellation Canis Major near the southwestern horizon.

0º

MONOCEROS

SEXTANS

from streetlights and other sources of light pollution, M81 can be spotted through a pair of binoculars. Farther south, look out for the well-placed Beehive Cluster, or M44, in the constellation Cancer.

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you are observing with a small telescope this month, be sure to look out for the magnificent spiral galaxy M81 in the northern part of the constellation Ursa Major. On a clear March evening away

MIDNIGHT

3 A.M. 9 A.M.

20°

Arcturus

6 A.M.

10°

Altair 28

0°

29

AQUARIUS 22 24

26

–10°

24

21

27 –20°

22

27

22

21

Spica

21

SAGITTARIUS

PEGASUS 22

CAPRICORNUS

Antares

–30°

SCORPIUS

PISCES 29

VIRGO 29

23 24

Fomalhaut

OPHIUCHUS

28

27

26

25

LIBRA

Shaula

24

23

22

21

AQUARIUS NEPTUNE

M

O

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

MA R C H

37

southern latitudes THE STARS If you are observing the night sky from southern latitudes, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the constellations sitting in the southeast, centered around Crux and Centaurus. From midlatitudes, you can see Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra, sitting almost right above you. Meanwhile, Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, twinkles away in the east, with the blazing Canopus in Carina taking center stage in the southwest sky. The constellation

Orion is gradually sinking out of view, so make the most of it before it disappears. Leo is very much still visible and can be found sitting high in the northern part of the sky. Not far away from Leo, a little lower in the northwest, are the brightest stars of the constellation Gemini, Castor and Pollux.

4 degrees north of the Southern Pleiades is a glowing region NGC 3372, visible to the naked eye. Also known as the Carina Nebula, it is beautiful when observed through a small telescope.

IC 2602. Its brightest member, the star Theta (θ) Carinae, can actually be seen with the naked eye. If you focus your binoculars on the cluster, you can see about 24 other sparkling stars. Around

SIGHTS OF INTEREST You can see a great deal with a good pair of binoculars this month, including a lovely open cluster known as the Southern Pleiades, The False Cross Formed by four stars in the constellations Carina and Vela, the False Cross asterism resembles the constellation Crux, the Southern Cross, but is somewhat larger.

vela Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

32

Gamma Velorum, 1.8

Velorum

Vel

February–April

The constellation Vela, the Sails, was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, the Ship. Vela can be found in the night sky near the other parts of the ship, notably the constellations Carina, the Keel, and Puppis, the Stern.

ANTLIA

PYXIS

ψ

NGC 3132

–40º

λ PUPPIS

VELA

NGC 3201

γ μ

IC 2395

NGC 3228

–50º

φ

CENTAURUS

κ

IC 2391

NGC 2547

ο δ

IC 2488

8h

CRUX

6 P.M. 9 P.M.

Acrux

VOLANS

10h

11h

PICTOR

9h

CARINA

3 P.M. MIDNIGHT

Capella

Capella NOON

Castor Pollux

LEO

LEO

27

Regulus

27

Castor

Pollux

26

CANCERCANCER 27

GEMINIGEMINI

25

26

23

23 25

21

25

25

21

AldebaranAldebaranTAURUS TAURUS 24 Hyades Hyades 29

Regulus

Procyon

24

29

23

24

23

28

25

24

23 27 Mira

E N I N G E V

20°

25 10°

10°

28

Procyon

Rigel

20°

PISCES PISCES

28

Bellatrix Bellatrix BetelgeuseBetelgeuse

28

30°

ARIES ARIES 28

27

30° Pleiades Pleiades

26 2325 26 25 27 26 26

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

–20°

–20°

–30°

–30°

Mira

Rigel

S K Y

positions of the planets This chart shows the positions of the planets in March from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on March 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

29

28 27 26

ARIES 25

TAURUS

24

23

22

21

EXAMPLES

21

Jupiter’s position on March 15, 2021

27

Jupiter’s position on March 15, 2027. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

URANUS

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north This month, look out for three beautiful star clusters in Taurus in the southwest: the Pleiades, M45, and the Hyades (see p.23). The Pleiades is arguably the finest open cluster in the northern skies. Although visible to the naked eye, it looks wonderful through all sorts of equipment—from binoculars to small, high-quality refractor telescopes. Other objects to spot in the vicinity are the open clusters NGC 1664 and NGC 1857 in Auriga, which are worth a look with a small telescope.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

February 15

Midnight

1 am

March 1

11 pm

Midnight

March 15

10 pm

11 pm

April 1

9 pm

10 pm

April 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

LEO GEMINI

40ºN

Pollux Castor URSA MAJOR

60ºN AURIGA

Big Dipper

Capella Ecliptic

38

URSA MINOR

Polaris

Aldebaran

Arcturus

BOÖTES

PERSEUS DRACO

CEPHEUS TAURUS

HERCULES

N on 20º Horiz

SERPENS CAPUT

CASSIOPEIA ARIES

The Pleiades Also known as the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades is a beautiful star cluster visible to the naked eye. It is a much-loved target of both astrophotographers and astronomers observing with binoculars.

W

ES

Vega

Horizon 40ºN

Deneb Hori zon 6 0ºN

T

CYGNUS

ANDROMEDA

EA

ST

looking south Coma Berenices, Berenice‘s Hair, is a constellation located between Leo and Boötes in the west, and binoculars or a small telescope will reveal the scattered open star cluster known as Melotte 111, which lies within it. With a magnitude of 2.7, Melotte 111 is visible to the naked eye from a dark sky site. Other objects to look out for from northern skies include the three galaxies in Leo: M65, M66, and NGC 3628, as well as the double star Algieba, Gamma (γ) Leonis.

Zenith 60°N

URSA MAJOR 40ºN

Castor Pollux

20ºN

Algieba

GEMINI

Ecliptic

LEO CANCER

Regulus BOÖTES

Procyon MONOCEROS

Arcturus Betelgeuse

HYDRA

Aldebaran

ORION VIRGO

Horizon 60ºN

Spica

PUPPIS

Melotte 111 Also known as the Coma Star Cluster, Melotte 111 is an open cluster containing around 45 separate stars. It is a fine sight through a small refractor telescope or a pair of binoculars.

VELA

EA

LIBRA

ST

Sirius CANIS MAJOR Horizon 40ºN

Rigel

ERIDANUS

CENTAURUS CRUX

Canopus CARINA

20ºN Horizon

W

ES

T

MA R C H

MARCH SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The galaxy M104 is an interesting target for deep-sky observers using a telescope. It sits in Virgo, the Virgin, which lies to the east in the southern skies. Also known as the Sombrero Galaxy, M104 is famous for a distinctive lane of dust that sits across its faintly glowing form. A relatively large telescope can show the dark lane clearly, but even a modest telescope reveals the galaxy’s elliptical shape. Also in Virgo is the spiral galaxy M61; however, its low magnitude (9.7) makes it difficult to spot.

Zenith 40°S

PUPPIS

20ºS

CANIS MAJOR

HYDRA 0º

Sirius

Ecliptic

Regulus

Procyon

MONOCEROS

Spica

LEO

Rigel

VIRGO

CANCER

Betelgeuse

Pollux

GEMINI ORION

Castor URSA MAJOR

Horizon 40ºS

Arcturus Aldebaran

BOÖTES

AURIGA Big Dipper

Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

Capella TAURUS

T

EA

DRACO

ST

The Sombrero Galaxy M104 is a good target if you have a large-aperture telescope. This stunning image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows the prominent dust lane in great detail.

Horizon 0º

looking south The globular cluster Omega (ω) Centauri is a must-see object for astronomers. A large telescope shows many of its stars, while binoculars show the cluster as a bright patch of light. In the west, the open cluster NGC 4755, the Jewel Box, in Crux, is a nice target for small telescopes and binoculars. Another western target is NGC 3372, or the Eta (η) Carinae Nebula, a little farther in Carina. NGC 3372 is visible to the naked eye against the Milky Way, with a dark lane of dust running through it.

Zenith 0°

20ºS HYDRA

MONOCEROS PUPPIS

40ºS

Sirius CANIS MAJOR

VELA CENTAURUS

Spica

ORION

VIRGO

CARINA

Canopus

Ecliptic

CRUX

Rigel PICTOR

β Centauri LIBRA

α Centauri

LUPUS

Horizon 0º ERIDANUS

OCTANS ARA

SCORPIUS

EA

ST

Antares

Horizon 20ºS

Achernar

PAVO TUCANA Horizon 40ºS

PHOENIX

WE

ST

Omega (ω) Centauri Lying 17,000 light-years away, Omega (ω) Centauri or NGC 5139 is the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way. At magnitude 3.7, it is visible to the naked eye in the constellation Centaurus.

39

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

PL EI

AMld 4 eb

n 5 ara

U

L

US

GA RS E

ES

RI P AU

38

M 36 M

C

M

4

EL OP AR

ap ell a

M

PL EI

45

TR N GC

AD

IA

ES M 33

TR N

DA LIS

LAC

P EIA

3

SIO

IES

38

S

PIS M R O N ES C 33

IA IOP EIA

M10

CA S 4

9

CA S

86

88

GC

NG C

C A NGC M 86

ED A

EL 9 OP M103 A RD ALI S

88

ap ell a

C

CA

7

1

M3

34

GA M

M

E

E

US

M3

1

ED A

RO M

M3

RO M

ND

34

P

RS E

M

A

A ND

36

G UM

LU M

T

U

S

G

N

N

E

T

N

T O R

T 4

5

Variable star

X

X

LY N

LY N

M52

M81

THE

BIG

OR

PER

DIP

ER

b

b Dene

Dene

R DIPP INEOBIG URSA MTH ris PolaM81

IN URSA M Polaris

CEPHEUS

M39

CEPHEUS

N O R TM39 H

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

LACER TA

M52

ERTA

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

CA

DR

O

M

M

1 10

1 10

S

S

A

ga Ve

A

LYR

LYR

ga Ve

M

92

57

57

92

M

M

M

13

13

M

M

N

N

O

O

R

R

T

T

H

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date February 15 March 1 March 15 April 1

Zeniths

April 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

NU

NU

O

AC

AC

CYG

CYG

DR

9

9

M2

M2

51

M

ES

US

W

W

E S

RI

AD

AD HY

AR

H

H

3

us

AU

UR TA

IES 2

UT

AP

SC

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

EN

RP

EAST

EAST

AR 1

T

S

A

M3

S

OT E

BO

NA Miza T IC r I r

MARCH | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

S

SE

T

S

A

LE

E E

CU

N

ES

VE iza M

M 51 M

U R A J SA OR M

tur Arc

C BO OR RE ON AL A IS C ER BO OR CU RE O N LE AL A S IS H ER

H

WEST WEST

40

G

G

T

O

O

T E

E

A

A

S

S

83

T

N G

T

C

C

G

a

ic

N

83Sp

51

39

39

51

M

10 4

10 4

M

53

S

O

U x

UX

CR UX

US

CR

NT AU R

Ga cru

CE

x

S

AT ER

US

RV U

AT ER

S

CR

RV U

NT AU R

CO

Ga cru

CE

CO

CR ECLIPTIC

M OR

M67

M67

VELA

VOLANS

SOUTH

SOUTH

LOOK IN G

PYXIS

PYXIS

lu

M48

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

OC

INA

P

CA

3

47

B

h

M

s

pu

s

M

41

OR

IO

Zeniths

OR

AJ

AJ

M

41

pu no Ca

Ca

no

S NI CA ara Ad

s riu Si

S NI CA a 50 ar

M

N OR

M1

se eu elg t e

B

se eu elg t e

s riu Si

50

M A dh

M

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

IS

A RIN

M9

P UP

P

IS

M

3

S RO

M9

E

P UP

M46

MON

CAN

N MI

OR

47

NI

S

MI

M

GE

OC

O ER

NI

OR

MI

N MI

GE

IS

M46 I S

yon Proc

MON

CAN

yon Proc

CAR

x

r

sto

Ca

l Po

R

ER48 CANC M

M44

E CANC

VOLANS

VELA

SOUTH

ANTLIA

HYDRA

ANTLIA

SEXT ANS

HYDRA

S

lus

IN

LEO SEXT AN Reg u

O

lus

Reg u

LE

MARCH | NORTHERN LATITUDES

H

H

M

M

a

ic

Sp

R ECLIPTIC

A

LEO 5 M3

M44

S

O

CO

U

60°N

O

CO

S

U

M LU

IO

M

42

x tri la

M

N

x tri la Be l

LU

U

M

42

T

H

T

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

40°N

H

BA

l

Ri

Be l

BA

ge

Ri ge l

E

EAST

O

W

RA

S

E

M

W

S PU

LE

S

EAST

LIB

R

PU

RA

VI

LE

R

T

US RI DA N E

ML5IB

US

VI 87

S

M

M

T

S U R JO A M

S

A M ES CO NIC RE BE 64 E

87

Ecliptic

RI DA N

M

WEST WEST

OR

M A RC H N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 41

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

Bel latr M42

te

Rigel

ranS ba U de N AIlDA

ES ES

AD HY Al de

M

eu se M 35

NO

O

CE

AL

DE

te

Be

C M AN IN I S OR

S o Pr

o Pr

Pollu x

n

ba ran

lg

IO

eu se

cy tor

Pollu x

US PL EIA

PE

RS M 1

tor

Cas

Cas

on

N NI

M47

S

G

R IS

EU PE

RS

ENU

O R

latr ix

IS

M46cyo

R TAU AL

EM I

O S GE M C INI M AN IN I S OR

M50

OR 37

MO

1

M

M 35

R

N

EIA 38

Ca p e M lla 37

CE

IO

PL M

38

EL O PA RD

EL O P AR D

Ca pe lla

AM

NO

lg

US

GA

36

RI

M

M

C

AM

G A C

36

RI

Be

OR M

AU

T

AU

S

T

MO

ix Bel

W

E

E S

DE S

N

T O R

T 4

5

Variable star

M4 8

M

R

M67

8 CA4N CE

M44

M67

CAN CER M44

LYNX

HYDRA

HYDRA

SE

AN XT

lus

S

S AN XTLEO

u Reg

SE

lus

u Reg

LEO MINO LEO

R

BIG

PER DIP

PER DIP

JOR URSA MA

BIG

OR OR NA MAJ LEO UMRIS

M81

M81

NORTH

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

LYNX

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

EC

TIC

TIC

S NE CA B

LIP

LIP

EC

CO DRA

DRACO

CA

M

64

M

I

51

I

1 10

51

1 10

Date February 15 March 1 March 15 April 1 April 15

Zeniths

N

N

O

O

0°

R

R

T

H

1 am

Daylight-saving time

H

Standard time

Midnight

T

Midnight

11 pm

40°S

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

9 pm

8 pm

20°S

Ecliptic

10 pm

observation times

M

M

IC AT

M

M

TIC N A 64

EN

VE

r iza M

SV

r

40°S

iza M

NE

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

EAST

ER

M45

S

S

H

H

W

3

M5

AD HY

R TAU 1

2

MARCH | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

us

A

S

T

A

S

T

tu S ru s

E E

EAST

ur ct Ar rc

S

O A TE

3 3 M

BO

O TE

BO

M

53 M 53 M

Spica

GO

VIR

R AT E

CR

87 M 87 M

M1 04

C E R OM EN A IC ES

WEST WEST

42

RA

M4

M8

0

An

GO

LIB

RA

tar

es

M

6

M8

M4

0

es tar An

US

O SC 2

U O US S RPI

M

6

T

E

H

E A

la

au

Sh

H

S

S

T

T

LU

S

O

U TE

NG

39

39

tau

51

YD a

os

Mi m

RA

cr ux

Ga

S

TR

CRU

sa

mo

Mi

X

OP

A

IUM

AR

IUM

IAN AU GULUM ST R ALE

TR

LMC SMC

TU

04 C1

CANA

NG

SMC

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

IC

D

Horizons 0°

20°S

r

P

a rn

40°S

he Ac

r

EL

NI

X

IU

M

Zeniths

E HO

OG OL X R HO ENI O PH

a rn

R

CA

UM GEI L O L A RO C

HO O AD

M

DO

M

U

he Ac

DO

M

U

A OR

L CO

points of reference

RET

U UL

OR ICT

ICo RECTan

P

IS

Sirius

M OL LsU C U pu

R TO

N CA

s pu no Ca

PIC I PS

NA RUS TUCA HYD

04 C 1 SA NG MEN

VOLANS

SA

R HYD

MEN

PIS

US

PUP

PUP

LMC

NA

NA CARI

VOLANS

CARI

PYXIS

SOUTH

SOUTH

INDUS

SOUTH

OCTANS

CHAMAELEON OCTANS

LOOK IN G

PAVO

VELA

CHAMAELEON

MUSCA

PAVO APUS

x

Acru

VELA AN TLIA

MUSCA

APUS

x

Acru

Ga CIN US cr ux

CIR

CRU N TA X UH RUada Sr

rus

tau

51

RU

IANHada r AU GU ST R L U M r ALE AR us CIR A CIN US

OP

SC

C

il K en

Rig

SC

LE

LE

A

A

TE

RM

RM

NO

NO

il K en

Rig

C

N TA U

RA M93

MARCH | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

O SC 2

I RP

T

S

S 83

A

la

Sh au

LU

PU

PU

NG

YD

M41

M

A d ha ra Ad ha ra

BA

AJ OR BA

M

U

M

EAST US 0°

LE P

LIB R

M

FO

83

U

ER NA X ER

VIR S R

US ID AN

US

M

U RV

CE

20°S

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

FO

CO

H NA X

CE

ID AN

H Ecliptic

WEST WEST

AN TLIA

M A RC H S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 43

44

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

APRIL Although the nights in the Northern Hemisphere are getting shorter, there is still plenty of time to do some serious sky gazing. In the Southern Hemisphere, there is plenty to see, including the magnificent arc of the Milky Way sweeping across the sky. northern latitudes come across the bright star Spica in Virgo. Not far away from Virgo is Leo, and below these two constellations is a relatively empty patch of sky containing the long constellation Hydra, the Water Snake.

THE STARS The magnitude -0.1 star Arcturus in Boötes sits in the west this month and should be one of your first signposts. Find it by following the curve of Ursa Major’s handle, away from its “bowl.” Along this curve, past Arcturus, you will eventually

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you are using binoculars, the Coma Star Cluster in the constellation Coma Berenices is a beautiful object to observe on a clear April night. Look out for the spiral The Big Dipper The famous asterism known as the “Big Dipper” sits high in the sky this month. It is part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and is sometimes referred to as the Plough.

9 A.M.

30°

20°

leo Size ranking

Brightest stars

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

12

Alpha (α) Leonis 1.4, Beta (β) Leonis 2.2

Leonis

Leo

March–April 10h

11h CANES VENATICI The constellation Leo, the Lion, lies between Cancer and Virgo. It is familiar to 30 deep-sky observers, ˚ URSA MAJOR LEO MINOR because it is home to many μ interesting galaxies. These include the galaxies M66, 54 72 ζ M65, and M96, which are 20˚ THE SICKLE δ 60 93 Algieba γ excellent targets for an 40 η amateur telescope. The LEO θ β NGC M65 constellation’s brightest Denebola 3628 α Regulus M66 M105 M96 star is Regulus, Alpha (α) 10˚ M95 ι 31 ρ Leonis, which sits at π χ∴ the bottom of the σ 59 famous backward58 τ question-mark-like NGC 3521 0 ˚ υ VIRGO “Sickle” asterism. 61 SEXTANS

87

-10

˚

galaxy M81 in Ursa Major with a small telescope. With a large telescope, you can seek out the Virgo Cluster, which contains many faint but interesting galaxies. METEOR SHOWER The Lyrid meteor shower is best seen from northern latitudes and reaches its peak around April 21–22. The best time to view it is around dawn, when the bright

LYNX

κ ε

λ NGC 2903

tic

Eclip R

ξ

ο 10

HYDRA

φ

CRATER

star Vega, in Lyra, is highest in the sky. Although this shower does not create many meteors, they can be quite bright and fast; you can expect to see around 10 meteors over the course of an hour. MIDNIGHT

3 A.M.

6 A.M.

Arcturus

PISCES

10°

28

23

27

Altair 26

24

26

27

0° 25

25

22 25

–10°

26

22

PEGASUS

–20°

AQUARIUS

24

OPHIUCHUS

24 23

22

VIRGO

CAPRICORNUS 21 22

21

LIBRA Antares

Fomalhaut

PISCES 29

28

27

26

25

SAGITTARIUS

24

23

22

SCORPIUS Shaula

21

AQUARIUS

NEPTUNE

G I N N R M O

S

K

Y

29

A P R IL

45

southern latitudes THE STARS As the skies get dark, you will notice that the constellations scattered along the arc of the Milky Way come into view. In the Southern skies, Crux, also known as the Southern Cross, and Centaurus, with the bright stars Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar, or Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Centauri, are visible. In the southeast, do not miss the bright star Antares in Scorpius. On the opposite side of the sky, you will see Canopus in Carina.

There is relatively little going on in the sky overhead—this area is dominated by the long and winding constellation Hydra. However, you will find the bright star Spica in Virgo high in the east. SIGHTS OF INTEREST This time of year is perfect for observing the dark nebula known as the Coalsack. You will find it nestled within the rich, bright star fields of the Milky Way. It is easily visible to the naked eye, sitting right next to Crux, or the Southern Cross. The Coalsack appears dark, because it stops the light from the stars behind it from getting to our eyes. Not far from the Coalsack, you will find the wonderful open cluster NGC 4755, the Jewel Box Cluster. It looks like a hazy star to the naked eye,

The Coalsack This dark nebula can be seen near Crux, the Southern Cross, with the naked eye. It is a vast dust cloud that blocks the light from the stars behind it.

crux Size ranking

Brightest stars

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

88

Acrux 0.8, Becrux, or Mimosa, 1.3

Crucis

Cru

April–May

Of all the constellations, Crux, the Southern Cross, is the smallest. The whole constellation should fit behind your outstretched hand at arm’s length. You can use two of the bright stars that make up Crux to trace a line in the approximate direction of the South Celestial Pole.

CENTAURUS

–60º

μ γ CRUX δ λβ ε NGC ι β Centauri 4755 Coal- α θ1,2 sack Acrux ζ η

CARINA

MUSCA

6 P.M.

12h

13h

14h

11h

3 P.M.

NOON

Capella Capella

MIDNIGHT

Castor Castor

LEO

s

28 29

29

28

LEO

27 27

Pollux

Pollux

25

25 26

GEMINI GEMINI

23 26

23

21

25

23

24

40°

40°

30°

30°

20°

20°

10°

10°

0°

0°

24

21 21 23 23 TAURUS TAURUS 29 29 HyadesHyades 26 26 29 29

27 27

Regulus RegulusCANCER CANCER GEMINI

28

21 25

Pleiades Pleiades 28 22 22 ARIES ARIES 23 29 29

Aldebaran Aldebaran

28

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse BellatrixBellatrix

28

ProcyonProcyon 29

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

TAURUS

29

9

VELA –50º

–70º

9 P.M.

O

NGC 3372, the Carina Nebula. The real star of the show is the stunning globular cluster NGC 5139, Omega (ω) Centauri, in the constellation Centaurus. A small telescope reveals many of its millions of stars.

but binoculars or a small telescope will reveal its individual stars. If you are observing with binoculars, make sure you do not miss two marvelous sights in the nearby constellation Carina—IC 2602, or the Southern Pleiades, and

23

22

21

Rigel

Mira

Rigel

Mira

–10° –10° Spica

Spica URANUS

–20° –20°

positions of the planets

E

V

E

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

This chart shows the positions of the planets in April from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on April 15. Mercury is shown only when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

21

Jupiter’s position on April 15, 2021

28

Jupiter’s position on April 15, 2028. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north Northern skies in April contain the open cluster NGC 188 in the constellation Cepheus. This cluster sits just south of the bright star Polaris, Alpha (α) Ursae Minoris, and is a nice target for a large telescope. For observers using binoculars, the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in the constellation Auriga are still on show, as is the Double Cluster (see p.22) and the double star Mizar and Alcor. Also look out for the spiral galaxy M81 in the constellation Ursa Major.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

March 15

Midnight

1 am

April 1

11 pm

Midnight

April 15

10 pm

11 pm

May 1

9 pm

10 pm

May 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

Regulus 40ºN LEO

Arcturus

URSA MAJOR

Alcor

60ºN

CANCER

Big Dipper

Ecliptic

46

BOÖTES

Mizar

Pollux Castor URSA MINOR

HERCULES

Polaris GEMINI

DRACO

CEPHEUS AURIGA

Capella Horizon 20ºN

ORION

Vega

OPHIUCHUS

Betelgeuse PERSEUS

M36 in Auriga The open cluster M36 is a truly wonderful sight when seen through a small telescope. It sits in the middle of Messier’s three famous open clusters in Auriga.

Aldebaran

W

Deneb CASSIOPEIA

Horizon 40ºN CYGNUS

ES

T

TAURUS

EA ANDROMEDA

ST

Horizon 60ºN

looking south There is a lot to see in April for deep-sky and galaxy enthusiasts looking south. Virgo has galaxies that can be seen through a telescope, such as M84, M86, and M87. The globular cluster M3 in Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs, makes a good small-telescope target. Canes Venatici can be located between Ursa Major and Boötes high in the northeast of the April skies. A small telescope will help show the lovely open cluster M48 in Hydra, the Water Snake. M48 is a loose collection of 80 stars southwest of Hydra‘s head.

Zenith 60°N

URSA MAJOR 40ºN BOÖTES

20ºN LEO

CANCER

Arcturus

Castor Pollux

Eclipt i

Regulus

c

VIRGO

GEMINI HYDRA

Spica

SERPENS CAPUT

Procyon MONOCEROS

LIBRA OPHIUCHUS

The Virgo Galaxy Cluster Lying in the constellation Virgo, this cluster is thought to consist of an incredible 2,000 individual galaxies. Several of its brightest members can be observed using amateur equipment.

Horiz on

CENTAURUS PUPPIS

Horizon 40ºN

EA

ST

Antares SCORPIUS

LUPUS

β Centauri α Centauri

VELA

CRUX CARINA

CANIS MAJOR

60ºN

2 zon Hori

Sirius 0ºN

W

ES

T

A P R IL

APRIL SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north In the west, Leo plays host to many interesting galaxies that can be seen with relatively modest amateur equipment. The spiral galaxies M65 and M66 can be spotted with a small telescope, while M96, M95, and M105 are excellent targets for large-aperture telescopes. They are found clustered around a region at roughly the halfway point between the stars Chertan, or Theta (θ) Leonis, and Regulus, or Alpha (α) Leonis. M65 and M66 appear as gray smudges of light through a small telescope.

Zenith 40°S

20ºS

HYDRA

Spica

0º PUPPIS

Eclipti

c

VIRGO

Regulus

Chertan

LIBRA

LEO

Arcturus

Procyon CANCER MONOCEROS

Pollux

URSA MAJOR

40ºS Horizon

OPHIUCHUS

Castor Betelgeuse

W

GEMINI

Big Dipper HERCULES

Horizon 20ºS

ORION

ES

SERPENS CAPUT

BOÖTES

T

DRACO

AURIGA

EA

URSA MINOR

Horizon 0 º

ST

M66 in Leo The magnitude 8.9 spiral galaxy M66 appears in the bottom right of this image as part of the famous trio of galaxies known as the Leo Triplet, which also includes M65 and NGC 3628.

looking south By far the most impressive sight from southern latitudes is the great arc of the Milky Way galaxy. It stretches all the way from the magnificent region in the east around the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius, through Crux, Carina, and Vela down to Puppis and Canis Major. The bright, magnitude 0.8 star Acrux, or Alpha (α) Crucis, in Crux is a multiple star that can be resolved by a small telescope. The galaxy M83 in Hydra is an excellent large-aperture telescope object.

Zenith 0°

20ºS

Spica

VIRGO

HYDRA

𝛄 Ecli

ptic

40ºS

LIBRA

CENTAURUS

θ Centauri

CRUX

VELA

Acrux β Centauri LUPUS SCORPIUS

PUPPIS MONOCEROS

α Centauri

CARINA

ARA

OPHIUCHUS

Canopus

Horizon 0º

OCTANS

CANIS MAJOR

Sirius

PICTOR

PAVO ORION

Horizon 20ºS

EA

SAGITTARIUS

ST

Achernar Horizon 40 ºS

TUCANA

ERIDANUS

Rigel

WE

ST

M83 in Hydra The spiral galaxy M83 sits in the constellation Hydra. It can be found in the night sky sitting between the stars Menkent, or Theta (θ) Centauri, and Gamma (γ) Hydrae.

47

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

Be lla trix

Ald N ES D HYA ORIO eba

ran Bella

Bet

H

elge

M

M1 M1

M

AU 38

RI

G

RI G

A

A

sto Ca pe lla

X

C

M

N LY

37

M

5

PL

36

U TA

EI AD

RU

ES

EL OP AR D

ALI

S

884

NGC

S PL 884

UR SA

M81

MAJOR

C AS S IOPEIA

M81

UR SA M AJOR

M10 3 869

AND R O M E DA C AS S IOPEIA

31

IG

EB

TH

IG

ER

PP

DI

ER

PP

DI

OR

OR

E N TI CA NA VE

EI

R ESO ADN

L AC E

CEPHEUS

CEPHEUS

MIN

MIN

EB

TH

URSA Polaris

URSA Polaris

M52

M52

N

T

M E DA N O R T H

L AC E

O R

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

ANDRO M3 1

M10 3 M

NGC 869

NGC

ALI S

NGC

E L OP AR D

X

AM

4

M

M M3 33 4

M3

C

Ca pe lla

UM

UM

AM

r

5

S

GU L

Ca

AU 38

I

U

N

S

AN

SE U

TR

R

M

PE

PE RS E

RI A GU L

Pollux

M3

S

T

INI

36

M4

S T

GEM

M

RU

E

E S

T 33

N LY

37

U TA

W

W

5

use

H

M3

trix

n bara Alde DES HYA

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

DR

DR

RTA

RTA

Planetary nebula

AC

O

O

9

9

BO

BO

T O

T O

b ne De

b ne De

C

CY

CY

M

M

ga Ve

13

A

13

U

R LY

GN

29

ga Ve M

R LY

U

29

GN

M

A

ES

N

N

O

O

R

R

T

T

H

H

V

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

V

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date March 15 April 1 April 15 May 1

Zeniths

May 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

M3

M3

AC

APRIL | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

EAST

S

HU

UC

S

HU

HI

OP

UC

HI

OP

A

UL

A

EC

UL

LP

U

o

T

S

A E

EC

re Al

AEl bA ire So

T UL P

bi

57 M M

57

UL ES

RC HE

UL

LIS

RC

REA HE

BO S S

O

ES ES

10 1 M 51

ar ar M

M

10 1

iz M iz

S CI M

RMO9 2 N A 92 M

WEST WEST

48

M8

M

IU

4

S

O

U T

BR

H

H

E

E

A

A

S

T

U

PU

SU TP

A

U

A

L

S

O

U

S

S

ECLIPTIC

RG

VI

M

M

O

83

83

RG

O

ar

Had

5 13 9

US

Gacrux

CORV

M104

US

M104M87

O

M

SEX

R

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

A

A

HY

H

CA

N

CE

R

R

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

S

67

U DR

M

R YD

67

C

US

M

points of reference

N CARI

A

IA

VEL

NA

ANTL

VEL

IA ANTL

CARI

S

us

ul

g Re

g Re

NS

TAN

XOTA SE LE

R CRATE

CRATE

LE

O

s

u ul

44 M 44

LE

SOUTH

SOUTH

CRUX

SOUTH

CRUX

U M R SA AJ OR

LOOK IN G

Acrux

Mimosa

Gacrux

Acrux

Mimosa

NTA URUS

NGC

CE

ar

Had

5 13 9

M87

C RE OM N A IC ES

CORV

64

NTA URUS

NGC

CE

Spi ca

Spi ca

M

64

R O

IN

APRIL | NORTHERN LATITUDES

0

S

T

BR

ECLIPTIC

VI

M

CE

P

48

S

cy

Zeniths

I YX

PY

48

S XI

M

M

M

46

PMU

4P6

IS

N

CA

AN Pr o Pr oc yo n

on G C E M AN IN I IS

I M PU

P

PI S

M

M

IN

OR

O

O

U

U

60°N

S

S

N

O M

47

NO M R M M9

S

OC E

RO M

47

T

H

T

H

50 M

R MO ASJ OR

O3 C NA O NC ISE M

es tar An

P OR

PI S

EAST 93

es tar An

SC

C

M

4

S

LI

W

80

L

Sir

ius

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

M

IU

IS

SC

P OR

AN

LI

S

12

5

E

S HU M

S

0 M1

M

T

E

EAST

UC

PU M

OPHI s turu Arc

T

0 M1

S

S

T

PEN

CA 50

5

M

SER

E OT 53

AJ OR

BO M

ara

M

3

Ad h

s turu Arc 1

M

M4

M

12

53

Ad har a Sir ius

S BE

1

BE M4

M

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

C RE OM N A IC ES

A PR IL N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 49

CA NI

S

M IN

Pr oc y

O

EM

I

N Bet elge

MON M3

on

n

Po l x

M 44

G IS M N CA

R

M6

M6 7

7

N

S

s

s

OR

N LEO

A XT

O

O

LEO

OM IN

LE

AT E R

5 M3

OS

AU

R

RI

G A

CR UMR81SA M A JO R

G BIG DIPPER

T R GA ORI NAU N

O R

NORTH

N 5

T

A

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

CORVUS

M8

7

VI

O

O

RG

RG

4

VI M6

M

53

53

ES

M

S

M51

01 M1

M51

01 M1

CE

NIC ERE COMA B 7

M6

ar

ENI

TICI VENA 4

M8

CANES

O

ar Miz

Planetary nebula

C

s

s ru

ru

TI

LIP

ctu

ctu Ar

Ar

EC

M3

M3

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference

TICI VENA

Miz

ER COMA B

CANES

DRAC

R U R SA M I N O

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

M81

R U R SA M I N O

BIG DIPPER

M IU NR OS RA MAJOR

Regu lu

LE

S

Regu lu

SE

IN 44

NC

M

ER

NC E

CA

CA

M48

lu

x

X

DR

ER or

lu

LY N

X

A XT

OC I Po l

or

LY N

HY

use

ORIO

IN

Ca st

Ca st

Pr oc yo

R

IN

EM

S T

T

5

a

SE

use

ORIO

W

E

E S

4

BO

S

S

DR

Date

A N IS RO AL CO RE BO

N

N

O

O

R

R

A N IS RO AL CO RE BO

O AC

March 15 April 1 April 15 May 1 May 15

Zeniths

0°

T

T

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

E OT

E OT

BO

40°S

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

EAST

US

CH

2

HIU

M1

ES OP

UL

ES

RC

HE

UL

RC

T

elge

H

H

W

3

T

Spic

Bet

1

2

APRIL | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

M

13

HE

13

M

T

S

A

A

S

E E

S

T

PU CA

PU

S CA

M5

EN

10 4 M

EN

RP

SE M5

RP

SE

WEST

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

50

H IUC

M 62

M

8

USM28 M

62

au la

Sh

6

M

M

M

M

M2 22 19

7

9

M

A N L R O R A M6 S CO ST 7U MRI AU A TT 69 GI M 4 SA 5 M 8

3

M

4 M2

1

M2

8

M2

2

M5

4

T

H E A

I H S E A

S

S

A N L RO RA US RI CO ST U A T IT AU S O AG S 69 M

T

la

T

T

S

PU S

CIR

M

A

S

S

DU

DU

IN

IN

AR

US

NG

13

C5 13 9

r

CE

9

Hada

C5

S

PAV O

DRA

Ga HY crux

US

APUS

NGC 104

S

O

U

LOOK IN G

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

A

Planetary nebula

A

LMC

he Ac

rna

r

r rna UL C he AcRETI

LMC

Horizons 0°

20°S

O

UM

D RA

A

R

40°S

HO

IU

M

Zeniths

OG OL

L CO

a LU ar O dh C

ra

ha

Ad

M9

I OG L RO DO HO ORA D

DO

ISs

S

pPu

PI

Po an PCU

UM

points of reference

NIX

US

MENS

US

PHOE

SOUTH

SOUTH

TUCANA

SOUTH

NGC 104

SMC

PY

P PU

INA M CAR LU ICU T S us E AN R R op VOL O an T C C PI

MENS

HYDR

PY

INA CAR A VEL S AN R VOL TO PIC

IA

VELA

IA

TL AN

TL AN

HYDR

N

NC CHAMAELEO SM

OCTANS TUCANA

APUS

MOUCSTCAANS

CxHAMAELEO Acru

Gacrux

MUSCA

N MTim Aos Ua CRURXUSAcrux

RV U

NT AU R

Mimosa tauM CRUX A rus US THR adA arLE

CIN

NG

IA CIR CIN AU NGU US ST L U M RA P AVO LE

TR

us

Ri Ke gil nta ur

AR NO T A RM RIAN Ri GKU gil A en LU

NO U RM PU AS

M

IU

IU

OP

OP

SC

SC

LE

LE

TE

TE

S

APRIL | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

M2

au

S

IU

IU

RP

RP

CO

s re ta An

ISSh

CO

U

O

CE

RA

7 M4

3

6

M4 3 M9

M

U

S

I

M

S

O

U

H T U US O N S DA ER

LU

U

M

N

AN ID E CA

0°

N

CA

L AE

ER

U

M

C

CA

IS

M

41 M M50

41

OR AJ Sir ius

H

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

OR

IS

X IS

X

1

M

EAST

M2

BA

M 80 4

BA

19

M

3 M

IS

H O P 24

M2 M

W

S

W

80

AJ

9 M 0 M1

s

T

M

re

S

ta

E

An

RA

T

S

PU LE

ION

OR ION

M 4

S

M

L

S

L

E

LIB 3

PU

M8

LE

3

Ecliptic

OR

M8

C

WEST WEST

HYD

A PR IL S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 51

52

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

MAY In the Southern Hemisphere, you will be treated to the richness of the constellations Centaurus, Scorpius, and Sagittarius. If you are observing from the Northern Hemisphere, you will see more subdued constellations, such as Hercules and Virgo.

coma berenices Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

42

Beta (β) Comae Berenices 4.2

Comae Berenices

Com

April–May

The constellation Coma Berenices, the Hair of Berenices, is not very prominent in the night sky. However, it does contain a wonderful binocular target, the magnitude 2.7 open cluster Melotte 111 (also known as the Coma Star Cluster), as well as the interesting galaxy M64, or the “Black Eye” Galaxy.

northern latitudes curving handle to find your way to Arcturus in the constellation Boötes. To its south, you will see the bright star Spica in Virgo. This month, the

THE STARS If you have a small telescope, point it at the middle star in the “handle” of the Big Dipper asterism in Ursa Major. This is the star Mizar, which has a companion star, Alcor, that can be glimpsed with the naked eye. A closer inspection of Mizar with a telescope shows that it is made up of a pair of stars. Once again, follow the Big Dipper’s

Size ranking

12h

13h

14h

37

β 41

γ MELOTTE

16 14

31

NGC 4565

FS 20º

Arcturus

35 M53

α COMA BERENICES

M85

36 M91

M88

bright blue-white star Vega rises in the east in the constellation Lyra, the Lyre—a celestial sign that summer is on its way. If you are observing the night sky from lower northerly latitudes, you can also glimpse the constellation Scorpius, the Scorpion, peeking over the southeastern horizon, led by the bright orange-red star Antares. Finding the Pole star You can use the stars Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Ursae Majoris (right) in the Big Dipper asterism to find the location of the pole star, Polaris (center top).

40°

30°

M98 M99

SIGHTS OF INTEREST For galaxy enthusiasts, the May night sky offers two relatively bright targets. The first is the Whirlpool Galaxy, or M51, in Canes Venatici. The second is the spiral galaxy M101, which sits to the north of the Big Dipper’s handle. METEOR SHOWER The annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks this month. Because the radiant of the shower lies near the celestial equator, it is not a great sight from far northerly latitudes.

6 A.M.

ARIES

MIDNIGHT

20° 29 28

3 A.M.

27 28

23

M100

VIRGO

50°

10°

LEO

11

10º

NOON

24

7

23

M64

BOÖTES

111 12

PISCES

23

26 27

25 22

24

0°

26

Altair 24 22 25

Mira

OPHIUCHUS

22 24

–10°

23

21

22

21

PEGASUS

AQUARIUS

URANUS

Antares

Fomalhaut

CAPRICORNUS

PISCES 29

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

TAURUS

23

22

21

29

28

27

26

25

24

SAGITTARIUS

23

22

SCORPIUS Shaula

21

NEPTUNE

M O R N I N G

Y S K

53

MA Y

southern latitudes eye, whereas a telescope reveals many of its millions of stars in a tight ball. If you have a large-aperture telescope, turn it toward the fine spiral galaxy M83 that sits in the constellation Hydra.

THE STARS Sitting high in the southern sky is the prominent constellation Crux, the Southern Cross. If you have a small telescope, be sure to point it at Crux’s brightest star Acrux, Alpha (α) Crucis, which is actually a double star made of two blue-white stars. The Milky Way rises high in the south this month, with Sagittarius and Scorpius sitting in the east— a clue that winter is on its way in the Southern Hemisphere.

c e n tau r u s

Spectacular star fields Looking into the southern night sky in May, you cannot miss the bright stars Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Centauri (left). Nearby, you will find the constellation Crux (right) and the Coalsack Nebula.

Brightest stars

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

9

Alpha (α) Centauri -0.3, Beta (β) Centauri 0.6

Centauri

Cen

April–June

LIBRA The large constellation Centaurus, the Centaur, sits within the –30º rich star fields of the Milky Way. It is home to what is arguably the finest globular cluster in –40º η the whole night sky—the magnificent Omega (ω) LUPUS Centauri, or NGC 5139. The constellation’s two brightest stars are Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Centauri, known more familiarly to astronomers as Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar. CIRCINUS The constellation is fully visible between the latitudes of 25°N and 90°S.

METEOR SHOWER Caused by the dust left over from Comet Halley entering our atmosphere and vaporizing, the Eta (η) Aquarid meteor shower peaks every year around May 5–6. You can expect to see roughly 30 meteors an hour. The meteors appear to be coming from a point near the star Eta (η) Aquarii, in Aquarius, and tend to be quite fast moving. The farther south you are, the better view of the shower you will get.

SIGHTS OF INTEREST Whether you are observing with the naked eye or a telescope, it is the globular cluster NGC 5139, Omega (ω) Centauri, you will want to focus on this month. You can see it easily as a hazy star with the naked

Size ranking

13h

14h

12h

HYDRA 4 1 2

3

ANTLIA

θ

CENTAURUS

ψ χ υ2

φ ν μ υ1

NGC 5128

ζ NGC 5139

NGC 5460

ω

NGC 4945

ξ

2

1

ξ

γ

τ

σ ρ

ε

CRUX

NGC 3918

Acrux

λ

NGC 3766

MUSCA

TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE

CARINA

3 P.M. NOON 6 P.M.

9 P.M.

Castor Castor Pollux Pollux

CANCER CANCER

MIDNIGHT

Arcturus

23

Arcturus

25

LEO 27

27

2623

GEMINIGEMINI 21 26

28

VIRGO VIRGO

21

27

27

2327

28

Procyon Procyon

10°

10°

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

Bellatrix Bellatrix

Rigel

LIBRA positions of the planets

E

V

E

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

This chart shows the positions of the planets in May from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on May 15. Mercury is shown only when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

21

Jupiter’s position on May 15, 2021

29

40°

20°

TAURUS 28 TAURUS

Rigel

US

40°

30°

29

29

50°

30°

26 28

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

29

50°

PleiadesPleiades 28 25 27 28 25 29 29 21 21 21 21 20° 24 24 Aldebaran Aldebaran Hyades Hyades

26

Spica

Spica

LIBRA

23

25

Regulus Regulus 29

π

ο1,2

(β) centauri

R (α) centauri

VELA

δ

Capella Capella

LEO

11h

CORVUS

Jupiter’s position on May 15, 2029. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

MAY NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north The globular cluster M13 in Hercules is a prominent feature in May. It is located roughly a third of the way along a line between the stars Eta (η) and Zeta (ζ) Herculis. Although M13 can be seen with binoculars, a telescope shows it more clearly. Larger aperture telescopes can show a multitude of the cluster’s stars. Another object to look out for is the planetary nebula NGC 6543 in Draco, which is best suited to larger telescopes.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

April 15

Midnight

1 am

May 1

11 pm

Midnight

May 15

10 pm

11 pm

June 1

9 pm

10 pm

June 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

40ºN

URSA MAJOR

LEO

BOÖTES

60ºN

HERCULES

ζ

η

Big Dipper

DRACO

URSA MINOR

Ecliptic

54

ψ Draconis Vega

CANCER

Pollux

Deneb

GEMINI

Horiz o

CASSIOPEIA

AURIGA

Capella

Procyon

NGC 6543 This magnitude 8.1 nebula, also known as the Cat’s Eye Nebula, is best suited for larger telescopes and appears as a bluish disk. It is 3,600 light-years away from Earth.

CYGNUS

CEPHEUS

Castor

n 20 ºN

AQUILA

Horizon 40ºN

W

ES

ANDROMEDA

T

on Horiz

PEGASUS

PERSEUS

Altair

N 60º

EA

ST

looking south There are several notable globular clusters worth observing in May’s night sky. M10 in the east, at the heart of the constellation Ophiuchus, is visible with binoculars. Just northwest of M10 but also in Ophiuchus lies another cluster, M12, which is a fine sight through a small telescope. Moving up a little, the globular cluster M5 appears over the border in the southern part of Serpens Caput, the Snake’s Head. Kappa (κ) Boötis is a double star in Boötes, visible through a small telescope.

Zenith 60°N

κ

URSA MAJOR 40ºN

BOÖTES 20ºN

Arcturus HERCULES

LEO SERPENS CAPUT

Ecliptic

VIRGO

Spica

OPHIUCHUS LIBRA SERPENS CAUDA

HYDRA

Horiz on

Antares LUPUS

M10 in Ophiuchus The magnitude 6.6 globular cluster M10 lies 14,000 light-years from Earth, and is a little over 80 light-years in diameter. It is a wonderful target for a small amateur telescope.

CENTAURUS

EA

ST

CANCER

Regulus

SCORPIUS

SAGITTARIUS

β Centauri ARA

α Centauri

60ºN

Horizon 40ºN

CRUX VELA

0ºN on 2 Horiz

W

ES

T

MA Y

MAY SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north In the east, several star clusters are on view in the constellation Ophiuchus this month. Besides the globular clusters M10 and M12, there is the magnitude 4.6 open cluster NGC 6633, roughly the same size as the full Moon on the sky. Composed of 30 stars, this open cluster is a wonderful sight through a small telescope. Northwest of NGC 6633 is another large and scattered open cluster, IC 4665, which lies close to the star Cebalrai, or Beta (β) Ophiuchi, and is easily visible with binoculars.

Zenith 40°S

CENTAURUS

20ºS

HYDRA

SCORPIUS

Spica Antares

LIBRA

0º VIRGO

OPHIUCHUS SERPENS CAPUT

Arcturus

LEO

SERPENS CAUDA

BOÖTES

Cebalrai

Regulus

Eclip t

ic

HERCULES n Horizo

40ºS

URSA MAJOR

CANCER

Big Dipper

DRACO

Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

Vega

Pollux

T

EA

URSA MINOR

Horizo n 0º

ST

M12 in Ophiuchus Discovered in 1764 by Charles Messier, M12 is a prime target for a small telescope. It is estimated to be between 16,000 and 18,000 light-years away from Earth.

looking south The beautiful section of the Milky Way around Crux, the Southern Cross, including the dark nebula known as the Coalsack, takes center stage in the south in May. There are several fine open clusters on view in Carina, many nestled among the rich star fields of the Milky Way. NGC 3532 can be seen with the naked eye, but binoculars reveal its many twinkling stars well. The magnitude 4.2 cluster NGC 3114 is an interesting target for a small telescope, while NGC 2516 is a good target for binoculars.

Zenith 0°

VIRGO

Spica 20ºS LIBRA

OPHIUCHUS

Ecl ipt ic

40ºS

LUPUS

β Centauri

SCORPIUS

α Centauri

SERPENS CAUDA

HYDRA

CENTAURUS

Antares

CRUX VELA

ARA

CARINA

SAGITTARIUS

Horizon 0º

Avior PUPPIS

PAVO OCTANS

PICTOR Horizon 20ºS

EA

Canopus

CANIS MAJOR

TUCANA

ST

Sirius

GRUS

Achernar PHOENIX

Horizon 40ºS

WE

ST

NGC 2516 The magnitude 3.8 open cluster NGC 2516 sits roughly 3.5 degrees away from the star Avior, Epsilon (ε) Carinae. It contains roughly 100 stars and can be viewed with just a pair of binoculars.

55

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

Procyon

CAN GE or

M

U

M

CE R

G3E5

I

44

RI G A

LY

LY

N

NX

NX

IN

I M 37

M

a

M

A ap ell a

pe ll

Ca

C

O

I

M

U RI G A

M

IN

OR 38

1 M

M 35

N

M 37

36

A 38

O

M or

M

M

st

as t

x

Po llu

C

O

M 36

S

R

S

T

Ca

ux

l

Po l

W

E

E T

LE

MIN

H

T H

W

1

N

O R

T 3

4

5

Variable star

R

U

RS AM A JO R

M

M81

M8

PA

THE

Open cluster

M51

1 M10

DRA

1 M10

CO

BO

MI N

S

M5

EUS

C 2

LAC

M

39

39

TA ER

M

SU

S

TA ER LAC US S GA PE

GA PE

b

CY

ne De

b

CY

ne De

G

G

57

N

N

U

U

S

S

M

M

29

O

O

29

N

N

R

R

T

T

H

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date April 15 May 1 May 15 June 1

Zeniths

June 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

EUS

2

CEPH

Planetary nebula

M5

CEPH

M31

M31

E OT

OR

CO R D RA MI N O U R SA

U R SA

NORTH

Diffuse nebula

EAST

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

Altair

Mizar

DIPPER

Polaris

C AS S I O P E I A

M103

A N D R O M E DA C AS S I O P E I A

NGC 8 NGC 869 84

Polaris

Mizar

BIG DIPP ER C V AN E NA ES TIC I

THE BIG

M34

M103

LOOK IN G

NORTH

TRIANGULUM

A N D R O M E DA

NORTH

TRIANGULUM

NGC 8 NGC 869 84

R DA L I S

ELO 1 PARD ALIS

AJ OR

CA

R

RS CAEUS ME LO

U R SA M

PE

PE

SEU S

M34

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

EAST

HIN

LP

CANIS 1

2

MAY | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

US

LP EC UL UL A A DE SA SA LP GIT G ITT TA HAIN A QU USIL A

DE

eo eo

VU

M

27

EC

LP

VU

27

M

T

S

A

T

E

S

A E

bir bir

M 57 M

Al Al

Ve ga

A Ve ga

A

UL RC HE

92 M

M1

3 92 M

ES

LY R LY R

WEST WEST

56

M2 1 M1

2

M2

M

M2

8

M

8

6

M

M2

18

M

7 M1

5

M

M2

24

M

M

23

21

M

M2

8

8

S

O

M

7

T

H

M

U

H

M

M

la

au

9

9

E A

S T

E Sh A au S la T

6

S

O

U

sunrise and sunset on 15th may

2

6 62

62

M

M

10

AR

12

OR

es

OR

tar

AS C

A

12

es

tar

M

SC

An

AR

19

19

10 A n

M

M

PI

PI

4

80

80

N 4 O

NO

US

M

M

US

M

M

PE

RM

RM

A

A

N

S

S

N

CA PU

T

A

A

LUP

CIR CIN

US

Spica

M83

Spica

M104

M64

M104

VIRGO

M53

M83

CRUX CENTAURUS

Mimosa

LOOK IN G

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

ux

ux Acr

Gacr

ux Acr

ux

Gacr

CORV

CORV

M87

SOUTH

CRUX

Mimosa

SOUTH

Hadar Rigil Kentaurus

SOUTH

M87

COMA ES IC BEREN VIRGO

M53

M64

CENTAURUS

Arcturus

M3

Arcturus

Hadar Rigil Kentaurus

IC

ECLIPT

RA

US

LIB

M5

S

IC ECLIPT

PU LIBRA T

CIR LUPU CIN S US

CA

IS

M5

S

Planetary nebula

MAY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

16

7

T

M

Sh

M

M

M

PE

IS

COMA ES IC BEREN

TE CRA

R

R

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

US

US

TE CRA

Re gu lus

A XT

S

S

O

O

U

U

60°N

TL AN

LA

Zeniths

VE

I

I

A

TL AN

LA

TA

VE

X SE

SE

RA

HY D 7

M6

RA

O

LE O

LE

S

N

S

7 M1 5 M2

M

24

N

EAST

M 14

A

23 DMA AU C S N 21 M SERP1E6 8

1

HY D

6 M

T

H

W

M2 14

T

H

S

T 40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

M

US

S

M

HI H UC

E

OP S

T

1 M1

US

R LE

S

HI H UC

HE

CU R

E

S XI

OP

SE

PY

LE R

S

SE

N RO AL O C RE BO XI

R

8 M4 8

HE

CU E OT O B

PY

E OT O B Ecliptic

M4

N RO AL O C RE BO

WEST WEST

M3

M AY N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 57

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

ux

HY

CA

ul us ul

7

LE

O

S I N O LER O

M

M6

A g Re

OR

UR S A

M

CA 44

NC

7

N LY

us

AJ OR

AJ OR

R

M

E AT

ER

M

M

AN XT

NC

O

EO

LE IN

U RS A

CR

L

SE

44

N

X

O

N LY X

T

g Re

DR TIC

TIC

S

ll Po ux

ER

R N

T O R

T 5

Variable star

M8

M8

1

1

CO RV US

M104

M104 M87

M64

VIRGO

rus

rus

Arctu

VIRGO

Spica

M53

Mizar

M3 M101

Arctu

M3

COMA BERENICES

ATICI M53

S VEN ATICI

COMA BERENIM51 CES

M64

CANEM S87VEN

CANE IPPER

BIG D

M101

BOOT

BOOT

R

INOR URSA M

M51

Mizar

N O R T HURSA MINO

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

IPPER

BIG D

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

SER

SER

M

5

PEN

5

NA

M

NA

PEN

CORO

ES

CORO

ES

S

CA

T

IS

M1

M1

IS

T

AL

PU

RE

PU

AL

O AC

O AC

RE

CA

BO

S

BO

DR

DR

3

3

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

HE

HE

40°S

RC

UL

92

ES

92LE MU

RC

M

S

N

N

O

O

0°

R

R

T

T

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date April 15 May 1 May 15 June 1 June 15

Zeniths

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

EAST

M

W

E

E S T

4

AQU ILA

M

S

HU 14

UC M

HU

S

HI OP OP

HI

UC

M1 0

12 M 12 M

RA

LIB

M6

ECLIP

ECLIP

H

H

W

3

7

7

M5

ll Po

1

2

MAY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

T

M5

SE CA RP U ENS DA

A

E

A

S

E

A

S

T

A

LY R Ve ga

LY R Ve ga

WEST WEST

58

M

IC

TA

RI

M

PI OGIT C S A RO S

EAST M 55

M

IC

RO

O SC M

S

O

U

T

H

H

E

E

A

A

PI

S

O

U

N A A LI S

S

S

T

T

S

TE

LE

SC

OP

OP

US

IN G DU RU S S

IN TDEU LS ES C

GR

IU

M

IU

M

AR

AR

A

A LU

A

TUC

TUC

PAV O

PU

S

S

ANA

ANA

NO RM PA VOA

RM

PU

CIN US

Acrux NGC 5139

Hadar

Mimosa

CRU

X

CIN US

APUS SMC

A MUSC

rnar YDRUS AcheH

ON CHAMAELE

LOOK IN G

SOUTH

SOUTH

Achernar

SOUTH

SMC

PHOENIX

NGC 1 04

O PH CT OAEN NS IX

NGC 1 04

X

ON

CRU

CHAMAELE

Acrux

Mimosa

HYDRUS

Hadar

TRIAN GULUM OACUTSATNRSALE

CIR

APUS

s

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

RV

INA

D HY

RA

L VO

S

I LOG

UM

Horizons 0°

IA

20°S

LA

40°S

R DO

R DO

VE

AD

O

Zeniths

n Ca

op

us

us p no

O

Ca

AD

LA VE IA TL AN

TL AN

points of reference

HORO

Planetary nebula

AN

SA LMC NS LA UM O L V U RETIC

MEN

INA CAR

CAR

CO

A

R

CR AT E

IUM SLAOGLMC H MOERNO M ULU RETIC

ux

Gacr

RUS

A MUSC TRIAN S GULUM U R AUST ENTAU RAL E C Rigi ux l Gacr K uru

enta

CIR

s

uru

Rig Ken il ta

M83

CENTAU

NGC 5139

MAY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

A 54

U TAM RI U

69

RO R CO ST AU

U

S 8

T

U

NO

LU

S U

DR

S XI

PY S P PU

P PU

S

S

S

0°

PI

PI

S

O

O

XI

PY

N A A LI S

7

C

H

LU

M

O

EAST la au Sh

L

6 M

S

CT

U

U

H

7 M4

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

O

IL AQU 7 M M24 22 8 5 M1 I T 2 55 M GM M

A USM 8

BA

T SCU M2 6

M

M1 M M

IU

WUM E BA S

22 M 6 M1 54

HI P OR

S

M2 M11 69

OP RO R 3 O T M2 C S AMU21 SC S HU C U 62

E

M M

W

93 M

25 M9 7 M

ara

M 8

Ad h

4 8

M 19

M

M2 6

la au Sh

Ad ha ra

M M

S

T

1

I IU

T

H OP SC S HU C U

P OR 4

M

M

es tar An 93

M 46

3 M

N

8 19 62

80

CA

M2

M M O 48 N O M 46 CA CERO N S I S MA JOR

M2 M4 M14 7

M

es

JOR

M1

tar

IS M A

M2 4

1

An

Ecliptic

M4

M

WEST WEST

HY

M AY S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 59

60

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

JUNE It is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and with lighter evenings, the time for observation is reduced. For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the dark skies offer a plethora of celestial sights to look for, including the constellations in the Milky Way.

hercules

NOON

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

5

Beta (β) Herculis, or Kornephoros, 2.8

Herculis

Her

June–August

Scorpius. Look out for the unmistakable bright star Alpha (α) Scorpii, Antares, shining with an orange-red tint. SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you have a small telescope, train it on M13, the finest globular cluster in the northern skies this month. It lies in Hercules, which is high in the sky at this time. Also look for

another globular cluster, M5, which sits in the head of the constellation Serpens, the Snake. These star

50°

40° 6 A.M.

30°

27 24 28 Aldebaran

28

22

29

Hyades

25

24

PISCES

28

27

Bellatrix

22

TAURUS

Altair 26

0°

22

25

AQUARIUS

Mira

Rigel

κ

MIDNIGHT

23 29

10°

CORONA BOREALIS

SERPENS CAPUT

3 A.M.

22 26

BOÖTES

clusters are roughly magnitude 6 and can be seen through binoculars. If you are an enthusiastic galaxy observer, use a telescope to reveal two well-known spiral galaxies, M51 and M101, sitting near the handle of the “Big Dipper.”

ARIES

28

˚

χ

OPHIUCHUS

9 A.M.

20°

50

16h

17h 18h Hercules’ waist is formed by DRACO 50º four stars that make the CYGNUS 42 asterism known to υ τ 52 astronomers as the ι φ “Keystone.” The stunning σ LYRA 30 globular star cluster M92 40º M13 lies one-third of Vega η ρ 69 the way south along M13 KEYθ π STONE an imaginary line 68 30º ζ between the stars 104 ν ε ξ Eta (η) Herculis and ο μ λ Zeta (ζ) Herculis. δ 100 M13 contains 113 NGC 6210 109 β 106 20º roughly 250,000 95 HERCULES 110 γ 102 stars and can be 111 CLUSTER 93 ABELL 2151 easily seen with a Rasalgethi ω α pair of binoculars. 60 29 10º A small telescope shows it very well. AQUILA

northern latitudes THE STARS Looking north, Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, is clearly visible with Draco, the Dragon, wrapped around it. The tip of the bear’s tail is marked by the pole star, Polaris. If observing from a site with a clear southern horizon, you will be able to spot the constellation

Size ranking

24

–10°

23 21 22

21

PEGASUS URANUS

Fomalhaut

CAPRICORNUS SAGITTARIUS

PISCES 29

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

TAURUS

23

22

21

29

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

M NEPTUNE

O

R N I N G

S K Y

Sh

61

JUNE

southern latitudes SIGHTS OF INTEREST There is no shortage of interesting objects to view from southern latitudes this month. A good place to start is the constellation Scorpius, which contains the stunning open clusters M6 and M7, both of which can be viewed with the naked eye. They sit not far from the Scorpion’s tail, and a pair of binoculars shows them very clearly. There is also the open star cluster NGC 6231 nearby, lying close to the star Zeta (ζ) Scorpii. The magnificent globular cluster Omega (ω) Centauri in the constellation Centaurus is still on show. It is breathtaking when seen with a large telescope. Also in the south, not far away from Centaurus, in the constellation Crux, you can find the dark Coalsack Nebula. You can also view the spectacular Jewel Box Cluster and M83, a spiral galaxy in Hydra.

THE STARS June is a wonderful time for night-sky observers in the Southern Hemisphere. The rich star fields of the Milky Way Galaxy stretch right across the sky from the southwest to the northeast. Scattered among them are the sparkling constellations Centaurus, the Centaur; Crux, the Southern Cross; as well as Scorpius, the Scorpion; Carina, the Keel; and Sagittarius, the Archer. High in the south, you will see the constellation Lupus, while the distinctive shape of Scorpius will help you get your bearings. Its brightest star is the orange-red Antares. Be sure to scan your eyes across the beautiful star fields in the constellation Sagittarius, especially if you are observing from a dark sky site. Looking north, the constellations Boötes, Hercules, and Ophiuchus are visible.

Sparkling Scorpius The distinctive constellation Scorpius is rich in deep-sky objects to observe, including the marvelous open clusters M6 and M7, found near its tail (top left).

scorpius Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

33

Alpha (α) Scorpii, or Antares, 1.0

Scorpii

Sco

June–July

You cannot fail to spot the constellation Scorpius, which has one of the most recognizable patterns in the night sky. It is home to many excellent targets for an amateur telescope. However, to see the entire constellation in the night sky, your location should be to the south of latitude 40 degrees north. Scorpius’ brightest star is the orange-red Antares, Alpha (α) Scorpii. It is a supergiant star with a diameter about 800 times that of our own star, the Sun.

haula

29

Spica

Spica

Shaula

K

Antares

τ

M6

RR NGC 6383

M7

Shaula

κ λ –40º

ι

2

ε

NGC 6322

θ

α

σ

Y

δ

M80

2

π

M4

13

1

LIBRA

ρ

SCORPIUS

LUPUS

μ2 μ1

υ

η ζ

NGC 6124

NGC 6231 NGC 6178

NGC 6388

NORMA ARA 18h

17h

16h

NOON 3 P.M.

50°

50°

40°

40°

30°

30°

6 P.M.

27

LEO

Regulus Regulus27 25 25

28

27

26 23

23 23

23

27

26 26

21

26

26

29

25

24

25

26

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on June 15. Mercury is shown only when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

Jupiter’s position on June 15, 2024

20°

20°

10°

10°

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

Procyon Procyon

29

24

24

21

CANCER CANCER

This chart shows the positions of the planets in June from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

S

SAGITTARIUS

ο

positions of the planets

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS

N G N I E E V

29

VIRGO VIRGO29

LIBRA LIBRA

22

–50º

LEO

28

Antares

ν β

OPHIUCHUS Ecliptic

29

Arcturus Arcturus

Antares

SERPENS CAUDA

–20

GEMINI GEMINI Castor Castor Pollux Pollux 21 21

MIDNIGHT

ξ

Sco X-1

TELESCOPIUM

9 P.M.

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

ψ

–10º

21

Saturn’s position on June 15, 2021. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

62

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

JUNE NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north One of the finest double stars of the northern skies is on show in the east at this time of the year. Albireo, or Beta (β) Cygni, in Cygnus is a must-see for any beginner due to the ease with which the stars can be separated. It can be seen through a small telescope, with one of its stars shining gold and the other with a blue hue. The open cluster M39, also in Cygnus, is another good small-telescope target, as is the variable star Delta (δ) Cephei that varies between magnitude 3.5 and 4.4 every 5 days and 9 hours.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

15 May

Midnight

1 am

1 June

11 pm

Midnight

15 June

10 pm

11 pm

1 July

9 pm

10 pm

15 July

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

HERCULES

Arcturus

BOÖTES

40ºN

60ºN

Vega DRACO

Albireo Big Dipper

URSA MINOR

URSA MAJOR

CYGNUS

Deneb

LEO

Polaris

CEPHEUS

δ Horizon 20ºN

Regulus tic lip Ec

CASSIOPEIA CANCER

Albireo A small telescope shows the striking colour difference of the two stars, set against the star fields of the Milky Way in Cygnus. The magnitude 3.1 and 5.1 stars lie 380 light-years away from Earth.

W

AURIGA

ANDROMEDA

PERSEUS

Castor

Capella

Horizon 40ºN

Pollux

ES

PEGASUS

EA

GEMINI

T

ST

Horizon 60ºN

looking south The constellation Boötes, the Herdsman, is high in the sky in June. Its brightest star Arcturus, with a magnitude -0.04, is a red giant star that is an incredible 25 times larger than our Sun. Also still on view, to the east of Boötes, is the globular cluster M13 in Hercules. Low down on the horizon is Scorpius, which contains some interesting objects, such as two open clusters, M6 and M7, and a globular cluster M4. Both M6 and M7 are visible to the naked eye and their individual stars can be seen through binoculars.

Zenith 60°N

DRACO

URSA MAJOR

40ºN

Vega

BOÖTES HERCULES 20ºN

Arcturus

SERPENS CAPUT OPHIUCHUS SERPENS CAUDA

Altair

VIRGO LEO LIBRA

Antares

AQUILA

Spica Regulus

SAGITTARIUS

tic lip Ec

M6 in Scorpius A magnitude 4.2 open cluster, M6 can be found sitting not far from the “sting” in the tail of Scorpius, just north of M7. It is also known as the Butterfly Cluster.

EA

ST

CAPRICORNUS

Horizo n 60 ºN

SCORPIUS LUPUS

Horizon 40ºN ARA

CENTAURUS

α Centauri β Centauri CRUX

n 20º Horizo

HYDRA N

W

ES

T

JUNE

JUNE SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north While there may be more impressive sights in the southern part of the June sky, there is also much to see when looking north, such as the globular clusters M13 and M92 in the constellation Hercules. There are also plenty of interesting clusters to look at in Ophiuchus. Besides the two globular clusters M10 and M12, and the open cluster NGC 6633, be sure to look out for the magnitude 4.2 open cluster IC 4665. It is composed of a group of 30 stars and is a lovely sight through binoculars.

Zenith 40°S

LUPUS

SCORPIUS

Antares

20ºS

SAGITTARIUS

LIBRA

ic ipt Ecl

HYDRA

OPHIUCHUS

0º

Spica

SERPENS CAUDA

SERPENS CAPUT

VIRGO

Arcturus HERCULES AQUILA BOÖTES

Altair

Vega LEO

Regulus

W

ES

Horiz on

CYGNUS

URSA MAJOR

DRACO

Horizon 20ºS

Big Dipper

T

40ºS

Deneb URSA MINOR

º on 0 Horiz

CEPHEUS

EA

ST

M13 in Hercules The globular cluster M13 in Hercules is a spectacular sight in a large-aperture telescope. A large Dobsonian telescope, for example, will show it as a ball of thousands of stars.

looking south If you are looking south in the southern hemisphere, you will be met with a rich variety of objects visible with just the naked eye, or with binoculars or a small telescope. M22 in the constellation Sagittarius is an impressive magnitude 5.1 globular cluster, while the emission nebula, M8, is a fine target for binoculars. Meanwhile, Omega (ω) Centauri, arguably the finest globular cluster in the night sky, sits at the heart of Centaurus, the Centaur.

Zenith 0°

LIBRA OPHIUCHUS

20ºS VIRGO

Antares SERPENS CAUDA

SCORPIUS

tic lip Ec

Spica 40ºS

ARA

LUPUS

α Centauri SAGITTARIUS

HYDRA

β Centauri

AQUILA

CRUX

CENTAURUS

PAVO OCTANS CAPRICORNUS CARINA

VELA

Horiz on 0 º

TUCANA GRUS

EA

ST

Horizon 20ºS

Fomalhaut

PICTOR PHOENIX

Achernar Canopus ERIDANUS

PUPPIS

on 40 Horiz

ºS

WE

ST

M8 in Sagittarius Also called the Lagoon Nebula, M8 can be seen through binoculars as a glowing patch. The view through a large telescope is mesmerizing, with several stars nestled in and around the nebula.

63

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST CA

u Reg lus

W

X

UR

SA A

VE TI NA IG

M 51

DI PP ER

M8 1

Cap ella

TH EB

CI

O

RIG A

JO R

LEO l Po

R

GE

lu

A MINOR

D R AC O

OT ES

10 1

BO

M

URS Polaris

R DA L I S

x

r

IN

N

I

O R

LOOK IN G

4

T

M

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

EU

S

EIA

2

UL

M5

NG

UM

o 39

31

M

M

July 1

DR

A RT

June 15

June 1

May 15

Date

O

N

O

R

T

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

AN

CE LA

M27

Zeniths

July 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

TRIA

IOP

CEPH

C AS S

NGC 869 M103

NGC 884

M34

NORTH

NORTH

PERSEUS

CAMELOPA

iza

M M 38

AU

M

6

ES

IN

LY N

M 37

M3

CAN

M

M4

S

T

or

Ca st

E

O

ER

H

LE

NC 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

5

M1

S

LEU

UU

EQ

S

SU

PE GA

T

S

US

A

ULA

EC LP 29

VU M

Albire De

b

US

ne

M57

GN CY

A LY R

PHIN

E

DEL

A ED M

Vega

ES UL

RC

HE

92 M

JUNE | NORTHERN LATITUDES

M67

64

CA

CO PRI

RN M 55

G SA

AR I TT

US

CA IU

CO PRI

RN M

US 55

U OAG SS

AR I TT IU

A S

S

E

T

69

M

25

M

M

22

U

M

69

R ST O N RA A LIS

O

C

H

M

25

M

28

23

M8

UD M A 21

2C4A

M M

M

M M 6 1 M 6 17 M M 7 18 M 23 M 24 M 21

MM

18

SM

16

17

M

CA UD A

14

14

TE

LE OP

7

SC

M

6

IUM

M

TE O M LE R 28 S C ST O N MO 8P RA A IUM M 54 LIS

A

T

A S

S

E

T

LA C

H

22

M

26

U

54

M

A

S

O

U

HI

A

AR

A

aul

Sh

AR

UC

a

M6 2

S 2

NORMA

RPIUS

M4

NORMA

IS

IS

LOOK IN G

IC

S TE OO

E

Rigil rus Kentau

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

13 9

M

4 10

VU OR

x cru

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

Ga

87

87 M 4 10 M

M

VU OR

x

C

C

ru ac G

US

osa Mim

R TAU CEN

NG

C5

a os Min

TAU CEN

13 9 C5 NG 3 S M8 R U

ica

Sp

3

VI R

GO

C GO VIRE B

M8

ica

Sp

C BE

points of reference

ar Had

Had

ar

IC

PT CLI

SOUTH

SOUTH

CIRCINUS

SOUTH

B

B

s

S TE OO

IPT ECL

CIRCINUS Rigil urus Kenta LUPUS

LIBRA

LUPUS

LIBRA

M5

PENS CAP UT

TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE

SCO

res

Anta

M80

SCO

M4

SER

M5

ONA BOREAL

PENS CAP UT

COR

SER

RPIUS

M1 M80 2

M1

0 res

AMn1ta

S

M1 0

HU

M1 9

2

S

HU

M1 9

UC

M6

HI

M au 9 la

OP

9

Sh

M

OP

ONA BOREAL

JUNE | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST 11

T

M

M

M

M

S

COR ru tu s

64 M

Ar c 3 M

ru tu Ar c

Zeniths

S

S

Y

Y H ATE R C

E AT R C

O

O

U

U

60°N

S

S

H

T

H

T

H

S

53 M 53 M

RE OM A N IC E RE OM N A IC ES

O LE

R

D R R A

UI AQ TU

RA

r ltai

U

D

26

SC

W

EAST A M

EN

T 40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

A ITT SAAG IL QU 11

S

P ER

S

A

N PE LA U R SPEECU CUT L S U

E

A r ltai M

LE

T

V U

S

H

C ER

S

LE

E

S

EX TA N S

U 3

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

H

C ER M1

EX TA N

S

J UN E N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 65

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

T

lus S gu N Re TA

LE

U

CA

N

M 87

4

C

M 64

B

M5 3

G

O

ru s

s

ru

tu

Ar ctu

M3

VI

P

M5

ENS CAPUT

COR ONA BOREALIS OTE M5 S

SE R

BO S ENS CAPUT

R COR ONA BOREALIS OTE S

ER P

BO

M101

LE

DRACO

OR O M

IN OR

N

O

U R SA M INOR DRACO

R N

T

NORTH

O R

U R SA M INOR

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

M101

A

Ar c

Miza r

BR

O

ica

G

ES

S

1

M5M 13

ICE

NIC

3

ER E M5

Sp

OM A

I

EN

M5

Miza r

LI

87

VE

NA TIC M 64

OM A BE R

3

M

ES

M

AJ OR C VE

NA TIC I B IG

DIP PE R

R

IN M O LE LEO

RS A CA

NE S

M

AJ OR

BI GD IPP ER

VI

O

U RS A

M10

g Re

T

ulu s

T 5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

3

OP

H

I

CU

H

LE

I

CU

OP

HER

M1

3

HER

M1

Planetary nebula

S

2

S M9

2

LE

M9

ga Ve

ga Ve

R LY

A

A

40°S

R LY

points of reference 20°S

TUM

14 M

Horizons 0°

M

M

VU

57

LP

EC

U

U EC LP VU YG C

57

CE

PH

CY

G

o ire lb A

O

O

o ire lb A

N

N

0°

SA

SA

R

R

T

T

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date May 15 June 1 June 15 July 1 July 15

Zeniths

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

EAST

TIC

S

TIC

E

E S

4

US

DE EQ LPH UU I LEU NUS S

HIN

LP

ECLIP

W

ECLIP

H

H

W

3

T

SEX 1

2

JUNE | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

T

S

S

DE

air Alt

TA IT

G

27 M

air Alt

TA IT

G

M M 29 27

b ne De M

29

A E

b ne De

A E

M26

M11

A A S

U S

U

SE CA RPE UD NS A M16

SE CA RPE UD NS A

IL AQ U LA

IL AQ U

LA N

N S

CH

14 M

US US

CH

U

10 M M

12 M 12 M

10

U

SCU EU

WEST WEST

66

U

U

RN

S AU IS IUS C PIASQUAR

M

30

US PR IN CA R T

O IC

t UaSu INalh R m STFo AU S I C PIS

RN

S

30

m Fo

O SC

au

alh

U

t

P UL

E

TO

H

A S

T

T

R

T

S

IC

A

M R

E

O

R

S

O

U

SC

SC

OP

OP

PH

US PH

M

GR

IU

US

M

GR

IU

RI

RI

U

S

OE

OE

NI

X

X

DU

NI

IN

S IN DU

U

O RA NA LI S

S

S

ES

O RA NA LI S ES

TU

TU

CO

CA

CA

PI

AR A

ER

r

IDA

erna

Ach

ID

r

PIU S

MA

S LI

RETICUL

LOOK IN G

SOUTH

UM

LMC

AM MENSU RETICUL

SOUTH

HOROLOGIUM

LMC

M E N SA M U

CHAMAELEON

SOUTH

HYDRUS

HOROLOGIUM

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

r Gac

ux

13 9

x

PIC

PIC

Horizons 0°

op

op

20°S

A

40°S

us

RIN

n Ca

R TO

CA

us

A RIN

n Ca

R TO

CA

points of reference

DOR

O

S

ADO

AD DOR

N VOLA

SCA

NS

Acru

VOLA

CRUX

C

C5

Acru

x

ux

US

13 9

r Gac

C5

CA S MUS URU ENTA

NG

CRUX

Becrux

TRIANG ULUM LEON AUSTRALECHAMAE APUS OCTANS HYDRUS

NG

M M83

AU R CENT

Hadar a Mimos

CIRCIN US

APUS

Rigil Kentaurus

CIRCIN US

Hadar

l S RigiU KePntaurus LU

RR NTO IAMNGULUM AUSA TRALE

OR

SMC

NUS

NOR

PIU

OCTANS

SC

SMC

NGA CN 10U 4S

NA E R

erna

NGC 10 4

PAVO

PAVO A UM RA

UM

Ach

NA

CO

PI

OR

RA HY D

RA

SC

S

VE

VE

LA

LA

Zeniths

RVU S CO

ATE R P

TL AN

TL N A

CR IA

A

BR

JUNE | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

M

H

O 55

T

S

S

IC HY D

M A TT

S

O

P

P

M

L

0°

S

O

U

55

GI SA

IA

A TT

R C O ST U A

U

U

EAST 2

9

TE

T

U

H

IS

M2

4 M5

M6 7

PP

M24

M

H

NS 40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

PI S

L la

S

PR

O IC M8TE 8 M2

au

E

M6

Sh

W

M9

62

S

CA M25

S

M 1 M2

M

E

a ul

W

9 M1

XI

GI SA 3

s

PY

MR18 C O ST 4 U17 M5 AM

9 M2

re

S

2

M6 7

ta

XI

M2

M 4

PY

M8

An

T

M6

M

T

a

Sh

XTA

8 M2

62

SE

M M80

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

LUPU

J UN E S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 67

68

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

JULY The northern night skies will continue to entice stargazers through the summer. High in the sky is Hercules, home to the magnificent M13. In the southern latitudes, the spectacular constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius are visible.

ly r a

you can find the Summer Triangle asterism, while the constellation Ophiuchus sits in the south. Look for Boötes in the west, with the bright star Arcturus at its base. Below is Virgo and its brightest star Spica. This is also an ideal time to observe the rich region of the sky covered by Scorpius and Sagittarius.

NOON

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

52

Alpha (α) Lyrae, or Vega, 0.0

Lyrae

Lyr

July–August 18h

19h

You can easily find the relatively small constellation Lyra, the Lyre, by locating its brightest star Alpha (a) Lyrae, or Vega. Vega is one of the three stars of the famous Summer Triangle asterism. The planetary nebula M57, or the Ring Nebula, is also in Lyra and is a much-loved target for amateurs. Larger aperture telescopes will show the nebula as a small, smoky gray ring.

northern latitudes THE STARS The constellation Hercules is high in the sky this month and it is a good time to observe its celestial treasures, such as the globular cluster M13. Below M13 lies the winding constellation Draco, the Dragon. Toward the east,

Size ranking

CYGNUS LYRA

R RR

40º

1,2

ε

η

δ1,2

θ γ λ

30º

α β

Vega

κ

ζ1

M57

M56

HERCULES VULPECULA

interesting globular clusters, such as M10 and M12. These clusters are visible with binoculars, while a telescope will resolve many of their individual stars. If you have a pair of binoculars, look for the open clusters IC 4665 and NGC 6633, also in Ophiuchus.

SIGHTS OF INTEREST The globular cluster M13 in Hercules is a must-see object this month, as is another globular cluster, M5, which can be found in the nearby constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus also has some

9 A.M.

URANUS 6 A.M.

GEMINI Capella 29

40°

GEMINI 27

20°

24

25

23

22

21

3 A.M.

TAURUS

22 28

27

24

26 21

25

Aldebaran

Pleiades

24

28 10°

25

TAURUS

Castor 30°

ARIES

28 27 26

Hyades

29

ARIES

MIDNIGHT

23 28 22

Betelgeuse

PISCES

Altair

27 Bellatrix

22

26

0°

25 Rigel

24

Mira

–10°

23

AQUARIUS 21 22

21

PEGASUS

29

Noctilucent clouds Look out for these ethereal high-altitude clouds after sunset and before sunrise in June and July. They can take on many beautiful forms.

28

27

26

25

24

23

CAPRICORNUS

Fomalhaut

PISCES

22

21

M

SAGITTARIUS

O

NEPTUNE

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

69

JULY

southern latitudes SIGHTS OF INTEREST At this time of year, the constellation Sagittarius offers some exceptional deep-sky objects. The striking globular cluster M22 is visible to the naked eye if you have good observing conditions. The Lagoon Nebula, or M8, lying above the spout of the “Teapot”, is a glowing cloud of gas and a stunning sight through binoculars. It appears as a misty patch with the star cluster NGC 6530 nestled within it. Other famous deep-sky objects in Sagittarius are visible through a telescope, including the Trifid Nebula, or M20. However, you can see one particularly bright patch of the Milky Way—M24—with just the naked eye. Beside Sagittarius, Scorpius contains the bright open clusters M6 and M7, which remain high in the sky this month. To the north in the constellation Serpens Cauda, the Tail of the Serpent, lies the open cluster M16 in the much fainter Eagle Nebula.

THE STARS Sitting high in the southern skies, Scorpius is easy to spot this month. Nearby are the constellations Sagittarius and the slightly less prominent Libra. Sagittarius is famous for the “Teapot” asterism formed by some of its brightest stars, and at this time it sits very high in the sky. When you look toward Sagittarius and Scorpius, you are peering toward the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This whole region is full of rich and beautiful star fields, which are a joy to explore using binoculars. A little lower in the sky are the bright stars Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Centauri, also known as Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar respectively. Very close to them, you will spot the smallest constellation in the night sky—Crux, or the Southern Cross.

s a g i t ta r i u s Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

15

Epsilon (ε) Sagittarii, 1.8

Sagittarii

The constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, is nestled within a mesmerizingly detailed part of the Milky Way. You can find it by first locating the “Teapot” asterism, which forms the constellation’s hub, close to a notably bright swathe of the Milky Way. A scan of Sagittarius with binoculars or a small telescope will reveal many rich star clusters and bright nebulae, such as the beautiful Lagoon Nebula.

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

Sgr

July–August

20h

AQUARIUS

19h

18h

CAPRICORNUS NGC 6818

56 –20º

60

ω

62

π ο

M55

θ1

–40º

φ

X

9 P.M.

M70

η

α

Shaula

β1 β

TELESCOPIUM ARA

50°

3 P.M.

Pollux

LEO

29

Spica

21

LEO 27

21

29

25

20° 26

25

Shaula

29

–10°

Spica

positions of the planets

Shaula

This chart shows the positions of the planets in July from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

S

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on July 15. Mercury is shown only when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

25

E V E N I N G

Y S K

Jupiter’s position on July 15, 2025

10°

ProcyonProcyon 0°

27

21

40°

30°

20°

26

CANCER

28

30° Pollux

50°

24

LIBRA LIBRA

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS

NORMA

NOON

6 P.M.

28

Antares

SCORPIUS

40°

27

Antares

Sgr A*

CORONA AUSTRALIS

29 27 24 29 25 Regulus 24 Regulus 25 23 23 23 21 23 21 26 26 CANCER

29

γ

δ Kaus Australis

2

METEOR SHOWER When observing in late July, look out for the Delta Aquarid meteor shower, which peaks on July 29. If observing from a dark sky site, you should be able to spot around 20 meteors every hour.

Arcturus

VIRGO VIRGO

ε

–50º

air

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

W

M69

NGC 6723

ι

M20

4 M8

24 MIDNIGHT

11 M28

INDUS

The galactic hub If you look toward the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius on a clear night in the Southern Hemisphere, then you are looking in the direction of the very heart of our galaxy.

Arcturus

M21

TEAPOT

MILK DIPPER M54

M23

μ

λ

M22

SAGITTARIUS

M24

21

Nunki

τ ζ σ

59 RR

–30º

ξ1,21,2 ν

ψ

52

M17 M18 M25 Y

NGC 6716

43

ECLIPTIC

M75

SERPENS CAUDA

SCUTUM

υ ρ1

NGC 6822

OPHIUCHUS

Saturn’s position on July 15, 2021. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

10°

0°

–10°

70

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

JULY NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is home to several galaxies that can be seen with amateur equipment. M81, or Bode’s Galaxy, appears as a fuzzy, gray blob through binoculars or a small telescope. The double star Alcor and Mizar is also worth a look while enjoying the sights of Ursa Major. In the east Cygnus, the Swan, looks magnificent at this time of the year. The more adventurous deep-sky observers should try to hunt down NGC 7000, the North America Nebula, just southeast of the star Deneb.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

June 15

Midnight

1 am

July 1

11 pm

Midnight

July 15

10 pm

11 pm

August 1

9 pm

10 pm

August 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

HERCULES

40ºN

Vega BOÖTES

CYGNUS 60ºN

Arcturus

Deneb

DRACO

Mizar

CEPHEUS

Alcor URSA MINOR

URSA MAJOR

Polaris

Big Dipper

CASSIOPEIA

Horizon 20ºN

Alcor and Mizar The double star system of Alcor and Mizar is visible to the naked eye. You can find it in the handle of the famous Big Dipper (Plough) asterism in the constellation Ursa Major.

ES

PEGASUS

PERSEUS

LEO

W

ANDROMEDA

Horizon 40ºN

Capella

T

GEMINI

Castor

Pollux

PISCES

AURIGA

EA

ST

Horizon 60ºN

looking south One prominent marker of the night sky in the northern summer is the asterism known as the Summer Triangle. The corners of this large isosceles triangle are formed by the three bright stars Altair, Vega, and Deneb. Another interesting sight is the multiple star system, the “Double-Double” (see p.86) or Epsilon (ε) Lyrae, in Lyra. Viewing it with binoculars shows a pair of stars, but, closer inspection with a telescope reveals that each of these stars is a pair of stars itself.

Zenith 60°N

DRACO

Epsilon (ε) Lyrae

Deneb

40ºN

Vega

HERCULES

CYGNUS

BOÖTES

20ºN

SERPENS CAPUT

AQUILA

Altair

Arcturus

OPHIUCHUS

SERPENS CAUDA

PEGASUS

Antares

c Eclipti

AQUARIUS

LIBRA

Horizon 6

Spica

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORNUS

The Summer Triangle This asterism is a useful navigational aid when finding your way around the summer night sky. Look for dark lanes in the Milky Way that cut across the triangle through Cygnus and beyond.

SCORPIUS

Horizon 40ºN

EA

ARA

ST

Horiz on 20 ºN

GRUS

PAVO

VIRGO

0ºN

CENTAURUS LUPUS

α

HYDRA

W

ES

T

JULY

JULY SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The wonderful globular cluster M5 is high in the sky at this time. It is roughly 25,000 light-years away from Earth, toward the constellation Serpens Caput. A small telescope brings many of its outer stars into focus. A short hop east over Ophiuchus into Serpens Cauda you will find the open cluster M16 surrounded by the much fainter Eagle Nebula. This cluster can be observed with a pair of binoculars. Also look out for Alpha (α) Librae, a double star in the constellation Libra, the Scales.

Zenith 40°S

SCORPIUS

SAGITTARIUS

Antares

20ºS

LIBRA

Ecl ipt ic

SERPENS CAUDA 0º

OPHIUCHUS

Zubenelgenubi

CAPRICORNUS AQUILA

SERPENS CAPUT

Altair

Spica HERCULES

AQUARIUS

Arcturus Vega

BOÖTES

CYGNUS

VIRGO

40 izon Hor

ºS

Deneb DRACO

PEGASUS

Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

T

Hor

izon

URSA MAJOR

0º

EA

CEPHEUS

URSA MINOR

ST

Alpha (α) Librae The second brightest star in Libra is called Zubenelgenubi (Arabic for “the Southern claw”). It is a binary star system, and a pair of binoculars easily shows its two stars.

looking south The “Teapot” asterism, made of eight stars, lies among the stars of the Milky Way in the constellation Sagittarius. Its stubby spout is marked by the stars Gamma (γ), Epsilon (ε), and Delta (δ) Sagittarii, while Phi (ϕ), Sigma (σ), Zeta (ζ), and Tau (τ) make its handle. Scattered around the Teapot are some interesting binocular and small-telescope targets, including the bright Lagoon Nebula M8, the magnitude 4.6 open cluster M25, and the globular cluster M22.

Zenith 0°

OPHIUCHUS

SERPENS CAUDA 20ºS

AQUILA

tic lip Ec

φ σ ε τ ζ

δ γ

Antares SCORPIUS

40ºS

SAGITTARIUS

LIBRA

LUPUS

ARA

VIRGO

CAPRICORNUS

α Centauri

PAVO AQUARIUS

β Centauri

GRUS

CRUX

OCTANS TUCANA

EA

HYDRA CENTAURUS

Fomalhaut PHOENIX

Spica

Horizon 0º

Achernar

ST

CARINA

PICTOR ERIDANUS

Canopus

Horizon 20ºS VELA

ºS on 40 Horiz

WE

ST

M22 in Sagittarius A small telescope shows many of M22’s brightest stars. It is the third-brightest globular cluster in the sky and can be seen with just the naked eye in particularly dark and clear skies.

71

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

O

BER

M

O

7

C

LE

M

M5 1

M5 1

S

TH

BIG

LE LE LY N

M101

Miz ar

M81

M81

DIP M101 PER Miz ar

DIP PER

X

LY NX

EB IG

THE

TE O

M

AJ OR

M3

A AJ OR

GE

MI NI

N

O R MI NI

N

T O R sto r

GE

Ca

ast or

C

BO

U

UR S

RS A

A N N AT ES IC I

CI

A N NE AT S I

VE

O

MA CO ICES EN

IN

R

C 64

M

M

T

T

O

T

VE 4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

DRAC U

O M 92

HERCULES R

Polaris

RS AM INO

SA

DRAC O UR

MINO R

Polaris

AU R I G A M38

NORTH AU R I G A M38

Diffuse nebula

R LY

A

CY

G

EU

S

SIO

M

52

IA

51203 M M 69 C8 NG

PE

884

EIA

03 M1

S

69S 8U GSCE

SEU

PENR

PER

L

L

ED

M

A

A

31

31

N

N

G

U

R O N U

IA

IA

TR

S

TR

M

IE

ED

OM

OM

DR

DR

AN

M3

4

AN4

M3

AR

N

G

O

R

T

T

H

Daylight-saving time

H

Standard time

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

Ecliptic

1 am

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

observation times Date June 15 July 1 July 15 August 1

Zeniths

August 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

IS

884

OP

NGC

CAS S EU

PH

PH

CE

CE

Planetary nebula

NGC

SSI CAIS DA L

DA L

CAMELOPAR

Capella

CAMELOPAR

Capella

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

Open cluster

EAST

EAST

M8

O

S

S

R

E

E

O

W

IN

H

H

W

3

CES

PIS

S

SU

S

PE GA

T

S

LE 1

2

JULY | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

M

A E

9 M3 9 M2

b De

ne 9

M3

S

U

N

RT A

A CE RT A

A CE

SU

PE GA

S

T

33 M

33 M

A E

LU

M LU

WEST WEST

72

30 MS

UA IS S AQ P I S C I N U R ST U A

U RI

IS S S O SC INU I P R ST AU

U T H

E

E

30

S

O

U A S

T

RO

T

IC

S

M

A

IC OR

NU S

SC OP

IU M

IC CRAOS PRCO IC PI ORUM NU S

PR

IN

S

S

DU

DU

IN

ECL

Q

M5 5

M5 5

SA GIT

IC

IL

A

TA

IL A

UL

6

UM

M54

M25

US SCM5 M26 U4T UMM69

M22

M25

M2

A

UT

M1 1

SC

M1 1

EC

OPIUM

M7

13

U RC

M

A SROAU T H

Shaula

M1

2

M80

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

E N O SLERP R A CO RE BO

MA

SE

R

NS

C

C

5

M

S 5

RA

LU

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

P

US

C

Zeniths

US

US

UR TA N E

D HY

S

O

O

U

U

60°N

S

D HY

M BE COM 53 R A E NI CE S

UR TA N E

C

A r ct ur us

US

P LU RA LIB

LIB

N PE

M

points of reference

NOR

MA

M4

M4

NOR

res

Anta

H US

M80

res

Anta

M1

SOUTH

M62

M19

M62

2

H US

0 M19 M1

OPHIUC

SOUTH

S

S

0 M1

LE

LE

OPHIUC

HE

Shaula

M9

ARAM6

M21

M9

M6

LOOK IN G

PAVO

CO AU S R O N A TRA LIS TE LES C

PAVO

M69

M23

M7

M21 M14

M8

OPIUM

M28

M 17 M 18 M24

M16

M28

M14

M23

S CAU ENM DA 8

M 17 M SER M18 P 24

M16

SER P CAU ENS DA

CO 22 AUS ROMN A TRA LIS TAR IUS TE LES C

TAR I

U

SA GIT

IC

IPT

IPT

ECL

U

HE

U RC

JULY | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST M

H

2

CA

S

Q

A

A

IS

UL

B

EC

RA

T

H

RA

T

ica

T

PU

OO TE A S T

PU

S

U

T

M

M

A

LE 83

U EQ

U

S M

EAST S NU 83

UA US A Q G AS PE

U RI 5

V

2

I PH

A

W

M1

ir ta Al M

O RG VI Sp

M

U

O

LE L

IT

H

M1 04

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

DE

IR G

S Sp ica

U G SA

T

5

A

S

U EQ

U 27

E

N HI M

LP

T

t air

VU

S

Al

CY S

E

LP o re bi Al

C

DE

IT S

G SA

U GN

CO RV U

M1 27

57

M1 04

M

A

Ecliptic

S

M

LP R LY OR VU

ga Ve

WEST WEST

VU

TA

J UL Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 73

M M 53

I

VI R

M

GO BO OT ES

64

Ar ct ur us

S

S

ER

M5

PE N

M

S CA

PU

AB O

T

REA LIS

12

O PH

PH

M14

ULES

M14

IUC HUS

HERC IUC HUS

M2

3

87

A M CO

CE M

S 64

ES N TIC CA NA VE

S CE NI RE BE

N

O R

ES N TIC CA NA VE

NORTH

M92

M92

HERC ULES

MINOR

O

12

M

M

M 13

9

NI

S

T

R

PU

BO

CA

CO 5 RO N

ER

R

PE N

CO ON A

10

ru s

Ar ctu

RA

RE

S

EAL IS

M 13

M

BE M 3

M 51

OT E

M

BO

M 3

M1 01

za r

Mi

DRA CO

U R SA

M

A

M

AJ OR

M 51

LIB

M

U RS A

I

M M1 01

10

CO M

53

W UE RSS T A AJ OR za r

Mi

DRA CO MINOR

WEST N

O

T R

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

16

17

S EN S E R P DA CAU

M

M

M

M

11

A

LA

UL

UI AQ EC

ir

ta

Al

A TT

27

GI SA M

ir ta Al

M

27

M2

9

20°S

LP

LP

DE

DE b ne

H

H

I

I

52

52

M

M

Date

A RT

N

T

T

R

R

O

O

N

A RT

CE LA

CE LA

June 15 July 1 July 15 August 1 August 15

Zeniths

0°

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

39

39

M

M

40°S

b ne De

De

A TT GI 9 SA M 2

S

reo

NU

lbi

A

LAA

UL

UI AQ

LP

7

VU

M5

EC

CYG

S

eo bir

S

NU

Al

CYG

HEU

Horizons 0°

points of reference

S

CEP

LP

7

VU

11

Planetary nebula

HEU

M5

CEP

S EN S E R P DA CAU

LYRA Vega

LYRA Vega

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

U R SA

M

87

H

H

W

E S

T

M M2 18 4

JULY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

EAST

S

RIU

UA

ED A

15 15

S

SU

AQ

DR

OM

SU

S

PE GA

PE GA

T

A

S

AN

T

E

S

A E

M2 M2

US M

25

M

LE

US M

M

TU

U

26 M

SC

EQ UU U

S

LE

N EQ UU S U

N

WEST

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES 74

R UA

IU

S

S

O

U T H

E

T

T

S

S

A

A

E

R

H

ut

S

O

U

PH

OE

RO

ER

US

HO RO LOG IUM ID AN

IN D

RI

NGC

US 104

NGC

LES

M

NO

R

RM

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects

SLMC OUTH

CA

NU

S

C

PICTOR

sa mo Mi

dar Ha

C

s anopu

PICTOR

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

INA

CR

Horizons 0°

20°S

cru

x

40°S

UX

Ga

9

9

13

13 UCX5 CRNG

Ga

C5

x cru

NG

points of reference

CAR

sa

ux Acr

Mi

mo

S

US

PU

dar Ha

s il Rigntauru Ke

MUS

CIRCI

SOUTH

SOUTH

DORADO

Open cluster

LU

il UsP RigntauLru Ke

A RM NO S NU CIRCI

R O M UCLU S G N E TRIA RAL AUST

A

N ELEO MENSA CHAMaAnopuV s OLANS

DORADO

LMC

LOOK IN G

ICULU

O

CA MUS APUS ELEON ux A Acr NS MN ES N SA C H A M OCTA VOLA INA CAR

PAVO

S

IUM

SC

APUS UM UL OCTANS TRIANG LE RA AUST

PAVO TE LES COP

la

Shau

ARA

ARA

M6

COPIUM

C M7 AU OR ST O N RA A LIS

ICULU M HYDRU S

SMC

RET

TE

HYDRU UM

RET

104

S

S

SMC

U

TUC A HO NA RO LOG I

ar

ern

Ach

US

US

ANA

IN D

MT UC

M

ar

IU

IU

ern

Ach

SC

OP

OP

SC

ID AN

US

X ER

X GR

NI

GR MIC US RO

NI

OE

IC

U

la

Shau

JULY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST

U SC

TO LP

T

PH

M

ECLIPTIC

RI

M6

62 M 19 M

62 M

S U PI

An tar es

S U

0 M8

4

M

PI

A BR

LI

UR TA N E

US

Spica

Zeniths

VE

LA

S RU U A NT CE LA VE

C

83 M 83

M

CO O RG

VI 0°

S

S

H

R

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

H

T

T

U

U

O

O

S

CO

4 M10

RV U

S RV U

EAST ha

S S ut CI U ha al PI S RI N R om ST TO F AU P UL SC

W

AQ 0

W

M3

H

m Fo al

US H

S N OR

E

0

A TT

S

GI SA

E

IC RA

IU PR 55

YD

R UA M

54

AN RA TL

AQ A TT M

YD

CA 69

IA

S S CI U PI S RI N ST AU M

A SN TT L

M3

2 28

T

GI SA M2

AT E

55

M

CR

M

54 8

R

M M

IA C R AT E

M21

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

C M7 AU OR ST O N RA A LIS

J U L Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 75

76

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

AUGUST

cygnus

On a warm August evening, the most prominent feature from northern latitudes is the large Summer Triangle asterism. From the Southern Hemisphere, the magnificent center of the Milky Way is still sitting high in the sky. northern latitudes THE STARS Directly overhead is the bright star Vega in Lyra, as well as Deneb, which marks the tail of the constellation Cygnus. The shape of Cygnus means it is often called the Northern Cross. In the south, the rich regions around Scutum, Scorpius, and Sagittarius are sinking away.

SIGHTS OF INTEREST When observing Cygnus, look out for the Cygnus Rift. This dark lane of dust sits in front of the background stars and appears to split the Milky Way into two. Also look out for the Wild Duck Cluster, M11, in Scutum. It is clearly visible through binoculars.

Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

16

Alpha (α) Cygni, or Deneb 1.3

Cygni

Cyg

August–September

The constellation Cygnus, the Swan, is easy to recognize due to its large “cross” shape. Its brightest star, Deneb, has magnitude 1.3 and marks the swan’s tail. The swan’s head is marked by the gorgeous double star Albireo, Beta (β) Cygni. A small 40º telescope reveals the two stars—one gold, the other tinted blue. Binoculars are perfect for exploring Cygnus’s beautiful star fields and clusters.

60

19h

22h

20h

21h

˚

60º

CEPHEUS 33

LACERTA

NGC 7128

50º

π1

W

63

M39

55 NGC 7026

ρ

57

ξ

α ο1

72

σ

μ1

δ

γ

ν

NGC 6910

61

τ

P

λ

NGC 6819

NGC 52 6960 41

Vega

8

χ

39

LYRA

15

6871 29 28 NGCη 17 Cyg X-1

47

ε

NGC 6992

ζ

Cyg A

22

M29

υ 30º

NGC 6811

30

Deneb IC 5067

NGC 7000 NGC 7027

θ

ο2

ω1

59

ι

NGC 6826

CYGNUS

π2

IC 5146

κ

ψ

NGC 7086

φ

NGC 6894

β2

Albireo

VULPECULA

METEOR SHOWER One of the finest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids peak around August 12. This is a great

opportunity to lie back, take in the night sky, and hopefully see some meteors, too—you should be able to spot one every minute or so. The meteors appear to come from the northern parts of Perseus. They are typically quite bright and are best seen after midnight.

9 A.M. 6 A.M. NOON

Capella

PEGASUS NEPTUNE

3 A.M.

PISCES 29

30°

GEMINI

Pollux 28 22

20°

26

25

25

25

28

24

26

26

23

Procyon

24

Aldebaran Hyades

CANCER

10°

TAURUS

28

27

26

25

Pleiades

23

22

ARIES

22 29

24

23

28

21

PISCES 27

Betelgeuse Bellatrix

26

0°

22 25

Mira

24

Rigel

–10°

23

AQUARIUS

Fomalhaut

GEMINI 29

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

23

22

TAURUS

Perseid meteors The warm nights in August are a great time to sit back and watch the Perseid meteor shower unfold in the night sky above you.

21

M

21

URANUS

O

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

22

21

AUGUST

southern latitudes

scutum

Austrinus. Between Fomalhaut and the stars of Scorpius are the stars of the constellations Grus, Tucana, Pavo, and Ara. With clear skies, you should have little trouble seeing the Small Magellanic Cloud sitting to the west of the star Achernar in Eridanus.

THE STARS When observing from southern latitudes, you can find Sagittarius, the Archer, lying almost overhead; to its southwest lies Scorpius, the Scorpion. Low on the southwest, the bright stars Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Centauri, also known as Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar, are sinking below the horizon, taking Centaurus with them. Low on the horizon between the stars of Centaurus and Scorpius is the constellation Lupus, the Wolf. In the east, the bright star Fomalhaut lies in the constellation Piscis

77

SIGHTS OF INTEREST With the rich regions of Sagittarius and Scutum visible high in the sky, you can take your pick from a superb selection of binocular and telescope targets this month. To experience a real space-walking feel, pick up

Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

84

Alpha (α) Scuti, 3.8

Scuti

Sct

July–August

The constellation Scutum, the Shield, is relatively small—the fifth smallest of 88 constellations. It is located between the stars of Aquila and Sagittarius, close to the constellation Serpens Cauda, the Snake’s Tail, in a wonderfully rich and interesting part of the Milky Way. The Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius originally named it “Sobieski's Shield” in 1684, in honor of John Sobieski, the king of Poland at that time.

19h

18h

OPHIUCHUS

AQUILA

ηβ M11

–10º

R

ε

δ

α ζ

M26

SCUTUM

γ

SERPENS CAUDA

SAGITTARIUS

–20º

visible to the naked eye. The star field M24 in Sagittarius makes a great binocular target. Looking northward, you will find the planetary nebula M57, or the Ring Nebula. It is an interesting target for a small telescope, as is the larger planetary nebula M27, or the Dumbbell Nebula, in the constellation Vulpecula, the Fox.

a pair of binoculars and “wander” along the Milky Way, from Scutum to Centaurus. If you have a telescope, the Lagoon Nebula makes a wonderful target in Sagittarius, and with a wide enough field of view, you can also glimpse the Trifid Nebula, M20. Two interesting open clusters, M6 and M7, are nestled among rich star fields in Scorpius, and both are

NOON

The Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius M8, or the Lagoon Nebula (bottom right), can be seen with just the naked eye and makes an excellent target for a small telescope. It appears nestled among the rich star fields of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

40°

40°

30°

30°

20°

20°

3 P.M.

MIDNIGHT 6 P.M.

Altair

LEO

Arcturus Arcturus

9 P.M.

27 27 27 27 10° 24 21 24 21Regulus Regulus

Altair

2323 23 29 28 29 29 25 21 21 22 22

29 28

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

29

26 27

27 29

29

22

21

25

VIRGO VIRGO

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS

LEO

29 Spica

26

23

Spica

21

Antares

Antares

SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS Shaula

Shaula

positions of the planets This chart shows the positions of the planets in August from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on August 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

23

E V E N I N G

S K Y

Jupiter’s position on August 15, 2023

21

10°

Jupiter’s position on August 15, 2021. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

78

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

AUGUST NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north Northern summer nights are the perfect time to admire the galaxy we live in. In August the Milky Way rises up from Auriga and Perseus in the northeast, stretching all the way across the sky into Scutum, Scorpius, and Sagittarius in the southwest. There are many objects nestled in and around the Milky Way that can be spotted with binoculars. In addition to the Double Cluster (see p.22), be sure to look out for the globular clusters M13 and M92. A large telescope will reveal the galaxies M81 and M51.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

July 15

Midnight

1 am

August 1

11 pm

Midnight

August 15

10 pm

11 pm

September 1

9 pm

10 pm

September 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

CYGNUS

40ºN

Vega Deneb

HERCULES 60ºN

PEGASUS SERPENS CAPUT

DRACO CEPHEUS

BOÖTES

ANDROMEDA

URSA MINOR

Polaris CASSIOPEIA

Arcturus

URSA MAJOR

PISCES

Big Dipper PERSEUS

20ºN izon Hor

The Milky Way Binoculars are the ideal way to explore the star fields of the Milky Way. The glow of the Milky Way on a dark night is the collective light of billions of the galaxy’s stars.

Capella

ARIES

Horizon 40ºN

W

ES

T

Hor izon

itc li p Ec

AURIGA

60ºN

EA

ST

Castor

looking south There are two must-see objects if you are looking south in the Northern Hemisphere: M27, or the Dumbbell Nebula, east of Pegasus, and M57, or the Ring Nebula, south of Cygnus. Both these planetary nebulae are enormous shells of gas ejected by Sun-like stars as they die. The Ring Nebula is so named because it looks like a smoky gray ring when it is viewed through a telescope. The Dumbbell Nebula appears as a faint gray bow-tie shape through a large-aperture telescope.

Zenith 60°N

DRACO

Deneb

40ºN

Vega

CYGNUS

20ºN HERCULES

Altair

PEGASUS

AQUILA

AQUARIUS PISCES

SERPENS CAUDA

CAPRICORNUS

OPHIUCHUS SERPENS CAPUT

tic Eclip

0ºN Horizon 6

SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO

Antares Fomalhaut

The Dumbbell Nebula Lying east of Pegasus, the Dumbbell Nebula can be seen as a fuzzy patch through a small telescope or a pair of binoculars. A large telescope reveals its intriguing shape more clearly.

CETUS

EA

ST

LIBRA

Horizon 40ºN

Horiz on

ARA

GRUS 20ºN

PAVO

SCORPIUS LUPUS

W

ES

T

AUGUST

AUGUST SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The constellation Cygnus, the Swan, is home to two open clusters that make good, small-telescope targets. M29 sits very close to the star Sadr, Gamma (γ) Cygni. The magnitude 4.6 cluster M39 can be seen sparkling against the stars of the Milky Way. It has about 30 stars. Higher in the sky you will find Capricornus, the Sea Goat, which is home to the globular cluster M30 and Beta (β) Capricorni—a double star of magnitude 3.1 that can be seen with binoculars.

Zenith 40°S

SAGITTARIUS

20ºS

CAPRICORNUS

β SERPENS CAUDA

Antares

0º

SCORPIUS

AQUARIUS OPHIUCHUS

Altair

AQUILA

LIBRA ptic Ecli

CYGNUS

SERPENS CAPUT

HERCULES

Sadr

Vega

Deneb

VIRGO

PEGASUS

Horizon 40 ºS

CEPHEUS BOÖTES

Arcturus

W

ES

ANDROMEDA

DRACO

Horizon 20ºS PISCES

URSA MINOR

T

CASSIOPEIA

EA

ST

0º Horizon

M39 in Cygnus The open cluster M39 covers an area of similar size to the full Moon and lies 825 light-years away. It is a nice target for binoculars or a small telescope on a clear night.

looking south Sagittarius, the Archer, is now sitting high in the south, providing a feast of objects to observe. M17, the Omega Nebula, is a good target for a small telescope. It is a glowing cloud of hydrogen gas that resembles the Greek capital letter Omega (ω). The open cluster M23 and the Sagittarius Star Cloud M24 are also ideal binocular objects. A large telescope is needed to clearly see the magnitude 9 M20, also known as theTrifid Nebula.

Zenith 0°

AQUILA SERPENS CAUDA

20ºS c ipti Ecl

CAPRICORNUS

AQUARIUS

40ºS

SAGITTARIUS

OPHIUCHUS

Antares

GRUS

Fomalhaut

SCORPIUS

ARA

PAVO

LUPUS PHOENIX

TUCANA OCTANS

α Centauri β Centauri

Achernar CETUS

CRUX

º zon 0 Hori

VIRGO Horizon 20ºS

EA

ST

LIBRA

ERIDANUS

CENTAURUS PICTOR

Horizon 4 0ºS

HYDRA

CARINA

Spica

WE

Canopus VELA

ST

The Trifid Nebula The Trifid Nebula is an enormous cloud of gas 7,600 light-years from Earth. It lies in the constellation Sagittarius, and at its heart is a young cluster of stars that are causing the nebula to glow.

79

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

Ar ct

M6

ur Ar

us ct

M

L

M 51

ES M1 01

Miz ar

ur us M

E OT

S U

LYDRA RA CO

RS AM M81

CY

GN

Polaris

Polaris

S CEM53

BE

M6

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2

NI

4

CE

NORTH

U

S

S

S

ELO

EU

ELO

EU

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ne

PH

De

CE

PH

CAM

CE

CAM

S

N

O R N

3

T O R

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

M81

INOR

DR UR AC S A MIN O OR

Vega

MA DI

LYN X

LYN X

PPE R

PPE R

GD I

TH EB I

M1 01

TH EB IG

Miz ar

M9

UL

CO 51

MA JO R M

3

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RS A

RS A M

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RC

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M1

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M

M

IN

IN

C VE AN N AT ES IC I

O

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T

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3

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W

E

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BO

53

BE

H

H

W

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4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

SS

L DA

CA

R PA

IO

IS

IO

IS

SS

L DA

CA

R PA

P

P

M

N

4

N

88

3 10 GC

C

C

88

4

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86

86

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3 10 GC

NG

M

NG

IGA

Ca

R AU

p

7 M3 lla e

7

IGA

Ca

R AU

M3

9

PE

9

PE

points of reference

RS

EU

EU

38

RS

M

36

36

38

M

M

M

S

S

M

M

34

34

TR

TR

IA

N

G

T

G

R

R

N

O

O

IA

N

N

T

H

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date July 15 August 1 August 15 September 1

Zeniths

September 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

M

MA 2

45

M

S

DE

CO 1

S

ISE

EIAA DRE

S

S

PL T EIA

T

DR OM ED A

AUGUST | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

PL

RU

S

A

RU

A E

EAST

S

IE

ES

SC

PI

SC M ES AR

PI

M

TA U

E

TA U

S

3 M3

LU U

SUS PE GA

31 M 31 M

3 M3

LU U

A EI

N

A

RT A

CE LA

9 M3 9 M3

52 M

CE R EI TA A LA

52

M

WEST WEST

80

SC

H

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PH

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A

S

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GR

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MIC

ROS COP

IND U

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HI

HI

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M55

M26

M11

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M54

M26

M11 M

M69

PAVO

PAVO

M69

AR

A CORONLIS A AUSTR OPIUM TE LES C

M54

A

A

M8

M21

AMR7

PIUM

8 O TEML2E2 SC M2

SOUTH

SOUTH

SOUTH

SAGITTARIUS

M55

M8 M6

M6

M16M7 M 17 M 18 M 2 3 M24

M28

PEN SER 5 UDA 2A M C 22

4 M1 M21

4 M1

M 16 M 17 M 18 M 2 3 M S24

S PEN SER UDA CA

LA

M SCUTU SAGITTARIUS A ECL CORONLIS IPTIC A AUSTRM25

IPTIC

VUL

LA

A AQUIL M SCUTU

SAGI TTA

Altair

S

ECL

NU

M2

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Alb

S SAG ITTA CY GN AltaUirS A AQUIL

NU

7

LOOK IN G

S

S

LP

IND U

MIC AU M3 R OS ST COP 0 RIN IUM US GR US

AU ST R

M

US

PR EQ ICOR NU UU S LE U M S 2

CA

2

LE

15

LP

CU

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

S

a

u ha

Sh

la

10

M

S

M

S

12

12

2

M

A

S

4

CO

M

RP

80

RP

Zeniths

R NO

M6

M

es ar A

S

CO

4

80

M

M

es ar

9 t M M1 AnR

N2 O

M6

9 M1 Ant

HU

HU

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

M9

M

HM9

C IU

10

C IU

M

H

ula

OP

OP

points of reference

AUGUST | NORTHERN LATITUDES

t

US

t

S

al ha u

sunrise and sunset on 15th august

E

IX

H

IU

al ha u

Fo m

PT O

L

E

AR

Fo m

U

PT Q OR U AR I

U

T

Q

M

EQ UU

M

DE

57

M

A LY R

E VULP

E H

ireo

S LE

Alb

SE

SE

IU

IU

R

R

LI

O

O

BR

U

U

LI

60°N

S

S

BR

C A

RC U

C S

PE N

M5

T AP U A M5

T

S

T AP U S

PE N

S

EAST L A

S

US

PU

EAST

CET

U

LU

US SC

H

T

H

GO 40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

CET

S A

T

PI

S CE S

ES S

S CE U LU W PU

S GA PE

T

S

S

S U 9

E

S GA PE Ecliptic

VIR

PI M2

WEST WEST

M2

A UGUS T N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 81

GO N A

M5

SE

PU T

H

M

M23

U

M21 M24

M2

M1

2

8M

M2

17

U

M1

SC

5

M

TU

O

M

6

M

M

11

EN

S

14

CA M57

CAP

Altair

OR

NU

EQ

U

M39

BO E OT

CA

P

US

LE

US

UU

HIN

eb

CEPHE

Den

DELP

RIC

M29

M27

SAGITTA

CYGNUS

ULA

ILA

PEC

o

Albire

VU L

AQ U

26

Vega

R

LYRA

A MI NO

DA

M 28

S

ULE S

8

EN

RC

M9

HU S

HE

RP

C

10

IU

M 13

2

RA CO

M9

D

SE

2

RP

RE AL IS

M1

C

T

BO

S

M

Arc tur us

N

S

O R

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

LAC

2

TA ER

M5

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

IO

PE

Date

DR

N

OM

U AS

AN

G PE

IA

July 15 August 1 August 15 September 1 September 15

Zeniths

ED

O

0°

R

H

Daylight-saving time

T

Standard time

40°S

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

1 am

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

20°S

Ecliptic

Midnight

observation times

SS CA

40°S

EAST

S

CE

PIS

S

IU

AR

U

4

VI R GO

O RO

H

W E

URS

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

S

AUGUST | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

T

S

A

E

A 31 M

IS SC N PI TRI S AU AQ

UA

AQ S

CA

PR

I

S

30 M

M2

15 M

CO

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

82

R FO

NA

X

F

N OR

AX

S

O

U

T E

T

T

S

S

A

A

E

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H

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H

T

S

S

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M

M

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Ach

X

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DO

DO

DO

RA

RA

DO

Ach ern ar

X

NI

NI

OE

OE

IU

LO G

PH

PH

LO G

RO

RO

HO

R

R

TO

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SM C

104

CAN

M Can

s

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opu

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ULNUGC M104

9

4

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M

A USC

UM GUL TRIAN RALE AU S T APUS O V A P

TELESCOP

M E N SA

SOUTH

SOUTH

CARINA

VOLANS

LOOK IN G

PICTOR

SOUTH

CHAMAELEON

CARINA

VOLANS

CA MUS

M UL U C HAMAELEON TRIANG RALE AU S T APUS OCTANS

PICTOR

LMC

M6

5 IMUM M55 TELESCOP S ARA SAGITTARIU M69 CORONA IS AUSTRAL

OCTANS

US

S

M

CORONA IS AUSTRAL

SAGITTARIU

M55

O SCOPIUMPAV

M E N SA

IN D

LMC

A

M ICRO

OP IU M CO RN U S IN D US

SC

CAN A RUS

TU

NGC

US

RO

TU

US

HYD

TIC

TIC

RE

IC

HYD

GR

GR

M

US

M2 2 2 M 5 M2 7 M1 M 8 M1 M M 2 1 M 2 4 7 M 16

28

RN

8

M

SC

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

N

P OR M OR

IU

S

O

Sh

S

MS23 h

M

s

CIR

ux S x SBecrUPU acru G L

ux Acr

H

r ada

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference

L VE

UX

x cru Ga

40°S

A

CR

sa mo A MVi EL

s X ux il ru U Acr RigentauCR K

U CIN

dar Ha

US IUUS LUP N P I CIROCR SC il urus ta RigM en R K NO

a

7

M

M

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au l

M80

M80

RP 6

au l

6

62

SME 62 M

M1

A

M19

S

M4

tare An M4

s

tare An

A

RA

LIB Zeniths

39

0°

S

S

RU

S

O

U

U

RU

O

U TA EN

51

C

C NG

U TA N E

51

C

C NG

39

RA LIB

ECLIPTIC

ECLIPTIC

83 M

83

M9

AUGUST | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST U

T

S

S M

ER AN ID

H

W

TU LP

H

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

W

CE H

S

U

H

EAST SC

T

S RIU

S

LP t

E

TU

UA au

T

AQ alh

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au

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N

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RN

A

RI

S

WEST

WEST

CO

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A UGU S T S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 83

84

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

SEPTEMBER

pegasus

The nights are darker now in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a good time to admire the constellations along the Milky Way. In the Southern Hemisphere, the region around the Milky Way’s center moves to the west.

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

7

Epsilon (ε) Pegasi, or Enif, 2.4

Pegasi

Peg

September–October

You can easily spot the constellation Pegasus, the Winged Horse, especially in late summer and fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Its main body is made up of the large asterism known 20º as the Great Square of Pegasus. This square helps locate the constellation Andromeda, where you 10º can find the magnificent spiral galaxy M31, the Andromeda Galaxy.

northern latitudes THE STARS Looking high up in the sky, you will spot the constellation Cepheus, representing King Cepheus. Delta (δ) Cephei, a variable star in Cepheus, is a popular target for amateur astronomers. Its brightness varies between magnitude 3.5 and 4.4 every 5 days and 9 hours. Toward the west, the stars of the Summer Triangle are still visible, while the constellations Cassiopeia and Andromeda are visible in

Size ranking

the east. The roughly triangular constellation Capricornus, the Sea Goat, lies in the south.

23h

ANDROMEDA

LACERTA

22h

π

NGC 7331

0h

78

β

ψ GREAT SQUARE OF PEGASUS

υ

CYGNUS

η

72

τ

32

ο

Scheat

κ

μ λ

56

ι

2

51

1 9

Algenib

α

γ

70

PEGASUS

Markab

ξ

M15

31

ζ

ε Enif

θ 35

ν

EQUULEUS

0º

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you are up for a real challenge this month, try hunting down the North America Nebula, NGC 7000. It is hard to detect from light-polluted skies, but with binoculars, it can be seen from dark skies, sitting near

AQUARIUS

the star Deneb in Cygnus. If you want to marvel at one of the jewels of the night sky, look for the beautiful globular cluster M15 using

binoculars. It can be seen near the star Enif, or Epsilon (ε) Pegasi. The open star cluster M39 in Cygnus is another deep-sky object worth observing through binoculars or a small telescope.

6 A.M. 9 A.M.

3 A.M.

Capella

NOON

MIDNIGHT

Castor 30°

Pollux 26

20°

LEO

23 27

25

24

TAURUS

24

22

28 25 24

22

10°

GEMINI

Aldebaran Hyades

28

26

CANCER

23

Regulus

Procyon

Pleiades

ARIES

29 23

28

27

PISCES

Bellatrix

Betelgeuse

26

0°

22 25

Mira Rigel

–10°

M O R N I N G

–20°

positions of the planets –30°

This chart shows the positions of the planets in September from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

24

S K

Y

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on September 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

29

Jupiter’s position on September 15, 2025

22

Saturn’s position on September 15, 2022. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

28 27 26

ARIES 25

24

TAURUS

Neptune

EXAMPLES

25

Foma

URANUS

23

22

21

S E P T E MB E R

85

southern latitudes THE STARS If you are observing from the Southern Hemisphere this month, be sure to enjoy the rich regions of Scorpius and Ophiuchus before they sink below the western horizon. Just above them lies a rich region around the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy, brimming with star clusters and bright nebulae. In contrast, the eastern half of the sky is relatively empty, though you can still find several

constellations, including Pisces, the Fishes; Cetus, the Whale; and Eridanus, the River. SIGHTS OF INTEREST This month, be sure to enjoy the sights of Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Scutum before they disappear below the horizon. The most spectacular objects to look for in these constellations include M8, the Lagoon Nebula; the open clusters M6 and M7; and the

relatively large telescope to view this nebula. There are two interesting binocular targets in the sky at the moment—the globular cluster M2 in Aquarius, near the star Beta Aquarii, and another globular cluster M15, in Pegasus.

globular cluster M22. The constellation Aquarius, the Water Carrier, sits almost overhead. You can see several deep-sky objects there, including the interesting planetary nebula NGC 7293, also known as the Helix Nebula. You will need dark skies and a p i s c i s au s t r i n u s Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

60

Alpha (α) Piscis Austrini, or Fomalhaut, 1.2

Piscis Austrini

PsA

September–October

Also known as the Southern Fish, Piscis Austrinus is one of the smaller constellations in the night sky and lacks any prominent deep-sky objects. You can find it nestled between the constellations Grus, Aquarius, Capricornus, and Sculptor. Its brightest star is the blue-white colored Fomalhaut, which sits at the mouth of the fish. Fomalhaut lies at a distance of 25 light-years from Earth.

22h

23h

AQUARIUS CAPRICORNUS PISCIS AUSTRINUS

ε

λ

α

–30º

Fomalhaut

δ γ

β

τ

μ υ

GRUS

–40º

ι MICROSCOPIUM

The Small Magellanic Cloud Lying in the constellation Tucana in the Southern Hemisphere, the Small Magellanic Cloud can be found close to the beautiful globular cluster 47 Tucanae, also known as NGC 104.

NOON

3 P.M.

30°

30°

20°

20°

10°

10°

9 P.M. 6 P.M.

Altair

AQUARIUS

22

21

AQUARIUS

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS 24

22

23

Arcturus

Altair

25

alhaut

Arcturus

29

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS 22

23

21

21

27 29

PEGASUS 21

21 Fomalhaut

29

28

27

26

SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS Shaula 25

24

23

Antares

Antares

PISCES 29

22

VIRGO

LIBRA

21 29

21

SCORPIUS

SCORPIUS

NEPTUNE

E V E N I N G

Y S K

25 27

26

LIBRA

Shaula

24

VIRGO 23 21

27 29 21

29

28

28 25

21

27

0° 27 28 23

24 21

0°

28

–10°

–10°

–20°

–20°

–30°

–30°

27 26

86

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north In the northern skies, trace the constellation Draco, the Dragon, weaving between the constellations Ursa Minor, Cepheus, and Hercules. At the tip of the dragon’s tongue lies the double star 16 and 17 Draconis, which can be spotted with just a pair of binoculars. Nu (ν) Draconis in the dragon’s head is also an interesting double star in binoculars. Sitting a little way above the bright star Vega, the multiple star system Epsilon (ε) Lyrae, is an excellent target for a telescope.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

August 15

Midnight

1 am

September 1

11 pm

Midnight

September 15

10 pm

11 pm

October 1

9 pm

10 pm

October 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

PEGASUS 40ºN

CYGNUS

Deneb Epsilon (ε) Lyrae

60ºN

ANDROMEDA

DRACO

ν

CEPHEUS CASSIOPEIA

16,17 Draconis

Polaris

URSA MINOR

HERCULES

ARIES PERSEUS CETUS

Horizon 20ºN

SERPENS CAPUT

Epsilon (ε) Lyrae Also known as the “Double-Double”, with binoculars this quadruple star appears as a pair, while a small telescope shows the two stars’ twin components.

PISCES

Vega

Big Dipper

URSA MAJOR Horizon 40ºN

BOÖTES

W

ES

Capella

AURIGA

Arcturus

T

Castor Horizon 60ºN Pollux

GEMINI

TAURUS

itc lip Ec

Aldebaran

EA

ST

looking south In the south the impressive Andromeda Galaxy, M31, sits in the heart of Andromeda. It is easily visible to the naked eye from a dark sky site. Binoculars reveal it as a fuzzy ellipse, while a small telescope shows it more clearly. The Coathanger asterism, or Brocchi’s Cluster, lies between Cygnus and Aquila in the east, and is easily visible through binoculars. The double star Gamma (γ) Equulei, west of the constellation Aquila, sits near the star Enif in Pegasus and is also a good binocular target.

Zenith 60°N

Deneb ANDROMEDA

40ºN CYGNUS

Vega 20ºN

PEGASUS

ARIES

Ecliptic

Enif Altair Gamma (γ) Equulei

AQUARIUS

PISCES

0ºN Horizon 6

Fomalhaut

OPHIUCHUS SAGITTARIUS

GRUS

The Coathanger Ten stars make up the famous shape of the Coathanger, south of Cygnus. The stars of this open cluster are not near each other in space; the shape is a chance alignment.

SERPENS CAUDA

CAPRICORNUS

CETUS

HERCULES

AQUILA

Horizon 40ºN

EA

ERIDANUS

ST

Horiz

PHOENIX

SCORPIUS

Antares

W

on 20º N TUCANA

PAVO

ES

T

S E P T E MB E R

SEPTEMBER SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The globular cluster M15 sits southwest of the star Enif, Epsilon (ε) Pegasi, in Pegasus. This dense cluster can be picked out with binoculars, and a small telescope shows it clearly. M15 is thought to be 13.2 billion years old. Several deep-sky objects lie in the northeast, in the constellation Aquarius. The globular cluster M2 appears as a fuzzy star through binoculars, and the planetary nebula NGC 7293, the Helix Nebula, appears as a faint fuzzy disc through a small telescope.

Zenith 40°S

CAPRICORNUS

Fomalhaut

20ºS

AQUARIUS SAGITTARIUS

0º

AQUILA SERPENS CAUDA

Ec lip tic

Enif CETUS

Altair

PEGASUS CYGNUS

PISCES

Deneb

OPHIUCHUS

ANDROMEDA

HERCULES

40 izon Hor

Vega

ºS

CEPHEUS CASSIOPEIA

ARIES

Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

T

Hori zon

DRACO

PERSEUS

0º

EA

ST

M15 in Pegasus The globular cluster M15 is roughly 175 light-years in diameter and 30,000 light-years from Earth. A 150mm (6in) telescope reveals many of the cluster’s sparkling stars.

Polaris

looking south The globular cluster 47 Tucanae is a must-see target in the September southern skies, lying to the south of the constellation Tucana. It is visible to the naked eye as a hazy star, while a small telescope shows its bright center and many of its glittering stars. This cluster is 15,000 light-years away. Other visible targets include the globular clusters M22, NGC 6397, and M4, in Sagittarius, Ara, and Scorpius respectively. The open clusters M6 and M7 in Scorpius are also visible.

Zenith 0°

Ecliptic

20ºS AQUILA

CAPRICORNUS

AQUARIUS

40ºS

Fomalhaut

GRUS

SERPENS CAUDA

SAGITTARIUS

CETUS PHOENIX TUCANA ARA

PAVO

Achernar

OPHIUCHUS SCORPIUS

ERIDANUS

Horizon 0º

Antares

OCTANS

α Centauri β Centauri Horizon 20ºS

EA

ST

Hori zon 40

PICTOR

CRUX CARINA

Canopus

VELA

LIBRA

WE

ºS

PUPPIS

LUPUS

CENTAURUS

ST

M4 in Scorpius The globular cluster M4 is a beautiful sight in the constellation Scorpius. Sitting close to the star Antares, Alpha (α) Scorpii, it is a lovely target for binoculars or a small telescope.

87

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

HE RC

M 13

13

VE

M 51

M

M

92

92

M1 01

A zar

T ctu

NA S RO LI C O REA BO Ar

BO

ES

DR

AC O

O

ne

US b

UR SA M INOR

MINOR

ru s Ar ctu

M 3

CO

BO

M

A

MAJO R

HE B IG DURSA IPPE R

M 3

N

BE B

TM RO OC IG D LEO IPPE R

THE

URS A

T

AC

DR

Vega

NA S RO LI C O REA BO Mi

r

Mi za

M1 01

NA TIC I

M 51

LYR

PU

N

M

CA

ES

ES I

De

UL

O TE S

IC

O TE S

R

EN ES

CA N

VE

NA TIC

MINO R

N

A

O R

BE R

MAJO R

MINO

URS A

GN

CA

W CE S

RES T N

E I

T

CY

ENS ru s

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

M39

LA

M

52

IA

AN

PE 03 M1

ELO

M

31

C

9

9

86

86

84

C G N1 3

M

G

C8

N

84

LIS

LIS

DA

C8

NG

NG

PAR

A X LYN PARD ELO

X LYN

CAM

CAM

SIO

52

CAS

M

EIA RT SIOP 103 M CE CAS S

S

CEPHEU

Polaris

CEPHEU

M81 laris Po

M81

NORTH

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

points of reference

lla pe Ca

lla pe Ca

r sto

r sto

Ca

Ca

PE

PE

AU

G

M

38

RI

IN

I

38 M

M

G RI I AUMIN GE

GE

N

N

O

O

M

37

3T7 H

T

RM

R

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date August 15 September 1 September 15 October 1

Zeniths

October 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

n

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

EAST

bara

n

SERP

H

H

W

E S

LEO

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

A

SEPTEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

HYA

Alde

bara

Alde

US

TAU R

DES

HYA

US

DES

TAU R

1

M

S

T

S

T

1

M

DE

EIA PL

45

M

DE

S

M 36

EIA

S

A

M

PL

A E

A E

A

ES

ARI 36

LUM GU

IAN

TR

S LUM GU

S

ED A

M

RO

D

EU

RS

IAN

TR EU

RS

M3 M3 34

34 M

WEST WEST

88

T

T

U

S

O

U E

E

A

A

S

S

T

T

SC

PH

UL

NI

X

TO R

PT OR

OE SCNIX UL P

SC

OE

PH

ES

t

lhau

Fom a

t

Fom alha u

PISC

S

S

M30

M2

E

M15

LEU

S

CAPRICORNU

A

INDUS

SOUTH

SOUTH

SOUTH

MICROSCOPIUM

LOOK IN G

TUCAN

TUCAN GRUS A

INDUS

MICROSCOPIUM STRINUS

M30

M

27

M

S

PAVO

Alb ireo

VU

UI AQ

55

LA

IU

S

11

M

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

2

54

M2

6 2M

2

M

M

69 18

M

54

TE

S LE

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

M

M O

6P9

IU

21

28

M AR

M

21

7 17 M 4 23 M 2 M M

Zeniths

CO

U PI

28

M

17 M 4 23 2 M M

A

A

M AR

M

A 5 ON LISM2 R A COSTR AU

M

M2

UT

N PE18DA R U 5 SE M C A M2 UM

26

UT

M

SC

11

SC M

EN RP DA E S AU C UM

SC S IU ELE R T A ITT NA IS SAG RO AL O R C ST AU M

LA

AR ITT

ELIPTIC

SAG

M

55

ELIPTIC

GI SA ir

ta Al

PAVO

S

27

L

UI AQ

A TT M57

A TT

GI SA

US air SIN t H CYGENLU P Al D

M29

NU PUHSI L E N D CAPRICOR EUS QUUL

A QU A R I U S

M2

EQUU

M15

STRINUS A QU A R I U S

SU

SU

GRUS

IS AU

IS AU

PISC

PE GA

PE GA

A

SEPTEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES

H

H

PI

ES

RC HE

UL

PE C

S S

UL E

S

SC

16 M 16 M

M M

8 M

O

O

7

U

U

60°N

S

S

M

8 M

PH O 14

PH O 14

l au Sh

6

ul hHa TS

W

M 6 M

S HU

IU C

T

H

a

a

tar

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

M1 9

2 M6

US MIUC 9 H

M

9

OR SC

T

S E

OR SC

12 M

M1 0 12 M

M1 0

T

US

S

AN ERI D

O

E

S

S

PI

EAST

PIU S

US

M1 9

AN ERI D

TU

2

EAST

CE

M6

S

US

TU es An

CE

ira M

Ecliptic

An tar es

M

ira

WEST WEST

PI

S E PTE M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 89

N

U

S

SE

22 M25

M2

CA PR

UT

M24 M17

IC O

RP

6 M

R LPH

ULE US

OP

HI

EN

UM

S

AP

US

UC

HU

UD CA

11

U AQ

IL INU S

EQ U

US

SC Alt air

DE 7

RN

A

SA G ITT A M2

ICO

PE C

UL A

HE

RC U Alb ireo

M29

M2

M15

t

M 2 1 M 18 M 16

10

L

7

VU

M5

C YG NUS

M30

3

12

SC LE

A

A

Veg a

LY R M39

al ha u

M 92

Deneb

LACERTA

M 13

4 M1

CEPHEUS

Fo m

M

M

DR AC O

M52

S

S

ECL

US

IPTI C

AS

ED

A M3

EIA

1

N

O R

S

IOP

03 M1

SS CA

ROM

PEG

AND

A

U AQ

CH

PEN S

H

W

E

T

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

U

SER

UT

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

NG

C

86

40°S

9

PI

SC

C

88

Date

E

4

33

RS

M

PE

August 15 September 1

TR

N

I

O

EU

September 15 October 1 October 15

Zeniths

R

0°

T

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

NG

CE

S

S RIU UA

AQ

SEPTEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

S

T

AR

IE

S

a

Mir

TU

CE

M

LU

S

A

N

G

U

34 M

E

A S

RI

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

90

Mir

a

E CA U

M

L

CO

M LU

BA

H

EL CA U

T UM H E A

S

O

CO

M LU

H

E A

BA

T S

S

O

T

T

RO

GI

PU PP

IS

s

s

pu

no

Ca

pu

US

US

Ca no

ID AN

ID AN

S

UMER

ER

GI PU UM PP I

LO

LO

RO

O

S

O

U

DO

PIC

UM

TO R

DO

UL

OE

TO

U

X ar

104

C

SM

A

VELA

I

NA S RO ALI O C TR S AU M IU OP C ES TEGLI A SA AR

G SA

6 M2

d Ha

MU

SCA

APUS

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

M

M8

SC

P OR

IU

S

Ac

rux

Ac

rux

X

CRU

X

sa mo Mi x cru Ga

il rus Rig ntau Ke

CRU

m Mi US x cru IN Ga IRC C r da Ha

osa

NO

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference 40°S

51

39

NG

C

51

39

Zeniths

C

C

R AU T EN

NG

CE

A

S

S

U

U

R AU NT

RM

NA S RO ALI A O M C TR S UM OR L U N U A S NG UMLE IU TRIA OSPTI RA P U C A ES OR TEL SC A US AR CIN CIR ar

UM U L il rus CA RIANG RRAigeLnEtau S U M T T K AU S

PAAVPOUS

SOUTH

SOUTH

CARINA

SOUTH

LOOK IN G

VOLA NS

CHAMAELEON

CARINA

OCTANS

CHAMAELEON

M

PAVO

PIU

INDUS

MICROSCO

CA INDUS

M PIU US RN O PRIC

MICROSCO

M30

ANAOCTANS

VELA

TUC

C

SM

S

ANA GRU S

US

TUC

RIN

VOLA NS MENS A LMC

GRU

CIS

MENS

RUS

NGC

LMC

HYD

ar

ST

PIS

104

RUS

NGC

AU

ut

ha

al

Fo m

HYD ern

Ach

X

R

S

ern

Ach

NI

NI

OE

UM

TO R

TIC

PIC

RA

UL

DO

TIC

RA

RE

DO

RE

PH

PH

RI

R

CIS RIN US

55

M

ST

IU

TT AR

TO

54

M

M

PIS

CO RI AP TTC M55 A RI US

S

54 M

M

69

M22

69

UT M 16

8 M2 7

M

62 M

SC

M8

M25 M 7 M24 M17

M2 8 M

M1 9

0°

S

S

M1 9

S

3

M2

ula

AU

ta

O

O

U

PU

T

H

PU

U

LU

LU

An

10 M

S

M9

62 M

ta An

res M4

res M4

Sh au2 M18 M6 M l1a M6

Sh a

SEPTEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

EAST H

W

AX

S 40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

H

E

F

N OR

W

AX S

HMI1

OP

M8 0

H

OP M8 0

EAST S

T

N OR

TU

S

CE LP

E

F

U SC

T

A

S

US

HU

U AQ

IU C

LP

RA

U SC

LIB

ET

IUS

RA

AR

LIB

QU SE Ecliptic

WEST WEST

CAP

S E PTE M B E R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 91

92

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

0h

6h 1h

5h 4h

OCTOBER

3h

perseus

In the Northern Hemisphere, the main attractions this month are Pegasus and Andromeda. In the Southern Hemisphere, these constellations sit in the north, while the Small Magellanic Cloud lies in the south.

Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

24

Alpha (α) Persei, or Mirphak, 1.8

Persei

Per

November–December

Perseus, the Hero, sits among the beautiful star fields of the Milky 50 ˚ Way Galaxy between Andromeda and Auriga. It is an interesting constellation that contains some wonderful deep-sky objects to observe with 40 ˚ a small telescope or a pair of binoculars, including the open cluster M34 and 30the ˚ Double Cluster, NGC 884 and NGC 869.

northern latitudes THE STARS Standing under the cold, crisp October night sky, you can see the Great Square of Pegasus high up in the sky. You can easily spot the constellation Andromeda sitting next to it, while a loop of stars known as the Circlet is visible directly beneath the asterism. The constellations Aquarius, Pisces, and Cetus can be located nearby. Turn around and look toward the north to find the constellations Cepheus, Cassiopeia, and Perseus. Cygnus, the Swan, and Lyra, the Lyre, are visible toward the west. Although a small constellation,

2h

Lyra can be found very easily by locating its brightest star, the magnitude 0.0 Vega.

5h 4h

2h

3h

CAMELOPARDALIS

η

4

γ 50º NGC 1528

λ μ

Capella

AURIGA

MELOTTE 20 34

δ

ψ σ

48

53

M76

τ

Mirphak

α ι

SIGHTS OF INTEREST If you have a small telescope or a pair of binoculars, the Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, in Andromeda is a wonderful target to look at. M31 is visible to the naked eye from dark skies. Binoculars show the open cluster M52 in Cassiopeia.

φ

θ ANDROMEDA

κ 40º

58

32

ν ε

52

Per A

PERSEUS 54

NGC 1499

30º

ξ ζ

M34

β ωρ

Algol

NGC 1342

40

ο

24

π

12

16

TRIANGULUM

17

ARIES

TAURUS 20

NGC 869 NGC 884

˚

the direction of the patch of METEOR SHOWER Aldebaran sky between Orion’s head and The Orionid meteor shower reaches 10 ˚ Gemini’s feet. The best time to its peak around October 21. Under look is after midnight, when this good conditions during the peak, region of sky has risen higher you can expect to see around 25 above the horizon. meteors every hour, shooting from 6 A.M.

3 A.M. MIDNIGHT

9 A.M.

Capella

NOON

Castor Pollux

TAURUS

GEMINI

LEO

20°

26

25

24

VIRGO 0° 21 28

28

22

29

25

23 Regulus

28

Hyades

CANCER Procyon

27

–30°

29

Betelgeuse

27

Bellatrix

M O R N I N G

positions of the planets This chart shows the positions of the planets in October from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

–40°

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on October 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

24

Jupiter’s position on October 15, 2024

22

Jupiter’s position on October 15, 2022. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

23 28

Mira

Rigel

–10°

–20°

ARIES

Aldebaran

28 26 10°

Pleiades

22 24

S K Y

93

OC T OB E R

southern latitudes THE STARS After the wonderfully rich views of the southern winter, October night skies look rather empty. However, this does not mean there is nothing to see. Looking south, you can locate the constellations Phoenix, Grus, Tucana, Pavo, and the long and winding Eridanus. The constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, lies low in the west. There are several bright stars to help you navigate the sky. In the south, look out for the magnitude 1.2

The Circlet This asterism is formed by a ring of seven stars that make up the head of one of the fish in the constellation Pisces. MIDNIGHT

e r i da n u s

star Fomalhaut, almost directly above you in the constellation Piscis Austrinus. A little lower down in the south at one end of Eridanus shines Achernar, or Alpha (α) Eridani, while the bright star Altair, in Aquila, twinkles away in the west. Aquarius is high up in the northern part of the sky. Pegasus is also on view with its famous square practically due north. SIGHTS OF INTEREST In the Southern Hemisphere, the night sky offers several objects that make good targets for even modest amateur equipment. Look south to find the constellation Tucana, the Toucan. Within the boundaries of this constellation, you can see 47 Tucanae, or NGC 104, one of the best globular clusters in the night sky. With the naked eye, it appears as a slightly fuzzy star. Near 47 Tucanae lies the galaxy known as the Small Magellanic Cloud, or SMC, which is a great target for a small PEGASUS

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

6

Alpha (α) Eridani, or Achernar, 0.5

Eridanus, the River, winds its way across the night sky, starting near the feet of Orion. It then meanders across the sky toward Cetus before passing the constellations Horologium, the Clock, and Caelum, the Chisel. Its brightest star, Achernar, Alpha (α) Eridani, has a magnitude 0.5 and marks the end of this celestial river. Eridanus has few clusters or CAELUM nebulae within it but contains some interesting double stars, such as 32 Eridani and Theta (θ) Eridani.

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

Eridani

Eri

November–January

ORION

TAURUS

PISCES 4h

5h

3h

45

ν

μ

32

β ω ψ λ –10º

CETUS

17

ο1 ο2 γ

NGC 1535

η

π

64 53

ζ

ε

δ

39

ERIDANUS

τ1

NGC 1300

54

τ5

6

τ

τ9

τ4 15

τ2

3

τ

τ8 FORNAX

1

υ

–30º

υ2 4

υ υ3

ι

θ1

–40º

CAELUM

–50

˚

HOROLOGIUM

φ

χ

telescope or a pair of binoculars DORADO PICTOR and can also be seen with the Achernar α naked eye. A hop over the constellation Galaxy, M31, in the constellation Hydrus, or the Little Water Snake, HYDRUS Andromeda, as well as the takes you to the constellations spiral galaxy M33, visible through Dorado and Mensa, where you binoculars or a small telescope in will find the Large Magellanic the constellation Triangulum. The Cloud, or LMC. It can be seen Andromeda Galaxy is the closest with the naked eye and is a fine major galaxy to the Milky Way sight through a telescope. Turning and twice as large. your attention to the northern sky, you can find the Andromeda NOON

PISCES 9 P.M.

Brightest star

κ

NEPTUNE

29

Size ranking

21

Arcturus

3 P.M.

Arcturus 20°

20°

6 P.M.

PISCES

PISCES Altair

27

26

26

22

Altair

22

25

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

25

23

23 22 21

29

22 21

29 Antares

25

SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS

ARIES 24

TAURUS

23

22

Shaula

29 2529 29 Antares 21 21

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS

E

V

E

N

I N G

S K Y

0°

0°

27 26

25

23 27

26 26

29

–10°

–10°

23

26 –20°

–20°

–30°

–30°

–40°

–40°

25

LIBRA

LIBRA

Shaula

21

URANUS

25 24

24

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS 29 28 27 26

27

27

21

21

10°

VIRGO VIRGO

24AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

24

10°

94

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

OCTOBER NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north As the Summer Triangle (Vega, Deneb, and Altair) moves to the west, the Milky Way arches overhead and some winter constellations start peeking over the horizon. Look out for the Double Cluster in Perseus (see p.22) and the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, rising in the east. The Hyades and Pleiades star clusters in Taurus start coming back into view and the open clusters M52, NGC 457, and M103 high in the sky in Cassiopeia are also worth finding. These are all good binocular targets.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

September 15

Midnight

1 am

October 1

11 pm

Midnight

October 15

10 pm

11 pm

November 1

9 pm

10 pm

November 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

PEGASUS

40ºN

PISCES

ANDROMEDA ARIES

60ºN

Deneb

Ecliptic

CYGNUS

CASSIOPEIA CEPHEUS

AQUILA

PERSEUS TAURUS

Vega Polaris HERCULES

Capella

URSA MINOR

DRACO

AURIGA

Aldebaran

Horizon 20ºN OPHIUCHUS

The Auriga Clusters Use binoculars to look out for the open clusters M36, M37, and M38. All three will just fit within the same field of view with wide-angle binoculars.

ORION

Big Dipper

GEMINI

W

ES

Betelgeuse

Castor

Horizon 40ºN

Pollux

T

BOÖTES

EA

URSA MAJOR

ST

Horizon 60ºN

looking south While the beautiful Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is still on show this month, do not overlook another interesting galaxy close by. M33, or the Triangulum Galaxy is just above the constellation Aries, and can be glimpsed with the naked eye from a very dark sky site. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope will show this beautiful spiral galaxy’s misty, oval form. If you are observing with a telescope, make sure to spot the lovely double star Gamma (γ) Arietis in the nearby constellation Aries.

Zenith 60°N

CASSIOPEIA

ANDROMEDA

40ºN

Deneb CYGNUS

PERSEUS 20ºN ARIES

PEGASUS

γ PISCES

TAURUS

Eclip tic AQUARIUS

Altair

CETUS

Aldebaran

CAPRICORNUS

0ºN Horizon 6

ORION

AQUILA

Fomalhaut GRUS

PHOENIX

The Andromeda Galaxy Through a small telescope M31, in the constellation Andromeda, appears as a fuzzy gray ellipse with a brighter core. Larger apertures will help discern the galaxy’s dark, dusty lanes.

Horizon 40ºN

EA

Rigel

ERIDANUS

ST Horizon

SAGITTARIUS

W

Achernar 20ºN

SERPENS CAUDA

TUCANA

ES

T

OC T OB E R

OCTOBER SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The double star Almach, Gamma (γ) Andromedae in the constellation Andromeda, is a lovely target for a small telescope when looking north. One of the stars has an orange tint, while the other is a beautiful blue. In the same constellation, quite close to Almach, is the magnitude 5.5 open cluster NGC 752. Binoculars or small telescopes reveal it covering an area larger than the full Moon. Finally, be sure to track down M31 in Andromeda and M33 just above Aries.

Zenith 40°S

Fomalhaut 20ºS CAPRICORNUS

0º

AQUARIUS

CETUS

ERIDANUS

PISCES

Altair

tic lip Ec

PEGASUS

ANDROMEDA Horizon 40ºS

CYGNUS

Almach

CASSIOPEIA

Deneb

OPHIUCHUS

Aldebaran

ES

HERCULES

CEPHEUS

Vega

T

ORION

PERSEUS

Horizon 20ºS

W

TAURUS

ARIES

AQUILA

Capella

DRACO

Polaris

EA

AURIGA

ST

NGC 752 Composed of around 70 stars, the loose open star cluster NGC 752 is a fine sight in a small telescope using a low magnification. It can be found north of Andromeda’s star Almach in the east.

Horizon 0º

looking south Two of the celestial showpieces of the southern skies can be seen this month: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. These galaxies lie relatively close in space to the Milky Way. The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) in Tucana can be seen with the naked eye, as can the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which is a magnificent sight on the Dorado–Mensa border. Binoculars or small telescopes reveal many star clusters and patches of nebulosity within the LMC.

Zenith 0°

AQUARIUS 20ºS

ic pt

Ec li

Fomalhaut

CETUS

40ºS CAPRICORNUS

PHOENIX GRUS

AQUILA ERIDANUS

Achernar TUCANA SAGITTARIUS PAVO Horizon 0º

Rigel Horizon 20ºS ORION CANIS EA ST MAJOR

OCTANS ARA

PICTOR

Canopus PUPPIS

CARINA

CENTAURUS

SCORPIUS

α Centauri

Antares

β Centauri VELA Horizon 40ºS

CRUX

OPHIUCHUS

LUPUS

WE

ST

Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) The irregular galaxy known to astronomers as the SMC sits in the constellation Tucana. Visible to the naked eye, it stretches roughly seven times the Moon’s apparent diameter across the sky.

95

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

ES UL S R CH U HEIUC OPH

W

13

M57

CYG NU

M29

AC O

ne b

S

De

DR

LYR

ga Ve lbireo A

D O

ne b M1 01

M3

M57

92

A 92

ga Ve

OT ES

RA C

NA

S V

CE

H

M52

M52

EU SNDROMEDA A

RT A

CE P

C

LA

LA

PH is Polar

03 M1

SS CA

03 M1

SS CA

M81

IO

G

C

86

G

9

C

88

88

4

ME

4

9A C

C

R PA LO

R PA LO

T S R LI O EA NOR

B

OR

OR

ME

MIN

MIN

CA

G

86

N

C

IA

N

PE

G N

IA

N

PE

AJOR

IO

URSMA81M

LEO

N

O R

LEO

AJOR U R SA M

is Polar

NORTH

THE BIG DIPPER

THE BIG DIPPER

EU S

ER TA

CE

ENAT ICI

URS A MIN OR

Mizar

URS A MIN OR

9

LI M 51

NES

V

Mizar

NES

101

CA M

M 51

CA

9

A

EA

RO

T 2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

DA

DA

LI

LI

S

S

N LY

N LY

lla

la el

pe

Ca

p Ca

X

X

38

38

AU

AU

November 1

October 15

October 1

M

G

36

RI

M

36

RI

September 15

Date

Zeniths

G

N

N

O

O

R

R

T

T

H

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

M

M

DES

November 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

PLEIA

M3

CUL M

M

BO

B OO TE S

De

A

T

13

M

M

E S

T

VULPE

CO 1

e

LYR

R EBSO UAL CN RRO CHOE

H

H

W

E S

ENAT ICI

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

UM

OCTOBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

EAST

e

eus

eus

elg

Bet

M

S

EU RS

S

ION

elg

Bet

ix

OR

latr

Bel

1

I

I

IN

ION

n

SM

1

M

IN

Alde

T

OR

bara

TAU RU

M

35

M

GE

35

M

M

E

A

S

Ex

A

S

T

GE

x lu lu

A or Ca

1

M3

34

UL

NG

IA TR 34

M

PE EU RS

PE

M HYAD ES 37 37 M

or

ACa

st Po l

st Po l

WEST WEST

96

T

T

U

S

O

U E

E

A

A

S

S

T

T

ID AN

ID AN

FO

RN AX

HO

RO

LO G

IU M

CE

ira

CE

M

HOFOR RO NAX LO GI UM

US

US

C

TU

TU

TI

S

S

rnar

Ache

ENIX

rnar

ENIX

Ache

PHO

PHO

PIS

PIS

S

S

Fo

GRUS

SOUTH

SOUTH

TUCANA

SOUTH

RIN

S

US

U GRUS RIN UST PISCIS A

RIUS

malhaut

A QU A

TUCANA

SCULPTOR

SCULPTOR

UST PISCIS A

S ARIU

t Fomalhau

A QU

PEGASUS

ANDROMEDA

LOOK IN G

CE

CE

PEGASUS 5

5

M3

M3

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

SC

C

US

M

R AP

M IC

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

IND

HI

S

N

US

Zeniths

N OR

IN S PH NU L R E D ICO R AP CS EU

IU OP

L

L

D

S EU

P EL

U USPI INSDCO RO

O ICR

UU EQ

UU EQ

MIC

0

M

0

M2

M1

M2

M1

OCTOBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES

H

H

ER

ER

IP

ira

M

CL

C

M27

U

S U

Al ta ir

TT A

SA GI

TI

S

O

IT

O

U

ITH GT A U S

60°N

S

G SA

M

IP

TA W

Al ta ir

A

AQ UIL M

55

TA

ERIU SS T

T

H

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

O

T

S

S

55

S U

RI

M1 1

M M1 1

6 M2

S 54

M

EAST

54

ION M

M

E

S C OP 26 H U TU IUCH M US 22 M

UM

CU T

EAST US

22

R TAU M

E

M 17

5

E

IES

M2

AR LU

M 17

OR

U NG 5

TRIA 3

Ecliptic

M2

M3

WEST WEST

CL

O CTO BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 97

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

M11

U

UIL AQ TA

ir

ta

Al

LP HI N

US

S

U

S

eb

M 15

UA AQ

M 2

M 15

RI

D

UU EQ LE

U De n

OPH

S 57

LP

E

IUC HU M

RA C LY LPE VU ga Ve M39

M39

US

eb

RA CODen

US

9

LE

E 27

LP

M2

HMI N29

US

S

UU EQ

M

M 27

YG N

ir

ta

Al

C

D

TT A

G SA LA ir

Al b eo

CY GN U

R LY D

57

N

O

A D

RA CO

2

M

U

S

T

T

o

re

IT

I

bi

G ILA SA AQU EC Al

LA

A

HU

W

E

E S

M

VU

IUC

H

ga VeT

H

W

S

R N

O R

T 3

4

5

Variable star

LAC ERTA

PHEU S

LAC ERTA

CE

C

PEGASUS

ANDROMEDA PEGASUS

M31

C AS S I O P E I

M103

A

M103

M31

A C AS S I O P E I ANDROMEDA

M52

M52

NORTH

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

EPHE US

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

CE

S

C8

M3

3

84

4

CE

LU

A CE

GU

M3

AN

Horizons 0°

A

M

M

DA

EU

S

EI

S

PL

U

ES

ES

AD EI PL

ECLIP TIC

RS

SE

AD

ECLIP TIC

PE

S

ESR LPI

LI

Date September 15 October 1 October 15 November 1 November 15

Zeniths

45

T

M

O

O

45

T

M

N

N

0°

R

R

T

T

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

DA

40°S

R PA LO

R PA LO

LU

20°S

points of reference

ME

ME

4

GU

CA

CA

M3

AN

TRI

T8R4I

C8

C8

3

NG

NG

M3

69

69

C8

S

NG

NG

CE

PI S

PI S

Planetary nebula

n

OPH 1

2

OCTOBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

n

ara

trix

Bella

trix

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

Bella

ION

OR

ara

eb

Ald

ES

Ald

EAST

EAST

ES

S

T

E A A U S RI T GA lla

A E

eb

HY AD

HY AD

GA

RI

S lla

AU

S pe

Ca

pe Ca

a

RU UAS U

A U

RU

ID AN ER

a Mir

S

TU Mir

TRU IES S

ES

RI

WEST WEST

98

S

S

ha

R

T

S

O

U H

E

E

A

A

S

S

T

T

PU

PP

M

S

s

us

no p

no pu

Ca

IS DO

VE

LA

PIC VTEOR LA

DO

TO R

DO

PIC

RA

RA

DO

HO L RNOGI AXUM

RO

AX

VO L AN CAR

S

LMC

SA

INA

IX

SMC

SMC

EN

NGC 104

TUCANA

RO

S

S

I

osa

Mim

H

RO

r ada

il rus Rig ntau M Ke

Ken

U UL NG ALE A I R TR ST AU

C

x Gacru

RU TAU CEN

osa Mim

SOUTH

SOUTH

CRUX

Acrux

Ha

dar

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

AR

A

T

E EL

SC

O

U PI

M

M

M

S

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference 40°S

M

A

Zeniths

R NO

L

0°

S

O

O SS U UP

A ON LIS R A M A CO R RM PIU UM UST L O N CO GU LE A AN S S TRI STRA LE PU TE AU LU A AR S U IN IRC

S

S

U ND

O PAV

M

IC

NA S RO ALI O C TR S AU

APUS RUS TAU CEN US CIN CIR CRUX Gacrux il rus Rig tau MUSCA

Acrux

M

APUS PAVO

GRU

MUSCA

SOUTH

CHAMAELEON

S

IC

CIS S US PIS RI NU ND I ST AU

GRU

OCTANS

NGC 104

TUCANA

PT OR

m Fo

ut

ha

al

CHAMAELEON RUS OCTANS

O

UL

IX

LOOK IN G

HYD

INA

MEN

CAR

RE TIC U VO LALNUM S

LMC

HORETIC HYD RO U LU M RUS LO Ach ern GI ar UM M EN SA

ar

ern

Ach

SC

EN

CIS S PIS RI NU ST AU

OCTOBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

IS

PP

sunrise and sunset on 15th oCtoBer

ra

U T

H

PU

Ca

M

S

RN

O

PT OR

CO

M30

CO

UL

UM

PI UM

PI

O

RIC

CA P

55 M

RN US SA G I 55

M

I

SA G

22 M

S

IU

TT AR

TT A

69 M

54 M

S

RI U M

54

Sh

7

Sh

7

U

U

a

l au

28 M

O

SC a l au

M

69 M

M

M 28 M M26 M M25 6

RP

M

6

22 M

7 25 M1 8

M1 7

IU S 8

RP

T

H

O

A JO

Ad

O

W

C

SM ANI BA

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

H

E

EAST

ra ha Ad

LU M

W

R

CO

SC

M

M2 4

2

A JO ION OR ANIS M C

PU

IU S

LE

M6

S

LU BA

T

CO M LU

S

E CA

T

U

E

6 M

2

M2 4 M 1

8M 1

M1 9

1 S M C 1 8M UT 16 UM M2 3 S ER PE N

M6M 2 21

EAST 23

2

NS

M4

A

el Rig

PE

PU SE R

LE M4

AN ILDU R EE CA

S

a M4

U

FO

M1 9

A

SC AU D M9

ION DA

OR AN

US

nt M9 areCsAU

E D RI

T CE res

FO PH

Ecliptic

Ant a

PH

WEST WEST

SC

O CTO B E R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 99

100

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

NOVEMBER We are now deep into the wonderful dark nights of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, where the constellations Orion, Taurus, Auriga, and Gemini are visible. In the Southern Hemisphere, Cetus, Eridanus, and Aquarius are high in the sky.

tau r u s

targets. A small telescope shows the glittering pair of clusters in Perseus listed as NGC 869 and NGC 884, collectively known as the Double Cluster. There are also several fine open clusters visible in Auriga.

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

Alpha (α) Tauri, or Aldebaran, 0.85

Tauri

Tau

December–January 4h

5h

AURIGA

6h

PERSEUS

30º

βAlnath

136

GEMINI

139

132

NGC 1746

M1

ζ

20º

114

φ

TAURUS

ι

109

υ

37

κ

126

Aldebaran

ε α

T

Hyades

5

134

λ

90

ORION

10º

μ

88 Betelgeuse

ο

10

MIDNIGHT

Capella 9 A.M.

Castor

GEMINI

25

26

LEO

Arcturus

Pleiades 24 Aldebaran

Regulus

28

TAURUS

Hyades

26

10°

Betelgeuse

CANCER

Bellatrix

Procyon

27 23

VIRGO

28 27

28

Rigel

26

29 –20°

positions of the planets

LIBRA

–30°

–40°

–50°

M

O

CETUS

6 A.M.

24

21 26

ξ

ν

ERIDANUS

22

–10°

47

3 A.M.

NOON

25

Ecliptic

0º

Pollux

0°

ARIES

ω

NGC 1647

119

Pleiades M45

τ

a point south of M45. Another meteor shower, the Leonids, peaks around November 17. At its peak, you can observe up to 10 meteors an hour, shooting from the direction of Leo’s head.

METEOR SHOWERS Look for the peak of the Taurid meteor shower during the first week of November. If the skies are clear and dark, you may see 10 meteors an hour, coming from

SIGHTS OF INTEREST In the Northern Hemisphere, November’s skies contain the lingering sights of summer, including M31 and M33, as well as some new objects. The open clusters NGC 457 and NGC 663 in the “W” shaped constellation Cassiopeia make excellent binocular

Brightest star

17

The stars of Taurus, the Bull, are easy to locate in the night sky, because they are anchored around the bright “V” shape of the Hyades star cluster and the bright star Aldebaran. Both the Hyades and Pleiades star clusters can be seen with the naked eye. Another remarkable deep-sky object in Taurus is M1, the Crab Nebula.

northern latitudes THE STARS Two interesting constellations, Perseus and Cassiopeia, are almost overhead this month. Looking south, the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda are sitting high in the sky. In the east, the grand constellations Orion, Taurus, and Auriga are also visible.

Size ranking

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

This chart shows the positions of the planets in November from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on November 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

21

Jupiter’s position on November 15, 2021

24

Jupiter’s position on November 15, 2024. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

29

des

101

N OV E MB E R

southern latitudes THE STARS The constellations Eridanus and Cetus sit right above you this month. Eridanus, the River, is naturally long and winding and its end is marked by the bright star Achernar, which can be seen high in the sky almost due south. The constellation Phoenix sits close to Eridanus and below it, toward the direction of the south celestial pole, are the constellations Reticulum, the Net; Hydrus, the Little Water Snake; Tucana, the Toucan; and Octans, the Octant. In the east, you can locate Canis Major, which is hard to miss, as it is home to the blazing star Sirius. Also coming into view in the east are

Orion and Taurus. It is easy to identify Orion, as it contains the bright stars Betelgeuse, Alpha (α) Orionis, and Rigel, Beta (β) Orionis. Look north to find the constellations Andromeda, Pisces, and Aries.

cetus Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

4

Beta (β) Ceti 2.0

Ceti

Cet

October–December

Cetus, the Sea 10º 3h μ Monster or Whale, ξ2 λ can be found in the ν κ α Menkar night sky positioned γ between Pisces and 0º δ M77 Eridanus. The ο brightest star in this constellation, Beta ERIDANUS (β) Ceti, is called –10º Diphda and has a ε ρ π 2.0 magnitude. The σ “back” of Cetus is marked by the famous variable star –20º Mira. Cetus is also home to the spiral galaxy M77, the brightest Seyfert galaxy.

SIGHTS OF INTEREST Because Cetus is high in the sky, a large telescope will show you the interesting spiral galaxy M77, sitting very close to the star Delta (δ) Ceti. The beautiful Magellanic Clouds should be your next target. The Large Magellanic Cloud, or the LMC, sits across the border between the constellations Dorado, the Goldfish (or Swordfish), and Mensa, the Table Mountain. A small telescope is all you need to explore the sparkling star clusters, as well as the Tarantula Nebula, or NGC 2070, nestled within the LMC. Meanwhile, a short distance away in the constellation

Ecli

ptic 0h

20 Mira

CETUS

θ ζ

ι

φ

η

3

NGC 246

46

τ

6

β 7

Diphda

υ

2

56

Looking toward the northeast, the Hyades and Pleiades open star clusters make excellent binocular targets. Also look for the stunning spiral galaxy M33 and the glowing ellipse of Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, through a telescope. PEGASUS

Tucana, you can see the Small Magellanic Cloud and the globular cluster NGC 104, or 47 Tucanae. These are wonderful binocular or small telescope targets. Both the Large and Small Magellanic Cloud can be seen with the naked eye.

The variable star Mira Omicron (ο) Ceti, more popularly known as Mira, is a variable star in the constellation Cetus. Its brightness changes over time as it pulsates.

PISCES

2h

ξ1

URANUS

NEPTUNE

9 P.M.

GEMINI

PISCES 29 28 27 26

ARIES

RUS

24

TAURUS

6 P.M.

23

22

29

28

27

26

21

25

24

23

ARIES

2923

23

28

28

22

21

3 P.M.

PISCES PISCES 27

Altair

Altair

10°

10°

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

22–20°

–20°

–30°

–30°

–40°

–40°

–50°

–50°

27

26 Mira

ARIES 25

Mira

26 22 25

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS 22

OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS

25

24

24

23

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS 23 21 22

21

22

21

E

V

E

FomalhautFomalhaut

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

21

29

29

21

29

24 21

SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS

29

27 24

27

25

25

22

27 24 Antares Antares

27 24

Shaula Shaula

SCORPIUS SCORPIUS

10 2

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north Be sure to savor the sights of Cygnus, the Swan, before the constellation starts to sink below the horizon. A small telescope will show its beautiful double stars Omicron-1 (ο1) Cygni, 61 Cygni, and Albireo (see p.62), which marks the bill of the swan. A pair of binoculars will show the open clusters M29 and M39. Also look out for the magnitude 7.3 open cluster M52, sitting high in the sky in Cassiopeia; the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga (see p.46); and M35 in Gemini.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

October 15

Midnight

1 am

November 1

11 pm

Midnight

November 15

10 pm

11 pm

December 1

9 pm

10 pm

December 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

ARIES

PISCES 40ºN

ANDROMEDA

TAURUS

PERSEUS

Aldebaran

60ºN PEGASUS

CASSIOPEIA

Capella

AURIGA

CEPHEUS

ORION

61 Cygni Deneb

Polaris

ο¹ Cygni

Sadr CYGNUS

Castor

Vega

Pollux

Horizo n2

DRACO Big Dipper

Procyon

URSA MAJOR

M29 in Cygnus This open cluster can be found sitting against the background star fields of the Milky Way. Located a little way from the star Sadr, it is best observed with a small telescope.

W

ES

Horizon 40ºN

BOÖTES

HERCULES

T

0ºN

Eclipti c

Albireo

Altair

GEMINI

URSA MINOR

CANCER

LEO

EA

ST

0ºN Horizon 6

looking south The Hyades (see p.23) and Pleiades (see p.38) star clusters in the constellation Taurus make a welcome return to winter skies in the east. A pair of binoculars is all you will need to explore these two open clusters. Both the Pleiades and Hyades are clearly visible to the naked eye, but binoculars will reveal the many glittering stars within them. Other objects of interest to look out for include the Andromeda Galaxy, M31, and the Triangulum Galaxy, M33, sitting high in the sky.

Zenith 60°N

PERSEUS ANDROMEDA

40ºN

ARIES AURIGA

20ºN PEGASUS PISCES

Aldebaran

TAURUS

Ecl ipt ic

CETUS

ORION

Betelgeuse

Horizon 60ºN

MONOCEROS

The Orion Nebula Also known as M42, this is one of the finest nebulae in the night sky. A wonderful sight in all types of equipment, a small telescope shows its glowing cavernous gas clouds and embedded stars.

ERIDANUS

Sirius

EA

ST

θ

PHOENIX

AQUARIUS

Fomalhaut

Horizon 40ºN CAPRICORNUS

CANIS MAJOR

Achernar Horizo n 20ºN

TUCANA

GRUS

W

ES

T

N OV E MB E R

NOVEMBER SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes

-1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north Look out for the globular cluster M79 lying under the feet of Orion, the Hunter, in the east. This cluster is visible through a small telescope. In the constellation Eridanus, above Orion, you will find an interesting multiple star system, Omicron-2 (ο2) Eridani, with three components, and a double star Theta (θ) Eridani. Both are visible with small telescopes. Deep-sky observers with dark skies will be able to spot the galaxy NGC 1300 in the same constellation using large telescopes.

Zenith 40°S

20ºS ERIDANUS

CETUS

Fomalhaut AQUARIUS

0º

² ο Eridani

Ecliptic PISCES

TAURUS

Rigel ARIES ORION

PEGASUS

MONOCEROS

Aldebaran Betelgeuse

ANDROMEDA

AQUILA

zon Hori

40ºS

CASSIOPEIA

PERSEUS

Capella AURIGA

Horizon 20ºS

W

Altair

ES

T

Hori zon

CYGNUS

GEMINI

Procyon

Deneb

0º

EA

Castor

CEPHEUS

ST

Polaris

NGC 1300 The barred spiral galaxy NGC 1300 is located about 69 million light-years from Earth. It is particularly faint but can be seen with a very large amateur telescope.

looking south There is a lot to see in the southern skies this month with just the naked eye. Start off by looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), west of the constellation Pictor, and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), in Tucana. These are both irregular galaxies close to the Milky Way. The globular cluster 47 Tucanae can be seen with the naked eye as a hazy star very close to the Small Magellanic Cloud. The open clusters NGC 2362 and M41 in Canis Major in the east also make for good small-telescope targets.

Zenith 0°

CETUS

20ºS tic lip Ec

40ºS PHOENIX

ERIDANUS

Fomalhaut Rigel

Achernar

AQUARIUS

GRUS

ORION TUCANA CANIS MAJOR

CAPRICORNUS

Canopus

PICTOR

OCTANS

Sirius

PAVO

CARINA MONOCEROS

PUPPIS

SAGITTARIUS ARA

EA

VELA

ST

α Centauri CENTAURUS

CRUX

β Centauri

SCORPIUS

Horizon 20ºS

Hor

izon 0º

S 40º zon T Hori ES

W

47 Tucanae This globular cluster in Tucana is a wonderful sight through a small telescope. A large-aperture telescope shows its countless stars packed together in a dense ball.

103

DELP HIN

VU

US M2

M

ITTA De ne b

M 39

A RT DRA CO

AN

7

S

DA

CA

SS

URSA

M52

ME

HEU

DR O

CEP

M31

US 92

CE

M

LA

29

13

GN

EC

UL Al M

bi re

5

R LY A Ve ga

M

CY

LP 57

o

HE

RC U LE S

S

BOO TES

M103

IOPE IA

NG

C

86

9

NG

Polaris

Mizar

MINOR

M101

A

N

O R

M51

C

4

PE 88

RS

CA

ME

DA

ER DIPP

M81

R PA LO

BIG

TICI VENA

THE

CANES

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

N

SAG ILA

E

T

ir

T 4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

URS

L lla

AM

OR AJ

N LY

8 M3 6

X

M3

points of reference

O

M

December 1

November 15

November 1

October 15

Date

Zeniths

I

N

g

O

R

T

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

LE

M35

December 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

AQU

H

W

3

yon

Pro c

IA

Alta

2

4

M1

M37

MO

R

NO

MI

NIS

CA

ER

M4

A RIG

AU

QU ILA 1

T

PL

IS

NOVEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

O

CA

NC

tel

S

r

R

Be

LE

GE

MI

NI

A

sto Ca

O

N

x lu Po l

E

pe Ca

S EU

4 M3

TR

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

WEST

104

Be tel

S

CA ge

Siri

us

EAST u se

R S JO R O A OCE M N S O I NM

MM4510

P LE

U

S

CA

NIS

M

Siri

us

BA EPU UM L

L CO OR AJ

S

L S CO

U BA O M U

S

O

U E A S

T

sunrise and sunset on 15th november

M41

T CA EL

UM

UM

DO

DO

n

RA

RA

DO

DO

IDA

S

S

RE

TIC

ULU M

HOR

TIC

TIC

OLO

NG

S

CETU

PI SCE

OM

OM

SOUTH

SOUTH

Achernar

SOUTH

S

ANDR

S

ANDR

PI SCE

Achernar

UM M33

LOOK IN G

S

Mira

CETU

GIUM

UL

Mira

IES

IA

AR

TR

GIUM

AX

OLO

FORN

HOR

NU

L IP

L IP

AX

EC

EC

FORN

E RE RIDAN TIC ULU US M

ER

U

S

IES

UM M33 M31

X

ANA

ENI

TUC

PHO

ANA

PTOR

ENI

TUC

SC UL

PHO

X

SU GA E P

U AS G PE

PTOR SC UL

E DA

E DA

S

S

GR

GR

US

US

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

R UA

M

IU

Zeniths

S

S

M 15

IU

S CI US PISTRIN S AU

ut lha ma o F

A

AQ

R UA

AQ S CI US PISTRIN US

ut lha ma Fo

NOVEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES

EAST 42

S

x

EL

ra

H

M

A

tri

CA

A HY

T

42

E

lla

H

Be

T

l

Ri ge

l

ge

Ri

U

AR

UL

M2 M2

M

O

O

I

I MT H

U

U

60°N

S

S

EQ U

U L EU HI EQ U

M 30

u se

ON M

I OR

C

B 30

0

xM1 M

A

C

tri

UL

la el

RO

ba

WRO

M5

R U TA ES D

T

H

Alta

AQU ir

SA IL

DELP

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

RO EU S

CE NO O OR e ld

O

an

SC

A HY

ES

ar 45

E

R U TA ES D

M

yon

N IO M

S COP T IU

Al

ES

T

OR AD

S

b de

P

P

M35

45

CA

M

I LE

C

ge

ES

PI U M CA PR I

AD

RA ICQ U O LA RIN US

I LE

Ecliptic

US

S 4

OR N

U M3

WEST WEST

NG

NO V E M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 105

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

A LTA GUITI SAAQ

LP HI N U

UU EQ

M

M

M

15

M2

air

LE

2

2

DE LP

S HI N U

US M 15

De ne b

Q

U

U

Q

A C

AR S

US

IU

AR I

ER TA

GIT SA TA

S

M2

M

CY G

N 39

29 M 29

CY

U G

N

N

O R

U 39

ER TA

M

M

AC

LA

L

A

7

S

S

S

De ne b

T

7

N

T O R

T 5

Variable star

A

PE G

AS US

ROM

S

E DA

NPD E R O G MED AS US A

AN D C

H

EPH EU

CEP

EUS

EC

E

LIP

CL IP

T IC

T IC

M52

M52

C

M31

ASMS31IO PEIA

CETUS

CETUS

M33

Mira

Mira

NGC

ARIE

ARIE

884

M34

TRIANGULUM

9

9 NGC 86

NGC

884

M34

TNRGICA8N6 GULUM

M33

M103

M103

NORTH

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

C AS S IOPEIA

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

S

S

PER

ER

DA

U

S

5

5

IS

LIS

AL

M4

M4

AN ID

S

PAR

RD

S DE

DE EIA

PL

EIA

S

PL

SEU

ELO

PA ELO CASMEUS PER

CAM

Planetary nebula

ES

n ra

n

AU

AU

ra ba

ba

de Al

S ES

RU

AD HY

U TA

40°S

Date

M

36

8

A

8

N ALY

36

G

M3

RI

M

G

M3

RI

N LY

October 15 November 1

X

X

November 15 December 1 December 15

Zeniths

M

M

1

37

1

O

O

37

M

M

N

N

0°

R

R

M

M

T

T

35

35

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times

de Al

S a

RU

AD HY

Ca

ll pe

U TA

a ll pe Ca

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

el

DE

Alt

W

E

E S

T

4

OS

CER

air

H

H

W

3

NI

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

NO

MI

Alt

1

2

NOVEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

EAST

EAST

e us ge

MO

e us ge tel tel

M42

x tri lla Be

Be Be

x

N tri

IO

OR lla Be

N

IO

Rig

OR

GE

NI

MI

GE

T

S

A

T

A

S

E E

WEST WEST

106

T

T

S

O

U E

E

A

A

S

S

T

T

M

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BA

BA

CA A

TO R

RIN

PIC

pus

VOL A

DO

VOL A

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RIN DOR A A

Can o

CA

ER

FO RN

US

AX

HO

NS

TIC

S

UM

Gacrux

Mimosa

Acrux

LOOK IN G

IX

A

A AN X TUCNI OE PH

Hadar

S

SOUTH

Rigiltaurus Ken

CIRCINU

M ULU APUS TR IAil NG Rig us LE r u ta A Ken AUSTR

Hadar

NIS NUS AC OCCTIR

LUM APUS TRIANGU E AL AUSTR

SOUTH

CENTAURUS

Mimosa

Acrux

N

SC

E HO

GR

GR

O PAV

O PAV

US

US S

R NO

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

Horizons 0°

20°S

points of reference 40°S

M

A

TE

RO

S

A

A

S

O

S

M

M

O SC

U PI

O SC

U PI

Zeniths

CO

CO

R IC

LE

M

M

IC

A LES TE AR

M

AR

R NO

US

DU

D IN

IN

30

TO R

N 04 GCC1T S CA NO AN TU SMC

SOUTH

CHAMA EON CENTAEULR US MUSCA

CRUX

Gacrux

US

Achernar

P

104 NGC

SMC

Achernar

ELEON

HYDR

CHAMA

UM

MM EU NS SC AA

UL

M E N SA

CRUX

LMC

RE

NS

LOG I

TU

LUM HO HY RO LOG DRUS IUM LMC

RO

CE

SC

U U

t

LP TO R

LP

AQ U AR IU S au

AN

D O I DA NRU EST ICU

UM

RA

EL

TO R

CA

opu s

PIC

Can

DO

EL

ID

Fo m

alh

30 M

AU P I S S CIS T RI NU S

NOVEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

H

H

LU

PP VE IS LA

PU

M

IS

LU

PP

CO

PU

CO

CA

ER

CO

CO

M

M U PI

U

M C

S

R

C

U

0°

S

O SR

T

AU

S

AU

P I U A S G S

PI U

AX

7

RN

O R SMT5 ON 5 R AL A IS

I I T TA MR

OS R ST OhaNul a R AL A IS

O

U

H

H

2

40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

S 7

PI

55 M

A G

IT

TA

RI U CAS PR 54 M

E W Sh au la

U

M

EAST

PY

O SS XI

S

6

M

M4

93

X

T

M

PY

IS

E

US

W

ra ha Ad

T

47

69

M

M

EAST

OS

US

93

41

54

S NU

6 N M M4 O

ER OC

S NI C A JO R MA

69

M

M

M

ICO R

47

S NI CA JO0 R 5 MAM

ius Sir M2

M

41

ra ha Ad

2

LEP M2

M

Ecliptic

WEST WEST

FO

NO V E M BE R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 107

108

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S

DECEMBER As we round off the year, the northern skies contain the spectacular constellations Orion, Taurus, Gemini, and Auriga. These can also be glimpsed from the Southern Hemisphere, along with Vela and Carina.

orion

Gemini in the east. The Winter Triangle formed by Betelgeuse, Sirius, and Procyon is easy to locate in the southeast. SIGHTS OF INTEREST Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are spoiled for choice this month. In Orion lies the beautiful nebula M42, which is a superb target for a small telescope or binoculars. In Taurus, the Bull, you can locate two striking star clusters. The Hyades is a large cluster outlining the bull’s face and the Pleiades is possibly the finest open cluster in the sky. Auriga, too, has several stunning open clusters to look for.

The Geminids If you are observing the Geminids, you might spot a very bright meteor. These “fireballs” add to the excitement of watching these celestial fireworks.

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

26

Beta (β) Orionis, or Rigel, 0.2

Orionis

Ori

December–January

Orion, the Hunter, is one of the greatest constellations in the whole night sky. You can find it by spotting the prominent line of three stars that form the hunter’s “belt,” as well as its distinctly colored stars, Rigel and Betelgeuse. Orion also contains one of the most stunning nebulae in the sky, M42, also known as the Orion Nebula.

northern latitudes THE STARS Looking north, the constellations Perseus, Auriga, and Andromeda can be found sitting high in the sky. In the southeast, it is impossible to ignore the magnificent sight of Orion, the Hunter. Orion leads the winter constellations, which include Taurus in the south and

Size ranking

6h

χ2 χ1

GEMINI

ξ

Aldebaran

TAURUS

69

ν

15

ο1

11

ο2 π1 2 π

ORION

10º

μ Betelgeuse

λ φ1 φ2 γ

α

32

ω

MONOCEROS 56 0º

ψ 23 ψ1 ρ

δ ε ζ σ

π4

π6π5

22

31

η M 42

29

κ

τ β

ERIDANUS

Rigel

LEPUS

CANIS MAJOR

Sirius

π3

Bellatrix

2

51

M78 NGC 2024 IC 434

–10º

METEOR SHOWER The Geminid meteor shower peaks around December 13–14. At its peak, you can expect to see around one meteor per minute streaking across the sky from the direction of Gemini.

5h

U

NGC 2175

–20º

MIDNIGHT 3 A.M.

6 A.M.

Castor

24 NOON

GEMINI

Pollux

9 A.M.

LEO

Arcturus

Regulus

25

Al

26

26

CANCER 28 0°

27

Betelgeuse Procyon

VIRGO

OPHIUCHUS

28 –10°

26

25 –30°

–40°

28

24

–20°

25

Spica

23

29

21

23 Antares

positions of the planets

LIBRA

This chart shows the positions of the planets in December from 2021 to 2029. The planets are represented by colored dots, while the number inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets

SCORPIUS

–50°

M

O

R

N

I N

G

S

K

Y

except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s position on December 15. Mercury is shown when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Venus

Jupiter

Uranus

Neptune

EXAMPLES

21

Jupiter’s position on December 15, 2021

23

Jupiter’s position on December 15, 2023. The arrow indicates that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).

Be

109

DE C E MB E R

southern latitudes north. Auriga can be found by locating the bright star Capella, which is low in the sky this month. If you look roughly northeast, Gemini is also on show, sitting low in the sky near the horizon. Meanwhile, Canis Major, Vela, and Carina can be located in the southeast. December is also a great time to look out for the Magellanic Clouds in the south.

THE STARS The constellations Taurus, Gemini, Orion, and Auriga are visible from the Southern Hemisphere this month. Looking toward the north, you can spot the distinct “V” shape of the Hyades star cluster, which marks the head of the constellation Taurus. Just next to it toward the northeast is Orion, a magnificent sight with its bright stars Rigel and Betelgeuse. Emerging from the foot of Orion, Eridanus meanders high across the sky. Look out for Perseus and Auriga below Taurus in the

Taurus, you have a great opportunity to observe two open star clusters, the Hyades and the Pleiades. The Pleiades star cluster, or M45, can be seen with the naked eye and is a wonderful sight in a small telescope.

Goldfish, and Mensa, the Table Mountain. Look for the Tarantula Nebula, or NGC 2070, in the Large Magellanic Cloud. High in the northeast lies the fantastic nebula M42, in Orion. In the nearby constellation lepus

SIGHTS OF INTEREST The Magellanic Clouds can be seen sitting in the southern part of the night sky this month. The Small Magellanic Cloud sits in Tucana, while the Large Magellanic Cloud hovers on the border of the constellations Dorado, the

Size ranking

Brightest star

Genitive

Abbreviation

Highest in sky at 10 p.m.

51

Alpha (α) Leporis, or Arneb, 2.6

Leporis

Lep

January

The constellation Lepus, the Hare, sits right under the feet of the magnificent Orion, between Canis Major and Eridanus. Unlike its neighbors, Canis Major and Orion, Lepus contains few bright stars. Even so, it does have a handful of targets to observe. These include M79, a magnitude 8 globular cluster, and a small group of stars cataloged as NGC 2017, both of which can be seen with a small telescope.

The Large Magellanic Cloud You can see the Large Magellanic Cloud with the naked eye. A small telescope reveals the Tarantula Nebula, NGC 2070, embedded within it.

ORION MONOCEROS

Rigel

θ Sirius

17

η

ζ

NGC 2017

ι

λ α

–10º

RX

κ

R

μ

ERIDANUS

Arneb

δ CANIS MAJOR

γ

β

–20º

ε

Nihal M79

LEPUS

Adhara

–30º

COLUMBA

6h

5h

CAELUM

9 P.M.

PEGASUS Capella

Capella NEPTUNE

PISCES 6 P.M. 29

Pleiades TAURUSTAURUS 24

22

24

22

ARIES ARIES 29 23 28

29

Bellatrix

23 28

Altair

27

Mira

26 22

24

23

21

23

25

24

TAURUS

23

22

22

22

21

V

E

N

I N

10°

10°

0°

0°

–10°

–10°

22 –20° 22 27 29 23 25 23 25 22 22 –30°

–20°

Altair

22 21 29 24 28

2129 28

27

21

27 29 27 29 29

SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS

G

S

K

21

AQUARIUS

CAPRICORNUS CAPRICORNUS 21 24

ARIES

23

25

25

24

29 28 27 26

24

AQUARIUS AQUARIUS

22

Rigel

E

25

PISCES PISCES

26 Mira

26

3 P.M.

27

Rigel

27

Pleiades

ldebaran Aldebaran Hyades Hyades

ellatrix

28

Shaula

Shaula

–40°

–40°

Y

21

–50°

URANUS

–30°

–50°

11 0

MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS

DECEMBER NORTHERN LATITUDES

observation times

looking north There are several interesting sights to be seen in the constellation Gemini, the Twins, in the east. Castor, Gemini’s second brightest star, is an interesting multiple star, while the open cluster M35, sitting close to the feet of one of the twins, is a great target for binoculars or a small telescope. Other December treats include the Double Cluster (see p.22) in Perseus; the Andromeda Galaxy (see p.94), which is still high in the sky; and the Milky Way rising up through Cygnus.

Date

Standard time

Daylight-saving time

November 15

Midnight

1 am

December 1

11 pm

Midnight

December 15

10 pm

11 pm

January 1

9 pm

10 pm

January 15

8 pm

9 pm

Zenith 20°N

ARIES TAURUS 40ºN PISCES AURIGA

PERSEUS

GEMINI

Capella

60ºN ANDROMEDA

Castor Pollux Polaris

URSA MAJOR

URSA MINOR

CEPHEUS PEGASUS

CANCER

Deneb

Castor A multiple star system, Castor, or Alpha (α) Geminorum, can be seen with a small telescope. The two main stars orbit each other roughly once about every 468 years.

Big Dipper DRACO

20ºN izon Hor

tic Eclip

CASSIOPEIA

LEO

CYGNUS

Regulus

Horizon 40ºN

W

ES

T

Hor izon 60

Vega

ºN

BOÖTES

EA

HERCULES

ST

looking south The Orion Nebula is undoubtedly the prime target in this part of the northern skies (see p.102). It can be found in Orion’s Sword, which drops down from the middle of the “belt” stars. Through a small telescope, you should be able to see the nebula, resembling a celestial cave, with stars embedded in its heart. Larger apertures reveal the nebula’s swirls of gas, which make this one of the finest deep-sky objects in the sky. Also on show are the Hyades and Pleiades—two star clusters in Taurus.

Zenith 60°N

PERSEUS

Capella 40ºN

ANDROMEDA

AURIGA

TAURUS

Castor Pollux

ARIES 20ºN

GEMINI

Aldebaran ORION PEGASUS PISCES

Betelgeuse CANCER

CETUS

Procyon

tic lip Ec

Rigel

ERIDANUS

MONOCEROS

Sirius HYDRA N 60º izon Hor

Orion The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a magnificent sight in the winter night sky. The star Betelgeuse marks the shoulder of the Hunter, while Rigel marks his foot.

Horizon 40ºN Hor izon EA 20ºN ST

CANIS MAJOR

AQUARIUS

PUPPIS

PHOENIX

Canopus

Achernar CARINA

Fomalhaut

W

ES

T

DE C E MB E R

DECEMBER SOUTHERN LATITUDES

star magnitudes -1

0

1

2

3 and above

looking north The constellation Orion has many interesting objects in and around it to entice observers in the Southern Hemisphere. Sky gazers should look out for the Orion Nebula (see p.102), which is a good target for binoculars or a small telescope. The Pleiades and Hyades star clusters can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Meanwhile, in the nearby constellations Auriga, Monoceros, and Puppis, there are several open clusters to be seen, such as M36, M37, M38, M50, M46, and M47.

Zenith 40°S

20ºS

ERIDANUS CETUS

CANIS MAJOR

Rigel 0º ORION

AQUARIUS

Betelgeuse

Ecliptic PISCES

Sirius

TAURUS

Aldebaran

ARIES

MONOCEROS PERSEUS

Procyon GEMINI AURIGA

PEGASUS iz Hor

Capella

0ºS on 4

Castor

ANDROMEDA Horizon 20ºS

W

ES

CASSIOPEIA

T

Horiz on

0º

CANCER URSA MAJOR

CEPHEUS

HYDRA

Pollux

LEO

EA

ST

Polaris

M38 in Auriga The magnitude 6.4 open cluster M38 is the most scattered of the three famous Messier clusters in Auriga in the north at the moment. It lies 4,200 light-years from Earth.

looking south If you are observing with binoculars, there is a great deal to see looking south. NGC 3114 and NGC 2516 are both prominent open clusters worth observing in Carina in the southeast. The Eta (ε) Carinae Nebula, or NGC 3372, is a bright diffuse nebula visible through binoculars or a small telescope. The bright open cluster IC 2602, or the Southern Pleiades, is a great binocular object. Also look out for the Small Magellanic Cloud in Tucana and the Large Magellanic Cloud, just west of Pictor.

Zenith 0°

20ºS

Rigel

CETUS

ORION ERIDANUS 40ºS

CANIS MAJOR

Sirius PHOENIX

Canopus

AQUARIUS

Achernar PICTOR

Ecliptic

MONOCEROS

PUPPIS

TUCANA

CARINA VELA HYDRA

zon 0 Hori

GRUS

Fomalhaut

OCTANS

º

PAVO Horizon 20ºS

EA

ST

Hori zon 4

0ºS

CAPRICORNUS

CENTAURUS

CRUX

SAGITTARIUS

β Centauri α Centauri

ARA

WE

ST

The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) A conspicuous naked-eye object, the LMC sits on the border of the constellations Mensa and Dorado. A small telescope will show star clusters and bright patches of nebulosity within it.

111

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

PEG

E

G

CY

N U

S

LY

31 M52

CA S

N G C 86

M1 03

G

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M

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M92

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L

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RA

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M

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S M Ve ga

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W

W

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A M2 ITT US SAG PHIN DEL 7

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

M81

THE

THE

M81

1 M10

1 M10

BIG

1

ER

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P DIP

zar Mi

M5

1

D BIG

zar Mi

M5

LY

LY

UR

SA

MA

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points of reference

R JO

EN

CI

M

M

CI

CO

I AT

CO

A

A

BE

BE

RE

L

L

O

N

N RE

O

N

N

R

R

T

T

H

H

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

8 pm

60°N

40°N

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date November 15 December 1 December 15 January 1

Zeniths

January 15

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

SV

I AT EN SV R NE JO CA MA SA

CA

UR

Pollux

M

S INU PH US DEL ULE E QU

H

H

E S

T HE R

M 13

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

or

DECEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

lus

Reg u

lus

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

20°N

EAST

EAST

M67

O

T

S

Reg u

O

LE

S

T

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M44

R O

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R O

IN

A E

A E

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GEM N INXI

GA RI

AU

GA RI

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AU

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Ca

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CA EO EO

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Cast

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WEST WEST

112

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M

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HOROLOGIU

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RETICULUM

TAU R

DES

PLEIA

PTEARUSREUUSS

LOOK IN G

ADO

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ADO

UM

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n

ra

A

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HY AD

CAEL

DOR

G

ba

de

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CAEL

Be lla trix

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2

LEP

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RigOeN l

2O

LEP M4

M4

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ARI M33

AN

D

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

EN

X

IX

I EN

Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N

points of reference

O

O PH

PH

DECEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES

H

I PP U P U

A

47

47

E O RO R S

te

Be

ra

S CE

ba

DES

PLEIA

Zeniths

SC

SC

ECL IPTIC

ECL IPTIC

U

U

S

TO

O

U

60°N

S

O

R

R

S

TO LP

LP

U

SU

PE GA

de

ED A RO

CE S

M45

AQ

T

T

U

AQ

M

H

H

S IU UA R

S

M

PP PU46

E

50

W

M

S

EAST C

E

HYDRA

O

40°N

20°N

South

North

STAR MOTION

W

48

a

M

93

N

Fo m

EAST

M

M

O

T

48

AR IU S SC I

R

PI

M

CE

46

t

n yo oc Pr

M

lha u

C O N IN OSM M I 50 N M CA I

on

I

SC

M35

PI

CAN M1

Fo T m alh au t

cy

IN

S INU

G

EM

S A US TR

M37

S

M36

INU

M1

AU

Ecliptic

S A US TR

o Pr M38

WEST WEST

Al

D E CE M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 113

M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES

AQ

UA LA

AS U

S

OM ED

A

I

SC E

S

T RIA

EC

L IP

M ira

AR

TIC

IES

TIC

UM

L IP

UL EC

IES PE

P N

M34

A RT C

NGC

869

884

OR

IO

N

x tri lla Be

DES ran eba Ald

HYA

OR

IO

N ix

tr lla Be 6

6

M3

IGA

lla

8

M3

IGA

lla

AU R

Cape

M3

AU R

Cape

DES ran eba M38 Ald

HYA

CAMELOPARDALIS

NORTH

CAMELOPARDALIS

PLEIADES

M45

TAURUS

PLEIADES

M45

E R I DA N U S R U S TAU

884

RSEUS

NGC

GC M83649

NG

PERS EUS

M

AR

UL U

NG

S

M3 3

TR IAN G

TU

IS CE S

M 31

M3

M103

PEI A

M103

OPE IA

O

SI

SSI

CA3 S

HEU S CA

CE

M

ED A MM3 51 2

C

2

EP

M5

A RTT CE R O LA N

N

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AN DR

S

DR O

SU

AN

A

PE G

PE G

S

T

P

CE

W

E

S EPH

M

RIU

H

H

W

E

T

NORTH

NORTH

LOOK IN G

S

S

T

1

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Galaxy

Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

M1

M1

5

5

7

M3

M3

M3

7

X

X

N LY

M3

N LY

20°S

points of reference Horizons 0°

40°S

IN

I

I

or st

r o st

Ca

M

n x lu l Po

R

R

x

O

O

lu l Po

R

N

N

R

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O AJ

M

Ca

IN

M

M

GE

GE

SA

SA

UR

UR

0°

T

R

T

H

H

20°S

8 pm

9 pm

10 pm

11 pm

Midnight

Standard time

observation times Date November 15 December 1 December 15 January 1 January 15

Zeniths

M48

ER

OC

yo Pro c

NO

R

e

DECEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES 0

star magnitudes -1

Ecliptic

Daylight-saving time

1 am

Midnight

11 pm

10 pm

9 pm

40°S

EAST

EAST

A

HY

DR

R

M

67

4

M4

67

M

M4

4

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N

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CE

N

M

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CHA

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CHA

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LMC

SA

LMC

R ET I CU L UM

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TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE

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SM

OCTANS

TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE

S

SOUTH

SOUTH

LOOK IN G

Rigil Kentauru s

Hadar

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CIRCINUS S O U T H

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s

pu

no

Ca

BA

M CR NT UX imosa AU RU S

Ga cr

CE

Ga cr

IS

PP

US

-1

0

1

star magnitudes

2

3

4

5

Variable star

Galaxy

Globular cluster

deep-sky objects Open cluster

Diffuse nebula

Planetary nebula

TE

20°S

S

S DU IN US GR

S GRU

LE

TE

points of reference Horizons 0°

S

40°S

O SC

M

au

M

RO

RO

IC

S

0°

S

IC

M

t alh

Zeniths

PIU

M S PUIU O SCND LE I

DECEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES

H

E

P

T

H

IA

T

YX

YX

PU

AN

AX

IX IX

N OR

Fo m Fo m

ID

CU

O

O

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U

T

H

H

S 40°S

South

North

STAR MOTION

20°S

T

30 M

R

CE CTUUS LP TO R

LP TO

AU P I S ST C I S R IU S INUS

SC

t au alh

AR

AQ U S O P PA IUU IS MSTR CIS IN U S

EAST

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A

PI

IA

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ha

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M

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93

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M S A G IT T A C RI A PR US I NU S

CO

PU CO R

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Ecliptic

WEST WEST

ER

D E C E M BE R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S 115

116

A LM ANAC

ALMANAC This section contains astronomical calendars listing major celestial events for the years 2021–2029. These calendars show the phases of the Moon, eclipses of the Sun and the Moon, and motions of the planets. The latter include the greatest western and eastern elongations (the angle between the Sun and a planet) of Mercury and Venus. Also shown are the oppositions of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, when these planets are on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun and visible in the sky through the night. key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

March 5 Mercury and Jupiter are extremely close together in the morning sky March 6 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.4

SEPTEMBER

2021

This year sees solar eclipses visible at extreme northern and southern latitudes and lunar eclipses that will be more widely seen. One of the year’s highlights is a rare close encounter between the largest and smallest planets.

Annular eclipse of the Sun

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

August 2 Saturn at opposition, magnitude -0.2

June 10 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible from northern Canada, Greenland, and Russia. Partial eclipse visible across northern North America, Europe, and Asia

July 4

December 4

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.6

Total eclipse of the Sun visible in Antarctica. Partial eclipse visible across southern Africa and the South Atlantic

September 14 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.4

November 19 August 19 May 17

Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.9

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.6

Partial eclipse of the Moon visible across North and South America, northern Europe, east Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Ocean

January 24 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3

May 26 Total eclipse of the Moon visible across east Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and North and South America October 25 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.3 May 28

October 29

Venus and Mercury will be close together in the evening sky

Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.4

2021–2022

key

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

Full Moon

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Annular eclipse of the Sun

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

January 7 December 8

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3

Mars at opposition, magnitude -1.9 October 8 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.3 May 16

February 16 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.2

Total eclipse of the Moon visible across North America and South America. Partial eclipse of the Moon visible across Pacific Ocean, Europe, and west Africa

November 8 Total eclipse of the Moon visible across Pacific Ocean, east Asia, and parts of North America. Partial eclipse of the Moon visible from Asia, Australasia, North America, and South America August 14

June 16

March 20

Saturn at opposition, magnitude -0.1 December 21

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.7

Venus at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -4.4

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3 August 27

April 29

April 30 Partial eclipse of the Sun visible from southern South America, Antarctica, south Atlantic Ocean, and south Pacific Ocean

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.5

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.5  

October 25 September 26 Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.9

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible from Europe, western Asia, and northeast Africa

2022

Although there are no total solar eclipses in 2022, a pair of partial eclipses offer some compensation, as do two widely visible total lunar eclipses and an exceptionally close approach of the giant planet Jupiter. Mars occulted The relative positions of the Moon and Mars (top right) mean that our satellite occults (see p.125) the Red Planet no fewer than three times this year: on June 22, July 21, and December 8.

Giant close up On September 26, Jupiter will be in opposition (see p.125) and at its closest to Earth since 1951. Shining at magnitude -2.9, it will lie 367.2 million miles (591.2 million km) from Earth and display a disk roughly 1/40 the size of the full Moon.

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A LM ANAC

2023

Bright conjunction On March 2, Venus will pass just half a degree (the width of a full Moon) north of Jupiter in the early evening sky.

This year’s highlights include a pair of annular solar eclipses of the Sun (one briefly total) and one partial eclipse of the Moon. March sees the two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, together in the sky. Annular eclipse Solar eclipses in April and October occur when the Moon is close to its farthest from Earth, leaving a ring of the Sun’s disk visible in the sky. key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

Annular eclipse of the Sun

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

November 3 Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.9

August 10 June 4 Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.3

March 2 Venus and Jupiter appear one Moon-width apart in the western early evening sky

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.6

December 4 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.2

October 14

April 11 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.3

Annular eclipse of the Sun visible in southwestern US, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil. Partial eclipse visible across most of North and South America

September 22

October 28

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.2

Partial eclipse of the Moon visible from the east of North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia

April 20

January 30 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.1

Hybrid annular/total eclipse of the Sun visible in southern Indonesia and western Australia. Partial eclipse visible across Australia and southeast Asia

May 29 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.7

August 27

October 23

Saturn at opposition, magnitude 0.4

Venus at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -4.4

2023–2024

key

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

Full Moon

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Annular eclipse of the Sun

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

April 8 Total eclipse of the Sun visible from Mexico, central US, and east Canada. Partial eclipse visible from North and Central America

October 2 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible from southern Chile and Argentina. Partial eclipse visible across southern South America

September 5 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.0

August 14 May 9 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.7 January 12

Mars and Jupiter will be close to each other in the pre-dawn sky

December 7 September 8 Saturn at opposition, magnitude 0.6

Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.8

September 18

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.0

Partial eclipse of the Moon visible from North and South America, Europe, and Africa

November 16 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.1

March 24 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.1

July 22 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.7

December 25 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.1

2024

This year sees the first total solar eclipse on mainland US in seven years and an impressive conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in the morning skies of August.

Big, bright Jupiter The opposition of Jupiter in December offers an ideal opportunity to see detail in the giant planet’s cloud bands, as well as to track the dance of its giant Galilean moons.

An eclipse for the masses On April 9, a total solar eclipse is visible across some parts of North America and within traveling distance for many.

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120

A LM ANAC

2025

Evening star Venus is at its greatest elongation from the Sun on January 10, lingering as a brilliant “star” in the sky long after sunset.

Although this year offers no total eclipses of the Sun, the resumption of total lunar eclipses provides some recompense. January sees Mars at opposition, although it remains quite distant from Earth. Ringless Saturn Earth crosses the plane of Saturn’s rings on March 23, so this year presents a rare opportunity to view the planet with its characteristic rings close to invisible. key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Annular eclipse of the Sun

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

July 4 January 10

March 8

Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.4

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.1

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.7

March 14 Total eclipse of the Moon visible visible across North, Central, and South America

January 16

April 21

August 19

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.6

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.2

September 7

December 7

Total eclipse of the Moon visible across Asia, Australia, eastern Europe, and east Africa

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.2

Mars at opposition, magnitude -1.4

March 29

April 29

Partial eclipse of the Sun is visible from eastern Canada, Greenland, northern Europe, and northern Russia

Venus and Saturn appear seven Moon-widths apart in the low eastern pre-dawn sky September 21

May 31 Venus at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -4.3

Saturn at opposition, magnitude 0.6 Partial eclipse of the Sun visible from the south Pacific, New Zealand, and Antarctica

October 29 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.1

2025–2026

key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

Partial eclipse of the Sun

JULY

AUGUST

Annular eclipse of the Sun

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

April 3 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.5 January 10 Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.7

Saturn at opposition, magnitude 0.3

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.4

March 3 Total eclipse of the Moon visible from northwest North America, the Pacific Ocean, the far northeast of Asia and eastern Australasia, as well as the Arctic and Antarctica.

October 4

August 2

August 12 Total eclipse of the Sun visible from northern Spain, the North Atlantic, Greenland, Iceland, and the Arctic. Partial eclipse visible in northwest Africa, Europe, and northern North America

October 6 Jupiter passes behind the Moon in a rare occultation visible to observers across eastern North America

February 17 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible from southern South America, souther Africa, the south Pacific and Indian oceans, and Antarctica

June 15

August 15

October 12

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.7

Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.3

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.2

February 19 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.2

August 28 Partial eclipse of the Moon visible most of the Americas, most of Europe, and Africa November 20 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.3

2026

This year has both annular and total eclipses of the Sun, although the total eclipse can be seen mostly over the Atlantic Ocean. A total lunar eclipse in March will be more widely visible. Occulting a giant On October 6, Jupiter passes behind the Moon in an occultation (see p.125), visible for observers across eastern North America.

Morning Mercury The innermost planet Mercury is at its greatest possible western elongation from the Sun on April 3, offering a good opportunity to spot it in the sky before dawn.

121

122

ALMANAC

2027

Mars Mars is at opposition on February 19 and is at its closest to Earth in over two years. However, with the planet near the outer limits of its orbit, it will remain small for most telescopes.

Although this year has no lunar eclipses, a total eclipse of the Sun sweeps across North Africa in August. Mars reaches a relatively distant opposition in February.

A bite out of the Sun While the track of totality for the August 2 solar eclipse is narrow, observers across a far larger area will be able to see a partial eclipse. key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Partial eclipse of the Moon

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Annular eclipse of the Sun

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

February 3 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3

November 4 August 2 February 6 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible in Chile and Argentina. Partial eclipse visible across South America and West Africa.

January 3 Venus at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -4.4

March 17

February 10

July 15

Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.5

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.5

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.4

Total eclipse of the Sun visible in Spain, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Partial eclipse visible across northern and central Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and India.

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.3

October 18 Saturn at opposition, magnitude 0.1

September 24 February 19

May 28

Mars at opposition, magnitude -1.2

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.7

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.3

2 02 7 – 2 02 8

key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

Partial eclipse of the Moon

MAY

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

Annular eclipse of the Sun

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Total eclipse of the Sun

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

May 9

January 12

March 12

Partial eclipse of the Moon visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western Asia

Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.0

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.6

September 6 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.4

July 6 Partial eclipse of the Moon visible across Africa and Australia, and in most of Europe and Asia

August 11 Venus at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -4.3

July 22 January 17

Total eclipse of the Sun visible in Australia and New Zealand. Partial eclipse visible across southeast Asia and Australasia

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.4

October 17

March 21 February 27 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.3

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.3

Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.4

December 31 October 30

January 26 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible in Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil in South America, and Portugal and Spain in Europe. Partial eclipse visible in much of North America, Central and South America, Western Europe, and northwest Africa

Saturn at opposition, magnitude -0.2 June 26 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.7

Total eclipse of the Moon visible across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australasia, and western North America Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3

2028

This year’s highlights include a mix of different eclipses, including a total solar eclipse for Australasia and a widely visible total eclipse of the Moon at the very end of the year.

Spotting a dwarf The dwarf planet Ceres is at opposition on May 7 and unusually close to Earth, making it visible through binoculars if you know where to look.

Brilliant Venus Venus will be at its greatest separation from the Sun in the evening sky on March 21. As it approaches Earth, it will continue to brighten until late April.

123

124

ALMANAC

2029

Although there are no total solar eclipses this year, 2029 sees no fewer than four partial eclipses, in addition to two impressive total eclipses of the Moon and a close encounter with an asteroid. Apophis 33 The 1,210-ft (370-m) wide asteroid Apophis passes just 19,635 miles (31,600 km) from Earth on April 13—closer than many satellites. It will be visible to the naked eye and on long-exposure images as a “star” drifting across the sky.

Red Moon The Moon may turn blood red as it passes through Earth’s shadow during widely visible total lunar eclipses in June and December. key

Full Moon

JANUARY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Total eclipse of the Moon

New Moon

MARCH

APRIL

Partial eclipse of the Moon

MAY

JUNE

JULY

Partial eclipse of the Sun

AUGUST

Annular eclipse of the Sun

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

January 1

April 11

June 8

July 11

October 1

A total eclipse of the Moon is visible across the Arctic, eastern Europe, Asia, and Australasia

Jupiter at opposition, magnitude -2.5

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.7

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible in the far south of South America

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude -0.2

February 9

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible across North America, the eastern Pacific, and western Atlantic

April 21 Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.4

DECEMBER

December 5

Mercury at greatest morning elongation, magnitude 0.2

January 14

Total eclipse of the Sun

November 13 Saturn at opposition, magnitude -0.3

June 12

August 19

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible from northern and eastern Europe, northern Asia, northern Canada, Alaska, and the Arctic

Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude 0.5

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible in southern South America and Antarctica

December 14 Mercury at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -0.3

June 26 Total eclipse of the Moon visible across Central and South America, Africa, most of North America, and most of Europe March 25 Mars at opposition, magnitude -1.3

October 27

December 20

Venus at greatest evening elongation, magnitude -4.4

Total eclipse of the Moon visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia

G L OS S A R Y

GLOSSARY Aperture The diameter of the main mirror or lens in a telescope or binoculars. A large-aperture telescope can collect more light and detect fainter objects than a smallaperture telescope. Asterism A recognizable pattern of stars, where the stars are either a part of a constellation or are members of several constellations. An example is the Big Dipper in Ursa Major. Astrophotography The photography of celestial objects in the night sky, including photography of the Sun and of eclipses.

Deep-sky object Any celestial object lying beyond the Solar System, excluding stars.

Local group A small cluster of over 30 galaxies; it includes our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

Planetary nebula A glowing shell of dust and gas ejected by a dying star that appears as a luminous planet.

Double star Two stars not physically associated with each other, but appearing close together when viewed from Earth.

Magnitude The brightness of a celestial object, measured on a numerical scale, where brighter objects are given small or negative numbers, and fainter objects are given larger numbers.

Radiant The point in the sky from which the tracks of meteors that are members of a particular meteor shower appear to originate.

Eclipse An alignment of a planet or moon with the Sun, which casts a shadow on another celestial body. During a lunar eclipse the Earth’s shadow is cast on the Moon, and during a solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow is cast on Earth. Ecliptic The plane of Earth’s orbit

Binary star Two stars in a mutual orbit around a common center of mass and bound together gravitationally. Celestial equator The celestial equivalent of Earth’s equator. The celestial equator marks a line where the plane of Earth’s equator meets the celestial sphere. Celestial poles The two points at which the line of Earth’s axis, extended outward, meets the celestial sphere and around which the stars appear to revolve. Celestial sphere The imaginary sphere that surrounds Earth, and upon which all celestial objects appear to lie. Conjunction An alignment of objects in the night sky, with one passing in front of the other, particularly when a planet lines up with the Sun as viewed from Earth. Constellation A named area of stars or a designated area of sky around a star pattern. There are currently 88 officially recognized constellations. Declination A coordinate used in

the equatorial coordinate system; it is the celestial equivalent of latitude on Earth. It is measured in degrees above or below the celestial equator, which has a declination of 0º.

around the Sun, or the projection of that plane onto the celestial sphere. Elliptical galaxy A galaxy that appears as an ellipse. These contain very little gas and dust and are usually devoid of star formations. Elongation The angular separation between the Sun and an inferior planet as viewed from Earth. Also used at the time of maximum angular separation (greatest elongation) between the inner planets, Mercury or Venus, and the Sun. Equinox The time when the Sun is vertically overhead Earth’s equator, and days and nights are of equal length. Galaxy A huge mass of stars, gas, and dust linked by gravity. Galaxies may vary from thousands to hundreds of thousands of light-years in range. Globular cluster A sphere of thousands of stars linked by gravity. Inferior planets Planets whose orbit

around the Sun falls inside Earth’s orbit. The two inferior planets are Mercury and Venus. Light-year The distance traveled by light in one year— 5,878 billion miles (9,460 billion km).

Meteor shower A substantial number of meteors that appear to originate from a common point in the sky. Multiple stars A system of stars that are bound together gravitationally and are in mutual orbits. Multiple stars have at least three stars and may contain up to a dozen stars.

Retrograde motion The rotation of a planet or moon in the opposite direction to its orbit. All the planets orbit the Sun in the direction of the Sun’s rotation: counterclockwise when viewed from above the Sun’s north pole. Most planets also rotate (spin) counterclockwise. Venus and Uranus have retrograde motion: clockwise compared with their counterclockwise orbits.

Nebula A cloud of dust and gas in space, usually made visible by the light of the neighboring stars.

Right ascension (RA) The celestial equivalent of longitude on Earth. It is measured in hours from the position where the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator in spring.

Open cluster A loose group of up to a few hundred stars, bound by gravity and found in the arms of a galaxy.

Solar system The family of eight recognized planets and several other celestial bodies such as moons that orbit the Sun.

Occultation The passage of one celestial body of a larger apparent size over another body of a smaller apparent size, which results in the more distant body being entirely or partially hidden. For example, when the Moon passes over a distant star, it hides the star from our view.

Spiral galaxy A galaxy that has a distinct set of spiral arms composed of bright young stars. Spiral galaxies are rich in gas and dust, and offer prime conditions for star formation.

Opposition The time when an outer planet lies on the exact opposite side of Earth from the Sun. The planet is at its closest to Earth and therefore appears brightest at this time. Orbit The path followed by a planet or other celestial body around the Sun, or by a moon around its parent planet. Planet A celestial body that has cleared away any planetary debris from its orbit around the Sun and is of a roughly round shape due to its own gravity.

Star A huge sphere of glowing plasma that emits heat and light by means of nuclear reactions at its center. Superior planets Planets whose orbit around the Sun are outside the orbit of Earth. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are the superior planets. Variable star A star whose magnitude varies over time, brought about by intrinsic or extrinsic changes, such as being eclipsed by another star. Zodiac A band on either side of the ecliptic, through which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel.

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INDEX Note: Months occurring as subentries are arranged in month order. 16-17 Draconis 86 47 Tucanae 85, 87, 93, 101, 103

A

Achernar 93, 101 Acrux 47, 53 Albireo 62, 76, 102 Alcor 52, 70 Aldebaran 100 Algieba 38 Almach 95 almanac 116–24 Alpha Centauri 53 Alpha Librae 71 Alphard 36, 37 Altair 70, 93 Andromeda Galaxy 8–9, 84, 86, 92–5, 100–2, 110 angular distances 11 annular eclipses 118 see also eclipses Antares 60, 61 Apophis 33 124 April skies 44–51 Aquarid meteor showers 52–3, 69 Aquarius 85, 87, 93 Arcturus 36, 44, 52, 62, 68 Aries 94–5 astrophotography 15 August skies 76–83 Auriga 20–3, 30, 46, 94, 108–9, 111 Auroras 7, 15

B

Beehive Cluster 28, 31, 36 Beta Capricorni 79 Beta Centauri 53 Betelgeuse 21–2, 101, 108–9, 110 Big Dipper 36, 44, 52 binoculars 14 Bode’s Galaxy (M81) 36, 44, 46, 70 Boötes 36, 44, 52, 62, 68 Brocchi’s Cluster 86

C

Camelopardalis 30 cameras 15 Cancer 28, 31, 36 Canes Venatici 46 Canis Major 21, 36, 101, 103, 109 Canopus 21, 29, 37 Capella 20, 21–2, 109 Capricornus 77, 79, 84

Carina 21, 23, 37, 109, 111 IC 2602 cluster 31, 37, 45, 111 NGC 2516 cluster 55, 111 Carina Nebula 37, 39, 45, 111 Cassiopeia 84, 92, 94, 100, 102 Castor 23, 28–9, 110 Cat’s Eye Nebula 54 celestial sphere 7, 10–11, 18–19 Centaurus 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 77 Omega Centauri 39, 45, 53, 61, 63 Cepheus 84 Ceres oppositions 123 Cetus 85, 101 Circlet asterism 92, 93 Coalsack Nebula 31, 45, 55, 61 Coathanger asterism 86 Coma Berenices 38, 44, 52 conjunctions of planets 118, 119 constellation movements 12 coordinate system 10–11 Crab Nebula 30, 100 Crux 29, 37, 45, 47, 53, 69 Coalsack Nebula 31, 45, 55, 61 NGC 4755 cluster 39, 45 Cygnus 62, 70, 76, 79, 84, 102 Cygnus Rift 76

D

daily movements 12 December skies 12, 108–15 declination 10, 11 deep-sky objects 19 Delta Aquarid meteor shower 69 Delta Cephei 84 Deneb 70, 76 digital cameras 15 Diphda 101 distance measurements 9, 11 Dobsonian reflector 15 Dorado 93, 101, 109 Double Cluster 22, 78, 92, 94, 100, 110 “Double-Double” star system 70, 86 Draco 60, 68, 86 Dumbbell Nebula 77–8

E

Eagle Nebula 69, 71 Earth celestial sphere 10–11 changing sky 12–13 Moon and Earth 8 eclipses 13, 116–24 elongations of planets 21, 116–24

Enif 84, 86–7 Epsilon Lyrae (“DoubleDouble” star system) 70, 86 equator celestial sphere 10, 11 movement at equator 12 Eridanus 85, 93, 101, 103, 109 Eta Aquarid meteor shower 52–3

F

False Cross 29, 37 February skies 28–35 flashlights 14 Fomalhaut 77, 85, 93

G

galactic hub 69 galaxies 8–9 see also stars Gamma Arietis 94 Gamma Equulei 86 Gemini 22, 28–9, 102, 108–10 Geminid meteor shower 108 Great Bear see Ursa Major Great Square of Pegasus 84, 92

H

Hadar 69, 77 Helix Nebula 85, 87 Hercules 54, 60, 62–3, 68 highlights pages, using the sky guides 18 horizons 19 Hyades 23, 38, 94, 100–2, 108–11 Hydra 44, 46 Alphard 36, 37 M83 spiral galaxy 47, 53, 61 Hydrus 93, 101

I

IC 2602 (Southern Pleiades) 31, 37, 45, 111 IC 4665 star cluster 63, 68 inferior planets 13, 116–24 see also Mercury; Venus inner planets, locating 18

J

January skies 20–7 Jewel Box (M83 spiral galaxy) 39, 45, 47, 53, 61 July skies 68–75 June skies 12, 60–7 Jupiter close approach 117 conjunctions 118–19 occultations 121 oppositions 116–24

K

Kemble’s Cascade 30

L

Lagoon Nebula 63, 69, 71, 77, 85 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) 21, 93, 95, 101, 103, 109, 111 latitude lines, finding latitude lines 19 Leo 28–9, 31, 37–8, 44, 47 Sickle of 36, 44 Leonid meteor shower 17, 100 Lepus 109 Libra 69, 71 light-years 9 Little Bear (Ursa Minor) 22, 60 LMC see Large Magellanic Cloud Local Group 8–9 lunar eclipses 13, 116–24 Lupus 61, 77 Lyra 68, 70, 76, 86, 92 Lyrid meteor shower 44

M

M1 (Crab Nebula) 30, 100 M2 star cluster 85, 87 M3 star cluster 46 M4 star cluster 87 M5 star cluster 60, 68, 71 M6-7 star clusters 61–2, 69, 77, 85, 87 M8 (Lagoon Nebula) 63, 69, 71, 77, 85 M10 star cluster 54, 68 M11 (Wild Duck Cluster) 76 M12 star cluster 54–5, 68 M13 star cluster 54, 60, 62–3, 68, 78 M15 star cluster 84, 85, 87 M16 star cluster 69, 71 M17 (Omega Nebula) 79 M20 (Trifid Nebula) 69, 77, 79 M22 star cluster 63, 69, 71, 85, 87 M23 star cluster 79 M24 star cluster 69, 77, 79 M27 (Dumbbell Nebula) 77–8 M29 star cluster 79, 102 M30 star cluster 79 M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) 8–9, 84, 86, 92–5, 100–2, 110 M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) 93–5, 100–2 M34 star cluster 92 M35 star cluster 22, 28, 102, 110 M36-38 star clusters 30, 46, 94, 102, 111

M39 star cluster 62, 79, 84, 102 M41 star cluster 21, 30, 103 M42 (Orion Nebula) 20–2, 102, 108–11 M44 (Beehive Cluster) 28, 31, 36 M45 (Pleiades) 37–8, 45, 94, 100–2, 108–11 M47 star cluster 23, 29 M48 star cluster 46 M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy) 52, 60 M52 star cluster 92, 94, 102 M57 (Ring Nebula) 68, 77–8 M61 spiral galaxy 39 M66 spiral galaxy 47 M77 spiral galaxy 101 M79 star cluster 103, 109 M81 (Bode’s Galaxy) 36, 44, 46, 70 M83 (Jewel Box) 39, 45, 47, 53, 61 M92 star cluster 63, 78 M95-96 star clusters 47 M104 (Sombrero Galaxy) 39 M105 star cluster 47 Magellanic Clouds see Large Magellanic Cloud; Small Magellanic Cloud magnitude of stars 19 March skies 36–43 Mars conjunctions 119 occultations 117 oppositions 116–24 May skies 52–9 measuring distance 9, 11 size 11 Melotte 111 38, 52 Mensa 93, 101, 109 Mercury elongations 21, 116–24 naked-eye observations 13 Messier clusters see M36-38 star clusters meteor showers January skies 20 April skies 44 May skies 52–3 July skies 69 August skies 76 October skies 92 November skies 17, 100 December skies 108 Milky Way 8 January skies 20–1 February skies 28–9, 31 April skies 45, 47 May skies 55 June skies 61 July skies 69 August skies 78 December skies 110

IN DE X

Mira 101 Mizar 52, 70 Monoceros 28, 30 monthly sky guides 16–19 January 20–7 February 28–35 March 36–43 April 44–51 May 52–9 June 12, 60–7 July 68–75 August 76–83 September 84–91 October 92–9 November 100–7 December 12, 108–15 Moon Earth and Moon 8 eclipses 13, 116–24 phases 116–24 red Moon 124 movement of objects 12–13, 19, 116–24

N

naked-eye observations 13, 15 Neptune 18 January skies 21 February skies 29 March skies 36 April skies 44 May skies 52 June skies 60 July skies 68 August skies 76 September skies 85 October skies 93 November skies 101 December skies 109 Newtonian reflector 15 NGC 104 star cluster (47 Tucanae) 85, 87, 93, 101, 103 NGC 188 star cluster 46 NGC 457 star cluster 100 NGC 663 star cluster 100 NGC 752 star cluster 95 NGC 869/884 (Double Cluster) 22, 78, 92, 94, 100, 110 NGC 1300 spiral galaxy 103 NGC 2017 star cluster 109 NGC 2070 (Tarantula Nebula) 21, 101, 109 NGC 2244 star cluster 28, 30 NGC 2516 star cluster 55, 111 NGC 2547 star cluster 23 NGC 3114 star cluster 111 NGC 3132 star cluster 23 NGC 3372 (Carina Nebula) 37, 39, 45, 111 NGC 4755 see Jewel Box NGC 5139 (Omega Centauri) 39, 45, 53, 61, 63 NGC 6231 star cluster 61

NGC 6530 star cluster 69 NGC 6543 (Cat’s Eye Nebula) 54 NGC 6633 star cluster 55 NGC 7000 (North America Nebula) 15, 70, 84 NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula) 85, 87 noctilucent clouds 68 North America Nebula 15, 70, 84 Northern Cross see Cygnus northern latitudes January 20, 22, 24–5 February 28, 30, 32–3 March 36, 38, 40–1 April 44, 46, 48–9 May 52, 54, 56–7 June 60, 62, 64–5 July 68, 70, 72–3 August 76, 78, 80–1 September 84, 86, 88–9 October 92, 94, 96–7 November 100, 102, 104–5 December 108, 110, 112–13 November skies 100–7 Nu Draconis 86

O

observation times for charts 19 occultations 121 October skies 92–9 Omega Centauri 39, 45, 53, 61, 63 Omega Nebula 79 Omicron-2 Eridani 103 Ophiuchus 54–5, 63, 68, 85 oppositions of planets 116–24 Orion 21–2, 37, 101, 103, 108–11 Orion Nebula 20–2, 102, 108–11 Orionid meteor shower 92 outer planets 18 see also Neptune; Uranus overview pages, using the sky guides 18

P

partial eclipses 118, 122 see also eclipses Pegasus 84–5, 86–7, 92–3, 100 Perseid meteors 76 Perseus 92, 100, 109 see also Double Cluster Phoenix 93, 101 photography 15 Pisces Austrinus 77, 85, 93 planet locator charts, using planet locator charts 18

planets 18 January skies 21 February skies 29 March skies 36, 37 April skies 44–5 May skies 52–3 June skies 60–1 July skies 68–9 August skies 76–7 September skies 84–5 October skies 92–3 November skies 100–1 December skies 108–9 movements 13, 116–24 see also Earth Pleiades 37–8, 45, 94, 100–2, 108–11 Polaris (Pole Star) 11, 52, 60 poles, movement at poles 12 Pollux 28–9 Praesepe 28, 31, 36 Procyon 108 Puppis 29, 37

Q

Quadrantid meteor shower 20

R

RA (right ascension) 10–11 recording observations 15 red light flashlights 14 red Moon 124 refractor telescopes 15 Regulus 44, 47 Rigel 21–2, 101, 108–9, 110 right ascension (RA) 10–11 Rigil Kentaurus 69, 77 Ring Nebula 68, 77–8 ringless Saturn 120 Rosette Nebula 28

S

Sagittarius 61, 63, 69, 71, 77, 79, 85 satellites 124 see also Moon Saturn oppositions 116–24 ringless Saturn 120 Scorpius 52–3, 60–2, 69, 77, 85, 87 Scutum 76, 77, 85 September skies 84–91 Serpens 60, 68 Serpens Cauda 69, 71 Sickle of Leo 36, 44 sidereal days 12 Sirius 21, 29, 36, 101, 108 size measurements 11 sky guides see monthly sky guides

Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) January skies 21 August skies 77 September skies 85 October skies 93, 95 November skies 101, 103 December skies 109, 111 solar days 12 solar eclipses 13, 116–24 Solar System 8 Sombrero Galaxy 39 South Celestial Pole 29 Southern Cross see Crux southern latitudes January 21, 23, 26–7 February 29, 31, 34–5 March 37, 39, 42–3 April 45, 47, 50–1 May 55, 58–9 June 61, 63, 66–7 July 69, 71, 74–5 August 77, 79, 82–3 September 85, 87, 90–1 October 93, 95, 98–9 November 101, 103, 106–7 December 109, 111, 114–15 Southern Pleiades (IC2602) 31, 37, 45, 111 Spica 36, 37, 44–5, 52, 68 starhopping method 11 stars 10–11 January skies 20–7 February skies 28–35 March skies 36–43 April skies 44–51 May skies 52–9 June skies 60–7 July skies 68–75 August skies 76–83 September skies 84–91 October skies 92–9 November skies 100–7 December skies 108–15 magnitude 19 movement diagrams 19 see also galaxies; Sun stellar neighborhood 8 Summer Triangle asterism 68, 70, 84 Sun 8 see also solar superclusters 9 superior planets 13, 116–24 see also Jupiter; Mars; Neptune; Saturn; Uranus

T

Tarantula Nebula 21, 101, 109 Taurid meteor shower 100 Taurus 100, 101, 108–9 Hyades cluster 23, 38, 102 Pleiades 37–8, 45, 94, 100–2, 108–11

“Teapot” asterism 69, 71 telescopes 15 Theta Carinae 37 Theta Eridani 103 total eclipses 119 see also eclipses Triangulum Galaxy (M33) 93–5, 100–2 Trifid Nebula 69, 77, 79 Tucana 85, 87, 93, 95, 101, 103 see also Small Magellanic Cloud

U

Universe, size of Universe 8 Uranus 18 January skies 21 February skies 29 March skies 37 April skies 44 May skies 52 June skies 60 July skies 68 August skies 76 September skies 84 October skies 93 November skies 101 December skies 109 Ursa Major 22, 30, 70 Big Dipper 36, 44, 52 M81 spiral galaxy 36, 44, 46 Ursa Minor 22, 60

V

Vega 68, 70, 76, 92 Vela 23, 37, 109 Venus 13 conjunctions 118 elongations 116–24 greatest separation 123 viewing locations 14 Virgo 36–7, 39, 44–5, 52, 68 Virgo Supercluster 9, 44, 46 Vulpecula 77–8

W XY Z

Whirlpool Galaxy 52, 60 whole-sky charts, using whole sky charts 19 Wild Duck Cluster 76 Winter Triangle 108 yearly movements 12 zeniths 19 zodiac 12

127

128

A CK NO WLEDGMEN TS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Will Gater I’d like to thank my family for their continual support, especially Rose, as well as Martha and the team at Dorling Kindersley for all their hard work. Publisher’s acknowledgments Dorling Kindersley would like to thank the following people for their help in the preparation of the first edition of this book:

Giles Sparrow for editorial and illustration guidance and Almanac text; Paul Drislane for initial design work; additional design help from Fiona McDonald. Indexing Specialists for preparing the index; Lizzie Munsey for proofreading. Additional production help from Sophie Argyris and Luca Frassinetti. DK images: Claire Bowers, Martin Copeland, and Lucy Claxton. For this updated edition, the publishers would like to thank Giles Sparrow for editorial and illustration guidance.

PICTURE CREDITS The publisher would like to thank the following for their kind permission to reproduce their photographs: (Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; c-center; f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top) 2–3 iStock photo: Peter Burnett. 4 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited. 6–7 Corbis: Science Faction/Tony Hallas. 9 Corbis: Myron Jay

Dorf (b/Milky Way); NASA/JPL-Caltech (b/Quasar); Science Faction/Tony Hallas (crb); Stocktrek Images (b/Andromeda Galaxy). European Southern Observatory (ESO): Digitized Sky Survey 2 (b/Virgo Cluster). 10 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (cra). 13 Corbis: EPA/Dean Lewins (tr). Will Gater: (bl). 14 iStock photo: Peter Burnett (cla). 15 Corbis: Frank Lukasseck (bc); Visuals Unlimited (cr). 16–17 Corbis: Frank Lukasseck. 21 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (cla). 22 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cl) (bl). 23 Robert Gendler: (br). Alson Wong: (cr). 28 NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cl). 29 Science Photo Library: Eckhard Slawik (ca). 30 Getty Images: Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Robert Gendler (bl). Walter MacDonald: (cl). 31 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cr). Science Photo Library: Celestial Image Co. (br). 36 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (cl). 37 Galaxy Picture Library: Gordon Garradd (cl). 38 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl); Stocktrek Images (cl). 39 European Southern Observatory (ESO): (br). NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScl): (cr). 44 Getty Images: David McNew (cl). 45 Yuri Beletsky: (cl). 46 Corbis: Stocktrek Images (bl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cl). 47 NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScl): (br). Hunter Wilson: (cr). 52 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (c). 53 Yuri Beletsky: (cl). 54 NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/ STScl): (cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 55 NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cr). Télescopes à Action Rapide pour les Objets Transitoires: (br). 61 Corbis: Amanaimages/Katahira Takashi (cl). 62 Will Gater: (cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 63 Getty Images: Image Bank/ LWA (cr); Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Robert Gendler (br). 68 Will

Gater: (bl). 69 Corbis: Reuters/Ho (cl). 70 European Southern Observatory (ESO): Digitized Sky Survey 2 (cl). NASA: (bl). 71 Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (br). Galaxy Picture Library: Jeremy Perez (cr). 76 Corbis: Reuters/Ali Jarekji (bl). 77 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cl). 78 Corbis: Scott Stulberg (cl). Getty Images: Stocktrek Images (bl). 79 Will Gater: (cr). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (br). 85 Corbis: Stocktrek Images (cl). 86 Frank Barrett: (bl). Galaxy Picture Library: Damian Peach (cl). 87 NASA: (cr). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (br). 93 Alamy Images: Galaxy Picture Library (cl). 94 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl). Yoshihiro Saijo: (cl). 95 Anthony Ayiomamitis/perseus.gr: (cr). Corbis: Dennis di Cicco (br). 101 Science Photo Library: John Chumack (cl). 102 2MASS: (cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 103 Corbis: Stocktrek Images (br). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cr). 108 Getty Images: Barcroft Media/Wally Pacholka (cl). 109 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (cl). 110 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl). Galaxy Picture Library: Damian Peach (cl). 111 Getty Images: Stocktrek Images (br). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cr). Getty Images: SSPL/ Jamie Cooper (br). 117 Corbis: (bc). NASA: JPL-Caltech (br). 118 Alamy Stock Photo: Stefan Sollfors (tr). Dreamstime.com: Jadams08 (tc). 119 Alamy Stock Photo: Malcolm Park Sciences (bc). Dorling Kindersley: NASA (br). 120 Getty Images / iStock: Magnilion / DigitalVision Vectors (tc). Science Photo Library: Alan Dyer / Vwpics (tr). 121 Alamy Stock Photo: Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alan Dyer (br). Dreamstime.com: Antonio Corrado (bc). 122 Dreamstime.com: Underworld (tc); Jimmy Westlake: (tr). 123 Corbis: Richard Cummins (br); NASA: JPLCaltech / UCLA / MPS / DLR / IDA (bc). 124 Dreamstime.com:

Eshmadeva (tr); Pere Sanz / Peresanz (tc).

All other images © Dorling Kindersley For further information see: www.dkimages.com