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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.
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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)
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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°.
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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.
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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
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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
I
3
M
TM3
S A
IE
S
N TA
SEX
O
LE
7
AN XT
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
R 67
M
M5
L M EO IN OR
CA
M
M5
I TL AN
R D
HY
EAST
CA
D
Vega
R
E NC
3
X
Regu
on
A ES13 TM OO
EO
R
D
U O R
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
I M
S NI
LYR
CA
cy
llux
Pro
Po
M87
LEO
M87
48
M
M87MI on
E NC
48 M R
Pro
cy
CA
O
M
53
O M or Cast
L M EO IN OR
SEX
67
CAN
M
O
S
CA
T AN S
N TA SEX
OA LELI
ulus Reg
D HY
R
D HY
L M EO S T IENA OR
S
N TA
S
N TA
SEX
67 M
M81N
U R SA MINOR
M92
EAST
D HY
48 U
M RO CES
on cy
o Pr
U
TIL ANM
S NI
HY
R HYD
R
67
M
67
M
L M EOS T EINAO R
48
EAST
ER
EAS
O
LE
R
n yo oc Pr
S
NI
CA
M
IA
O M
R
67
M
CAN
M
CA
R CE
CAN
O
M
HY
D
R
67
CA ulus Reg
D
HY
48
M IA tor Cas TL n yo Pollux IAN c Mn o Pr So I U M O NIocy
U
O
S
IA
TL AN
IA
TL AN
48 M R
E NC
M
D
HY
S
NI
R
S
M6
ES H N RTTIC CANNOA VE
HY
J ANUAR
48
M
I
M
R
CA
M
ERI ERI
U TA
ES HYAD
Aldeba
ran
M1
A atrix AURIGBell
M37
M35
on cy
IA
Rige
ORIOlN
M42
e
geus
Betel
CA
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SEX
M35
o Pr
EMR
O
67
TL AN
BE COM E A S T RE A NI CE S 4
N
CE
M
NS TA R SEX D O Y M H tor Cas llux uPluos Reg n I yo O E M L oc Pr S S I N N CSAEXTA T
M6
R
48
D
48
TIC
Betel
M
M R CE
O
M
yo oc Pr
C
7
ECLIP
geus e
RO S
C
C CAN
0
I
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N
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Sirius
O
C
M5
A
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
I U M O S S
U
O
S
n
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M4
RN
M1
STAR MOTION
H
M38 N M36ORIO
S
M1
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FO
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FO
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RU
S
RN
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DE
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ran
AURIGA
G LO
PL
PER
Aldeba
RO
S US SEUAUR T PL
EIA
DE
S
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M42
RU
N eb Ald O R
G LO
LEN ORIO
M42
N
telge use
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M37
IA
HYA
Aldeb D
S
U
T
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NA
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M38 N M36ORIO
M3
5
M3
US
YA US H
Aldeb
aran
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PL
FO
TU
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DES
PL
RU
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G LO
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T
Aldeb
ES
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DES
aran
M1
D AURIGA EIA PL
TU
FO
TU
FO
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D S HYA S US HYA M38 US U SEU R REIOANUR RS M36 PER TAU PEO
ES
5
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xD
AD
M1
AURIGA
ORIOANUR
M1
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A AURIGBeAllatri EI
M37
Aldeb
PL
N DA
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Tl Rige
S DEM4 2
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M3x Be Allatri 5
Bete
ERI
Bellatri
x
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l BeP ge Ri telg
HYACE URIG S US RO SEUAUR SM1 PER T
n M a3ra 5
Be
LEPUS
S
Bellatri
Siriu
0
48 M R
S
46
0
O
North
T
M5
CE
I AN
M5
N N C O ANI OC R M A JO S E R O R M41 S
U
M42
LEPUS
I
Pr
M
Rigel
3
Vega
A
Sirius
Adhara
M93
CAELU
COLUMBA
M41
O
PH
M
HO
M
XIS
7
M
Asterism name
Polaris
DRACO
PY
LEPUS
M87
M4
46
S
IUM
M
O
PU MCANIS PPA ISJO R
M93
M
ULU
3
LA
M
Canopus
RETIC
M5
VE
DORADO
PICTOR
Adhara
G LO
3
PY
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observation times
observation times Date
Standard
Daylight-saving
NG
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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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M87
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M57
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HERCULES
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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
Diffuse nebula
December 15
deep-sky objects
star magnitudes
2 -1January 0 1M9 21
3
4
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
R LA E CO RMidnight BO 11 pm
Date
Standard time
Daylight-saving time
Midnight
1 am
January 1
11 pm
Midnight
January 15
10 pm
11 pm
February 1
9 pm
February 15
8 pm
N 60°N
Zeniths
8 pm
Planetary nebula
deep-sky objects
LOOK IN G
NORTH
deep-sky objects
40°N
20°N
Ecliptic
Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N
Zeniths
60°N
40°N
20°N
Ecliptic
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
10 pm
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points of reference
Diffuse nebula
February 1 10 pm 9 pm 9 pm February 15 9 pm 8 pm
H
December 15
NORTH
LOOK ING
T
R
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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
H
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JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
24
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JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES M
JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES E
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sunrise and sunset on 15th january
LOOK ING
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51
JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
40°N
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points of reference
60°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
De
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MO NTHLY SKY GU IDE S: SKY GU I D ES
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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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19
sunrise and sunset on 15th january
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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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CA
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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
RE
2
NI
4
CE
NORTH
U
S
S
S
ELO
EU
ELO
EU
b
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
BO
RS A
RS A M
AJ OR
RC
4
U
U OR
OR
M1
C VE AN N AT ES IC I
M
M
IN
IN
C VE AN N AT ES IC I
O
EO
T
A ES ON IS OT COR EAL R BO
NI
S LE
T
HE
3
RE
W
E
E S
BO
53
BE
H
H
W
T 3
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
pe
86
86
lla
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
S
O
U
PH
N OE
T
A
S
O
U A S
S
T
T
R
PI
PI
SC
SC
IS
IS INU
S
15
0
CA
M3
PR ICO
RN US
DE
GR
US
MIC
ROS COP
IND U
IUM
HI
HI
7
M55
M26
M11
U PEC
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
ireo
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
U
H
ER
AN ID
H
T
S
S
S
O
U
TO
HO
M
M
IU
Ach
X
U
S
ern ar
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
RE
SM C
104
CAN
M Can
s
opu s
opu
Can
ULU
RUS
SM C
ULNUGC M104
9
4
IUM ARA
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
a
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
S
U SC m Fo
E
S RA
CE
IS SC IN I P TR S AU YD
US t 30
RA
au
RI
YD
alh
VI Spic
a
GO
m Fo
VIR
M
Ecliptic
a
U
N
P CA Spic
RN
A
RI
S
WEST
WEST
CO
U
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
VE LA
BA
BA
CA A
TO R
RIN
PIC
pus
VOL A
DO
VOL A
UM
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
A
C 86
M
ED
31
9
9
NG 84
CAME
C8
4 C 88 4
LOPARDALI
Polaris
Polaris
7
VU
US Al bi
LP
CY
EC M
URS DARAMCIO NOR
A M2 ITT
U
re o
DRACO
N VU
LA
O RA
LP
re bi lT
29
EC U
o
NORTH
S
BOOTE
BOOTE
S
S
A ELOPARDALIS URC SAMM INOR
NG
S
A
M1 03
IOP EI
N
IOP EI
S
S
CA S US
EU
RT AA
39
CEP HE M52
M 13
M3
AC E M
39
US
S
M92
CEP HE
HE R CU LE
M92
N
LA
O R LES
RS
L
D
C
Ve ga
M
ER TA
en eb
LA
RA
RA en eb D
OM
29
G
N S
57
U
M
LY
DR
M
SAG
T 57
AN
15
S M Ve ga
CU
PE
AS
M
W
W
M
15
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
ER IPP
P DIP
zar Mi
M5
1
D BIG
zar Mi
M5
LY
LY
UR
SA
MA
NE
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
LE
M44
R O
IN
R O
IN
A E
A E
ER M M
ES ES
GEM N INXI
GA RI
AU
GA RI
lla
AU
pe
Ca
NC
CA EO EO
IC IC
Cast
X N
WEST WEST
112
S
M
M
I M 93
T S H E
S
O
T
S
O
U E A S
S
T
T
M
ra
M
ar a
ha
Ad
Ad h
CA
41
NI
riu
Si s
MB
A
s
pu
Ca no
LU MB
A
no pu s
Ca
AJ OR
CO
SM
LU
e
us
e
us
lg e
te
AJ OR
CO
CEAR NOIS SM
41
s
riu
Si
Be
lg e
PIC
PIC
RI
lla
Be
ON
TOR
TOR
US
trix
l
DOR
n
S ERIDANU
SOUTH
SOUTH
RETICULUM
SOUTH
U
PI
S
C
S TUPIS E C
US
ar ern Ach
S
ar ern
U ET
Ach
M LU
HYDR
X
X
ira M
ira M
NG
FORNA
M
M HOROLOGIU
S ERIDANU
ES
TRIA
ES
FORNA
ARI
HOROLOGIU
US
RETICULUM
TAU R
DES
PLEIA
PTEARUSREUUSS
LOOK IN G
ADO
UM
ADO
UM
ES
n
ra
A
ES
HY AD
CAEL
DOR
G
ba
de
Al
RI
CAEL
Be lla trix
Rige
US
2
LEP
RI
RigOeN l
2O
LEP M4
M4
O
HY AD
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
O R C
EUS
ira
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
O AJ
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
CE
N
R
CE
N
M
us e
MI
S n
NI yo Pro c
NO MI
S
Be
OS
CA
NI
l
ge
ON
OC
ER
M50
ON M
42 M
Ri
PU LE
ge tel us ge tel Be
OS
CA
CA
CA
T
S
A
T
E
S
A E
WEST WEST
114
TL AN
S
O
E A
A
S
S
T
T
IS
IS 6
U
S
O
U
VE
LA
LA
VE
PU PP
IS
ux
CE
CA
CA
M
ux
MUS
CR NT UX Mimosa AU RU S
ux
ux
Acr
CHA
NS
CHA
US
LMC
SA
LMC
R ET I CU L UM
MEN
DO
TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE
APUS
SM
OCTANS
TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE
S
SOUTH
SOUTH
LOOK IN G
Rigil Kentauru s
Hadar
er Ach
IUM
S
nar
SMC
RU
U DR HY OCTANS C
CIRCINUS S O U T H
il LEO Kentauru N s
M AE Rig
CIRCINUS
IUM
Fern
NG
EN
A TUC
ARA
PAVO
ARA
NA
ENNA UOCA H T P
O PH
PAVO
04 C1
04 C1
AX
NG
N OaRr
F
Ach
D HY
G OLO HOR
MAE LEON APUS MEN SA
Hadar
CA
UM
G ELRETICULUM OLO UM HOR
RA
CA DO
EL
RA D ER O ID AN
CA DO
VO L N MUA S SCA
P NA ICTO R
Acr
RI
VO LA
us
op
Ca n
RI M PIC NAB TO A R
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
U
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
U
A
PI
IA
CO
TL AN
SW AGE IS
DR ra
S
ha
E
P
LU
W
EAST 93
M
HY CO
T
A
RI
M4 M
CA P
7
Ad
30
DR 1 ius M4 Sir
R
US
HY M4
M
O AJ
T T T AR I
93
IS NU
M
LU CO R
ra ha Ad
CAN S
M S A G IT T A C RI A PR US I NU S
CO
PU CO R
LE
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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118
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.
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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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I N DEX
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