The Night Sky Month by Month by DK
The Night Sky Month by Month by DK
The Night Sky Month by Month by DK
NIGHT SKY
MONTH BY MONTH
WILL GATER with GILES SPARROW
2021 EDITION
Editors Kayla Dugger, Miezan van Zyl
Senior Designer Pooja Pipil
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Associate Publishing Liz Wheeler
Director
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Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf
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
CONTRIBUTORS
Will Gater is an astronomy journalist and author. He has written Giles Sparrow is a writer specializing in astronomy and space science.
for several of the UK’s top astronomy and science magazines and He has degrees in astronomy and science communication and has
promotes both of these subjects with frequent appearances on worked for 15 years as an editor and author. An avid follower of the
television and radio. His blog and website can be found at www. unfolding story of space exploration, he has written on space technology
willgater.com. Will is also the author of The Practical Astronomer, and the history of spaceflight in a wide range of books, including DK
published by DK Publishing. 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.
our eyes alone reveal to us. Knowing our place within The stellar neighborhood
lies in the Orion Arm of the
Andromeda II
Andromeda III
it helps us understand what we are seeing. Milky Way, around 26,000
light-years from its center Triangulum Galaxy
Sun
Sirius
5,000 light-years
250,000 light-years
Leo A
10 million light-years
MEASURING DISTANCE
Because the Universe is such a large place, light takes a long time to travel across space.
the units of distance we use in everyday life, When we see the light from an object like a
such as miles or kilometers, are not very star, it may have taken decades, centuries, or
helpful in communicating the vast distances millions of years to reach us. Essentially, we
between stars and galaxies. Instead, are peering back in time because we see the
astronomers use units called light-years to object as it was when that light left it, not
mark the vast distances between the stars what it looks like “now.” So for an object like
and galaxies. One light-year is equal to the the Andromeda Galaxy, which is 2.5 million
distance that a ray of light travels over the light-years away, we are seeing it as it was
Peering into the depths
course of one year. The speed of light is an 2.5 million years ago. In contrast, the Sun’s
The objects we see in the night sky are not all at the same
incredible 186,000 miles (300,000km) per light takes just 8.5 minutes to reach earth. In distance from us. We can see everything from meteors shooting
second, so one light-year is a huge distance. the chart below, the first division represents through our atmosphere to distant stars in our own galaxy.
As the distances (see below) between the 6,200 miles (10,000km). Each further division
galaxies and even nearby stars are so great, marks a 10x increase in scale.
Earth:
Moon: Venus: Sun: Saturn: Kuiper Belt: Oort Nearest star 1,000-light- Center of the Andromeda Virgo Nearest Edge of the
radius
238,900 26 million 93 million 745 million approx 5.5 Cloud: (Proxima year sphere: Milky Way: Galaxy: Cluster: quasar: visible Universe:
3,963 miles
miles miles miles (149.6 miles (1.2 billion miles approx 1 Centauri): 90% of naked-eye 28,000 2.5 million 52 million 1 billion 47 billion light-years
(6,378 km)
(384,400 km) (42 million km) million km) billion km) (9 billion km) light-year 4.2 light-years stars are within light-years light-years light-years light-years 276 billion trillion
1,000 light- miles (445 billion
years of Earth trillion km)
0 6,200 miles 620,000 miles 62 million miles 6.2 billion miles 6.2 x 1011 miles 62 trillion miles 6.2 x 1015 miles 6.2 x 1017 miles 6.2 x 1019 miles 6.2 x 1021 miles
(10,000 km) (106 km) (108 km) (1010 km) (1012 km) (1014 km) (1016 km) (1018 km) (1020 km) (1022 km)
10 L OO K I NG U P
LOOKING AT STARS
When we look at the sky on a clear night we are greeted OUR VIEW OF THE CELESTIAL SPHERE
by countless stars. Stargazers use several methods to Your view of the night sky depends on where you
navigate their way around the magnificent night sky. 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.
THE CELESTIAL SPHERE
However, from the equator you can view the
The coordinate system of latitude and meridian,” and the equator, known as the entire celestial sphere over the course of a year.
longitude helps us locate an object on the “celestial equator.” Instead of latitude,
Limited view
Earth’s surface. This system is based around astronomers use declination, which is Your location on Earth
a simple imaginary grid, where latitude—the measured in degrees and minutes, while determines the part of
horizontal lines on the grid—is measured longitude becomes right ascension, or RA, the celestial sphere that
north or south from the equator. Longitude, and is measured in hours and minutes. you can see.
the vertical grid lines, is measured east or These coordinates help astronomers to
west from a point known as the prime locate celestial objects in space.
meridian—a circle running through the North
and South Poles and Greenwich in England.
Earth’s axis
Similarly, astronomers project an imaginary of spin
sphere, also known as the celestial sphere, Earth’s axis is Line perpendicular to ecliptic plane
tilted at 23.5° (plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun)
onto the sky. It has its own grid lines: the
prime meridian, known as the “celestial Celestial sphere
Earth’s spin
Autumnal equinox
(first point of Libra)
Earth’s equator
The Sun and planets are not
fixed on the celestial sphere, Earth
but move around on, or close
to, the circular path known
as the ecliptic
MEASURING SIZES
When observing the night sky for the first time across, while the width of an outstretched
it can be tricky to gauge how big a constellation hand is roughly 22º across. Distances between ANGULAR DISTANCES
or an object is by just looking at a star chart. objects on the night sky are measured in units OBJECT OR DISTANCE APPROXIMATE
However, there are some easy ways to called degrees. For example, the Andromeda ANGULAR SIZE
measure apparent sizes on the sky. Held at Galaxy, or M31, appears roughly 3° across on
Distance from the pointers in the Big Dipper 28º
arm’s length against the background of the sky, the sky. A degree can be broken down into to Polaris
the hands and fingers can act as convenient 60 arcminutes (with the symbol ‘), and
measuring scales. For example, an index finger each arcminute can be broken down into Distance between the Crux pointers 6º
covers the Moon, which is only half a degree 60 arcseconds (with the symbol “). These Distance between pointers in the Big Dipper 5º
units are sometimes written
in slightly different ways Your little finger at arm’s length 1º
and you might see them
The Moon (average size) 31’
as minutes of arc, arcmin,
seconds of arc, or arsec. The Sun (average size) 32’
These smaller units are
Distance between Jupiter and Ganymede 6’
often encountered when (the brightest of its main moons)
Handspan Finger joints Finger width 1 degree dealing with the separation
A fully outstretched A side-on fingertip One finger at arm’s 90 degrees between double stars or the Resolution of the naked eye (this means the 3’ 25”
hand held at arm’s is about 3° wide; length will cover ability of your eye to split two objects that
length spans about the second joint is the Moon, which is 360 degrees size of a nebula or cluster. are as close together as this)
22° of the sky. 4°, the third joint 6°. less than 1° across.
Pherkad
Polaris (The
Kochab Celestial meridian,
North Star)
the line of 0° right
North ascension
Celestial Pole
Star position
START AT URSA MAJOR (THE BIG DIPPER)
Alkaid Mizar
Alioth
Megrez 45°
Celestial
Dubhe equator
Phad Stellar signposts Declination angle Angle of right
Arguably the most well-known 45° above celestial ascension
“starhop” is the one that helps you equator (1 hour)
Merak 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. 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°.
12 L OO K I NG U P
Motion at the
Moving constellation equator
Because of a 4-minute If you are standing at
difference between the length the equator, the stars
of a sidereal and a solar day, w
will rise straight up
the constellations move from the east, pass
westward a little from overhead, and then
one night to the next. S N
E move straight down
APRIL 1, 8PM APRIL 8, 8PM APRIL 15, 8PM to set in the west.
ECLIPSES
As the Moon orbits Earth, it occasionally obscured by the Moon’s disk. If the Moon
blocks the Sun’s light. The Moon’s shadow is too far away it cannot completely cover
is cast onto Earth and anyone within the the Sun and an annular solar eclipse is seen
shadow will see a solar eclipse. Standing from Earth. Similarly, if the Moon’s orbit
in the darker part of the Moon’s shadow, the takes it into the shadow cast into space Total lunar eclipse
umbra, you will see a total solar eclipse with by Earth, a lunar eclipse occurs. Eclipses During a total lunar eclipse,
the Sun completely covered by the Moon. require certain precise alignments of the the Moon can often be tinted
a wonderful copper-red colou.
If you are in the outer, lighter shadow, known Sun, Earth, and Moon, which is why an
This is the highlight of one of
as the penumbra, you will see a partial solar eclipse does not occur every time there the greatest spectacles that
eclipse with only a portion of the Sun is a full Moon or a new Moon. can be seen in the night sky.
A slight darkening of
Penumbra Penumbra (outer, the moon occurs in the
Moon (outer, lighter Area of Earth lighter shadow) light outer shadow
Earth
shadow) totality
Sunlight Sunlight
The Moon is
Umbra (inner, Area of partial Umbra (inner, darkest within Full Moon
darker shadow) eclipse darker shadow) the umbra
Solar eclipse Lunar eclipse
Observers in the Moon’s umbral shadow see the Sun totally covered by During a lunar eclipse, the Moon enters the Earth’s lighter shadow, the
the Moon. Those in the penumbra region only see a partial eclipse— penumbra. It then enters the darker region, or umbra, where it typically
where the Moon partly obscures the Sun’s disk. goes deep red. Finally, it moves out into the penumbra again.
PLANETARY MOTIONS
Most of the planets can be seen “superior planets.” They can stray Superior
conjunction
in the night sky with nothing more far from the Sun in the sky and can
than the naked eye. The planets be seen late at night. As most of
Mercury and Venus are termed the the planets orbit in roughly the same
“inferior planets” because they go plane as they go around the Sun Planet
around the Sun in orbits that are closer they can all be found relatively close
to the Sun than Earth’s orbit. Because of to the line of the ecliptic (the path Sun
Greatest western
their proximity to the Sun, they are of the Sun on the sky). For more on elongation
Greatest eastern
typically seen low in the sky before their locations in the night sky, see the elongation Inferior conjunction
sunrise and after sunset. Mars and planet locator charts in the Monthly Sky
the planets beyond it are called Guides section of this book (pp.20–115). Angle of elongation
Earth
INFERIOR ORBIT
Conjunction
Sun
Earth
Opposition
(closest to Earth) Planet
SUPERIOR ORBIT
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 using equipment that requires batteries, make
CHECKLIST
astronomy under the stars. Start by thinking sure they are charged and ready. Additionally,
what you want to look at and the equipment take a good star chart with you (see pp.16–114), • Warm clothes
you will need to see it. For example, if you are so that you know the location of the objects • Gloves
you want to observe. Also, think about what • Red light flashlight
to wear when observing. The clearest nights • Notepad and pen
can often be the coldest, so it is crucial to wear • Any equipment (telescopes, binoculars, etc)
warm clothes such as a windproof jacket as well • Compass
as waterproof trousers, a warm hat, and stout • Star chart
shoes. If you are traveling out to a remote • Warm drink
location, make sure to tell someone where you • Blanket or foldable chair
are going. Remembering these basic things will
Red light torch
ensure your observing goes smoothly. To preserve your night vision, a
red light torch is crucial. This
Viewing location can be bought or easily made by
The location from which you observe is as important covering a regular flashlight with a
as the equipment you use. Ideally, head toward red candy wrapper, secured by
a dark sky site, away from sources of light pollution, an elastic band.
such as streetlamps and houses.
BINOCULARS
Loved by beginners and experts alike, sizes and are defined by two numbers
binoculars are a simple, generally inexpensive that can often be found marked on their
way to explore the night sky. A good pair sides. The first number is the number of
of binoculars is capable of showing a huge times the binoculars can magnify a view,
variety of objects on any given night. With and the second number is the size of the
even a small pair the rich star fields of the main (or objective) lens in millimeters. For
Milky Way, glittering open star clusters, and example, binoculars that magnify 10x with
the Moon’s rugged surface are all wonderful 50mm diameter lenses are said to be a
sights. Binoculars come in many different “ten by fifty” pair of binoculars.
Focus wheel Eyepiece
Eyepiece
Light path
Prism
Prism
Light
path
Objective
Objective lens
lens
Slow motion
control
Main mirror
Tripod located inside
tube
Adjustment
handle
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.
18 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES
MONTHLY OVERVIEWS
For each month of the year, a double-page These pages also feature planet-locator Uranus and Neptune
spread outlines the different celestial charts, which show the band of sky that
PISCES The magnified insets of the main
chart show Uranus and Neptune,
phenomena in the sky. These include bright lies on either side of the ecliptic, where the 29
28
27
26 the two outermost planets, as
25
stars, constellations, deep-sky objects, and planets appear. These charts should be used 24
23 they move relatively slowly
22
meteor showers. The constellation box on in conjunction with the information supplied in 21
through our sky.
AQUARIUS
these pages discusses a key constellation the following highlights pages, whole-sky
in detail, pointing out its bright stars. charts, and the Almanac.
20 M O NTH L Y S K Y GUIDES: O VER VIEWS J AN U AR Y 21
Declination
40º
ζ
THE STARS south of the chain of three stars that clusters in Auriga λ
from southern latitudes. The Large Sitting at the heels of Orion, Canis
—40°
NGC 2281
–10º MONOCEROS
63 ν τ μ
When viewing in January, you will makes up Orion’s belt. This nebula is that make ideal UU
υ
4
Magellanic Cloud in the constellation Major, the Greater Dog, is home to θ ORION
θ
Castor
M38 CANIS
targets for
2
NGC 1907
the brightest star of the entire night MAJOR μ
immediately notice the brightest easily visible through binoculars from M36 AE IC 405
ι Dorado can be seen with binoculars γ
binoculars or a
Castor
sky—Sirius, Alpha (α) Canis Majoris. α
coordinates
GEMINI χ Sirius
TAURUS
16 NGC
30º
ι
star in the sky, Sirius, in the northern latitudes and can be seen small telescope. RT
κ
M37 on January evenings. Among its Sirius is a brilliant white star with
2360
ν3 2 β
Pollux Alnath –20º π LEPUS
constellation Canis Major. Visible with the naked eye as a hazy patch. β Tau a magnitude of -1.4. Canis Major 15
M41
2
from midnorthern latitudes, Sirius The open star clusters M36, M37, TAURUS
represents one of the two UW NGC
ο2 ο1 ξ ξ
1
GEMINI
The Milky Way τ
Pleiades
2362
hunting dogs of Orion, the
25 Pollux
twinkles above the southern horizon. and M38 in Auriga are also worth δ
27
ω
This view of the Milky Way shows the regions Hunter, which sits nearby. σ Adhara
Directly above you is the yellowish a look with binoculars. named. At the peak of the shower, the trails of meteors appear to come, toward the constellations Crux, the Southern –30º η ε
—30°
It is home to two fine open ζ
star Capella in Auriga. you may be able to spot as many is quite low in the northeastern Cross, and Carina, the Keel. clusters, NGC 2362 and M41. κ λ
23
ARIES
Ecliptic
COLUMBA
Meanwhile, in the northeast lies METEOR SHOWERS as 100 meteors an hour, but they sky, even at midnight.
26
PUPPIS
25
The text
MIDNIGHT 9 P.M.
a familiar asterism, the Big Dipper. In The Quadrantid meteor shower kicks appear relatively faint. The meteor
MIDNIGHT
the northwest, look for the faint band off around January 3–4 every year. shower is best observed from
URANUS
of the Milky Way passing through These meteors seem to originate rural or light pollution–free areas. PEGASUS
highlights LEO
into Perseus and Cassiopeia. from a point near the handle of The peak lasts only a few hours
3 A.M.
Arcturus
6 P.M.
Aldebaran
Celestial equator
GEMINI
21
the Big Dipper in the constellation and their radiant, the point in NEPTUNE
Capella Capella
27
SIGHTS OF INTEREST Ursa Major. This area was once the sky from which
ARIES
Hyades —20° PISCES
the most 24
If you are exploring the constellation occupied by the now-obsolete 29 28 27
26
PISCES
27
25
10° Orion, you will see the Orion Nebula, constellation Quadrans, after
TAURUS
24
23
CANCER
22 29
M42, a bright deep-sky object lying which the meteor shower is
Bellatrix
21
Regulus
28
Castor 20 PISCES 27
prominent 29
Castor
Betelgeuse
3 P.M. 26
Procyon
21
23 23
stars,
26 ARIES ARIES AQUARIUS
—10°
25 25
2821
NOON 9 A.M.
Arcturus Arcturus LEO LEO Aldebaran Aldebaran 27
0° 27 27 21
23
deep-sky
Hyades Hyades 24PISCES PISCES
29
24
OPHIUCHUS
10° 10° 10° 10°
Regulus CANCER
Regulus CANCER Bellatrix Bellatrix
Mira
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse 29 29
objects, and
AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS
(from sunset to
28 28 27 27
0° 0° 23 23 0° 0°
29
Rigel
29
OPHIUCHUS
OPHIUCHUS 26 26
— 0°
VIRGO Mira Mira
VIRGO
29
meteor
Rigel 25 25 25 25
–10° Rigel
midnight) or
–10° –10° 29 29 –10° –10°
Spica 28 28 21
Spica
Spica 24 21
24
23 22 23
22
showers
22 22 28 28
22
26 22 21
29 21
27
24 22
E V E N I N G
24 22 POSITIONS OF THE PLANETS
Antares
S K Y — -10°
Antares
midnight to sunrise)
–30° 21 21 LIBRA LIBRA FomalhautFomalhaut CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS –30°
–20° –30°
SCORPIUS SCORPIUS
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s –30°
SAGITTARIUS
SAGITTARIUS 23 24 24
in January from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on January 15. Mercury is shown
26 –40°
Shaula
29
Shaula
K
Y
represented by colored dots, while the number
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets
when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
For specific dates, refer to the Almanac. –40°
–40° S –40°
–30°
–50°
–50°
21 M
O
R
N
I N
Antares
LIBRA EXAMPLES
Venus Jupiter Uranus
–50°
–50°
SCORPIUS
SAGITTARIUS planet-locator chart
Shaula
planet-locator chart shows the
–40°
LEO
at 10pm local standard time on the 15th day in local time when that area
Arcturus Aldebaran
Ecliptic
27 21
Celestial equator
Hyades 24 PISCES
10° 27 10°
Regulus CANCER Betelgeuse
Bellatrix 29
28
Procyon
28 27 AQUARIUS
0° 23 0°
29
Position of a
Rigel 25 25
–10° 29 –10°
28 21
Celestial
Spica 24
23
22 22 28
27 28 21
a colored dot, and the number inside each However, the local sunset
–20° –20°
23 24 24 23 22 26
26 22
29 21
planet shown by
24 22
Antares
21 LIBRA Fomalhaut CAPRICORNUS
equator
–30° –30°
SAGITTARIUS SCORPIUS
Shaula
dot refers to a particular year. Each chart and sunrise times will affect
–40° –40°
–50°
The planet-locator chart shows –50°
colored dot
shows the planets’ positions in relation Celestial a portion of the celestial sphere the darkness of the sky and the
to the 13 constellations along the ecliptic. sphere on either side of the ecliptic visibility of the planets.
southern latitudes
December 15 Midnight 1 am
separately
20°N 40°S
They lie in Perseus, in the northwest in through a telescope. Appearing as a single star
January skies, and are a truly wonderful sight to the naked eye, Castor is actually a multiple
most prominent
CANCER Betelgeuse
Auriga, is almost overhead. sight to the naked eye or through binoculars.
celestial objects
CASSIOPEIA URSA CANCER
Polaris MAJOR
ANDROMEDA
URSA Regulus GEMINI
MINOR Big Dipper Pollux Ecl
LEO ARIES AURIGA ipt
ic
Photographs show
PEGASUS
Horiz
on 20 PERSEUS
DRACO ºN
Big Dipper
URSA
MAJOR
EA
ST
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.
some of the most
latitude. The text discusses objects that are interesting
HERCULES
Horizon 0º
positions of the
CANCER Regor
Betelgeuse
MONOCEROS
CETUS
stars looking
Rigel VELA Achernar
Sirius CARINA
Regulus Mira PHOENIX CETUS
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LOOK N G UR
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HO ELUM FO U S S
U
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48
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ES December 15 Midnight 1 am
N
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39
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Observation times
H H
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GN M101 R
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M5 M5 0 3 4 5 Galaxy
January cluster
1 Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic E
M2 DRACO
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star cluster nebula nebula
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January 15 10
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February 1 10 pm
local standard time mid month. However, this
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E
N O VReT H N S M9 2 O A I
S O
GN H E R C U L T
MO NTH LY S KY GUID ES : S KY GUI D ES
M57
observation times
M Variable RACO
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Planetary
N
-1 9 0
2 1M57 2 3 5
4 7 5 Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
Date Standard Daylight-saving
S
M5
cluster cluster nebula nebula from midnight in the middle of the previous
time time
star NORTH
O
7
A
December 15 Midnight 1 am
R
H H
January 1 11 pm Midnight
January 15 10 pm 11 pm
E
points of reference February 15 8 pm
R
9 pm
24
S-1
Date Date
Standard Standard
Daylight-saving Daylight-saving
O
T 0 1 2 3 4 5 O R TVariable
N H
star
N O RGalaxy
TH Globular
cluster
Open
N Ocluster H
| December
NORTHERN
R TJANUARY nebula
Horizons LATITUDES
N S20°N
60°N 40°N
1Oam I
Diffuse
nebula
Planetary
time time time time A
Zeniths N
60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
LYR 15 Midnight
December 15 Midnight 1 am R LA
A star magnitudes
1M9
2
deep-sky objects
CO RMidnight
E points of reference
BO 11 pm
-1January 21 January
11Variable
pm 1 Midnight 11
Openpm
Star magnitude L O O K I N LNOOORKTI HN G Vega 0 3 4 5 Galaxy Globular Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
cluster cluster nebula nebula
NORTH
star
24
G January 15 10 January
pm 15 11 pm 10 pm
M 13
60°N
This panel shows the approximate magnitudes of the
24
CULE1S
HERFebruary February 1 10 pm 9 pm
9 pm 10 pm
40°N
stars plotted on the whole-sky chart. In astronomy,
M5
7 February 15 February 15 9 pm
8 pm 8 pm 9 pm
20°N
the brighter a star the lower its “magnitude” value; 0°
NUARY | NORTHERN
Y | NORTHERN LATITUDES
LATITUDES
bright objects may even have a negative value.
NORTH
observation times
Date Standard
time
Daylight-saving
time
20°S
40°S
s deep-sky objects deep-sky objects points of reference points of reference December 15 Midnight 1 am
5 2 Variable
3 4 5 Galaxy Open Globular
Variable Globular Galaxy Diffuse Open Planetary Diffuse Planetary
20°N 60°N
Horizons
60°N 40°N Zeniths40°N 60°N
20°N Zeniths
40°N 60°N Ecliptic
20°N 40°N 20°N January 1
Ecliptic 11 pm Lines
Midnightof latitude
star star cluster cluster clusternebula cluster nebula nebula Horizons
nebula
LOOK
IN G NORTH January 15 10 pm Use
11 pmthis map to find the colored latitude line
Deep-sky objects Points of reference February 1 9 pm that
10 pmis closest to your location. This is the color
This panel displays the symbols for deep-sky objects, To help you remember which horizon line or zenith markerFebruary 15 8 pm of9 pm
the line you need to find on the sky charts (see
including galaxies, clusters, and nebulae shown on the applies to your location, this bar shows the different colors above). Note that a 10° difference in latitude
JANUARY
In January skies, all eyes are firmly fixed on au r i g a
the striking constellation Orion, the Hunter. The Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Milky Way is another spectacular sight to 21 Alpha (α) Aurigae, Aurigae Aur December–February
or Capella, 0.1
behold this month. If you are in the Southern
The constellation Auriga, the
Hemisphere, look high in the sky for the Charioteer, can easily be spotted LYNX
7h
6h
from midnorthern latitudes, Sirius The open star clusters M36, M37, TAURUS
twinkles above the southern horizon. and M38 in Auriga are also worth
Directly above you is the yellowish a look with binoculars. named. At the peak of the shower, the trails of meteors appear to come,
star Capella in Auriga. you may be able to spot as many is quite low in the northeastern
Meanwhile, in the northeast lies METEOR SHOWERS as 100 meteors an hour, but they sky, even at midnight.
a familiar asterism, the Big Dipper. In The Quadrantid meteor shower kicks appear relatively faint. The meteor
MIDNIGHT
the northwest, look for the faint band off around January 3–4 every year. shower is best observed from
of the Milky Way passing through These meteors seem to originate rural or light pollution–free areas.
into Perseus and Cassiopeia. from a point near the handle of The peak lasts only a few hours
3 A.M.
the Big Dipper in the constellation and their radiant, the point in
SIGHTS OF INTEREST Ursa Major. This area was once the sky from which
If you are exploring the constellation occupied by the now-obsolete
Orion, you will see the Orion Nebula, constellation Quadrans, after
M42, a bright deep-sky object lying which the meteor shower is
6 A.M.
25 Pol
NOON 9 A.M.
Arcturus LEO
27
10° 27
Regulus CANCER
28
0°
29
OPHIUCHUS
VIRGO
–10° 29
Spica
22
27
–20°
23 24 24
26 29
24 22
Antares
–30° 21 LIBRA
SAGITTARIUS SCORPIUS
Shaula Y
K
–40° S
G
I N
N
–50° R
O
M
JANUARY 21
southern latitudes
THE STARS Auriga is low in the north on clear sparkling stars, you will find the and its star fields and clusters can
If you are observing the skies from January evenings and the rich Tarantula Nebula, which appears be seen with binoculars or a small
southern latitudes this month, you Milky Way star fields of Carina and to the naked eye as a glowing patch telescope. If you are located around
will find the bright star Canopus in Centaurus, which are home to many the size of the full Moon. Do not latitude 20°S, the star cluster M41,
the constellation Carina sitting high interesting celestial sights, are forget the Small Magellanic Cloud near Sirius, will be directly above
in the sky, while Sirius is almost sitting low in the southeast. in Tucana either—it lies to the you. Under good conditions, M41
overhead. Orion’s brightest stars, southwestern horizon this month, can be seen with the naked eye.
Rigel and Betelgeuse, are also high SIGHTS OF INTEREST
up. Aldebaran, the brightest star in It is not just observers in the canis major
the constellation Taurus, shines with northern latitudes who enjoy a good
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
a red-orange tint lower in the north. view of the constellation Orion. The
43 Alpha (α) Canis Majoris, Canis Majoris CMa January–February
The star Capella in the constellation Orion Nebula is ideally placed high or Sirius, -1.4
in the sky, even if you are observing 7h 6h
from southern latitudes. The Large Sitting at the heels of Orion, Canis –10º MONOCEROS
Magellanic Cloud in the constellation Major, the Greater Dog, is home to θ ORION
CANIS
the brightest star of the entire night MAJOR μ
Dorado can be seen with binoculars γ α
sky—Sirius, Alpha (α) Canis Majoris. NGC
ι
Sirius
URANUS
PEGASUS
6 P.M.
GEMINI NEPTUNE
Capella Capella
ARIES
29 28 27 PISCES
26 25
24
TAURUS 23
22 29
21 28
Castor Castor
20 PISCES 27
26
3 P.M.
TAURUSTAURUS 25
24
23
llux25 GEMINI
Pollux GEMINI Pleiades Pleiades 22
21
23 23
26 26 25 25
ARIES ARIES AQUARIUS
Aldebaran Aldebaran
21 21
Hyades Hyades 24 24PISCES PISCES
10° 10°
Bellatrix Bellatrix 29 29
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
28 28
Procyon Procyon
27 27 AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS
23 23 0° 0°
Mira Mira 26 26
Rigel Rigel 25 25 25 25
–10° –10°
28 28 21 21
24 24
23 22 23
22 28 28
E V E N I N G S K Y 28 21 28 21
–20° –20°
23 22 23 22 22 26 26
22 21
21
positions of the planets
FomalhautFomalhaut CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS –30°
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s –30°
in January from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on January 15. Mercury is shown
represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac. –40°
–40°
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
December 15 Midnight 1 am
January 1 11 pm Midnight
January 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north February 1 9 pm 10 pm
February 15 8 pm 9 pm
The pair of star clusters NGC 884 and NGC
Zenith
869 are known together as the Double Cluster. 20°N
They lie in Perseus, in the northwest in
January skies, and are a truly wonderful sight
through binoculars or a small telescope. TAURUS
AURIGA
PISCES
CASSIOPEIA URSA
Polaris MAJOR
ANDROMEDA
URSA Regulus
MINOR Big Dipper
LEO
CEPHEUS
Alcor Mizar
PEGASUS
Horiz
on 20
DRACO ºN
Deneb
BOÖTES Horizon 40ºN
The Double Cluster
Both NGC 884 and NGC 869 can be seen through binoculars or W
a small telescope as two fuzzy patches made of many stars, ES 0 ºN ST
T CYGNUS on 6 EA
Vega Horiz
sparkling against the rich star fields of the Milky Way galaxy.
HERCULES
looking south
The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a
magnificent sight to behold with the naked Zenith
60°N
eye. Particularly striking is the color difference
between Orion’s two brightest stars, the
Capella
orange-red Alpha (α) Orionis, Betelgeuse,
and the blue-white Beta (β) Orionis, Rigel. 40ºN
A telescope or a pair of binoculars will reveal AURIGA PERSEUS
MONOCEROS
CETUS
Sirius Rigel
Regulus Mira
HYDRA
CANIS ERIDANUS
PUPPIS
MAJOR
on 60ºN
Horiz
Horizon 40ºN
M35 in Gemini
The open cluster M35 sits near the star Propus in Gemini. While EA
Canopus
T
a small telescope will show the cluster clearly, a larger telescope ST Horiz CARINA PHOENIX ES
on 20 VELA PICTOR W
will also show the fainter cluster NGC 2158 sitting nearby. ºN
JANUARY 23
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
JANUARY
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The bright star Castor, Alpha (α) Geminorum,
Zenith
40°S
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
ERIDANUS CANIS
20ºS MAJOR of which can be observed with a small
telescope. Also on show are the open clusters
Rigel Sirius M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, the Charioteer.
PUPPIS
In the west, the prominent “V” shape of
MONOCEROS
0º
ORION the Hyades star cluster in Taurus is a fine
Betelgeuse
sight to the naked eye or through binoculars.
CANCER
GEMINI
Pollux Ecl
ARIES AURIGA ipt
ic
Castor
LEO
Horizon 20ºS The Hyades
W URSA The “V” of the Hyades star cluster is an unmistakable sight; its
ES CASSIOPEIA MAJOR ST members form the head of Taurus, the Bull. The bright orange-red
T ANDROMEDA EA
Big Dipper star nearby, Aldebaran, is not actually a part of the cluster.
Horizon 0º
looking south
The constellations Vela, Carina, and the long and
Zenith winding Eridanus are all on show at this time
0°
of the year. The planetary nebula NGC 3132
ORION
in Vela is an interesting object when seen
Rigel through a telescope. While you are observing
Sirius the eastern part of the sky, be sure to look for
20ºS
MONOCEROS
CANIS
the globular cluster NGC 3201. The open star
MAJOR cluster NGC 2547, also in Vela, is a good target
for binoculars. Use a small telescope to bring
40ºS ERIDANUS into focus the scattered open cluster M47
PUPPIS in the constellation Puppis, the Stern.
Canopus
Regor
PICTOR
VELA Achernar
CARINA
PHOENIX CETUS
HYDRA
CENTAURUS
TUCANA
OCTANS AQUARIUS
0º CRUX
izon
Hor β Centauri GRUS Fomalhaut
Horizon 20ºS
Hor NGC 2547
izon
EA 40º α Centauri The gorgeous magnitude 4.7 star cluster NGC 2547 sits very
S T
S PAVO ST close to the star Regor, Gamma (γ) Velorum, in the constellation
WE
Vela. It is a fine sight through binoculars or a small telescope.
ARA
PE
OR
M EO
X
RS
U N
IN
S LY
E
L
PE
GA
TRIA
PIS CES
SU
M87
AN
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M333
EAST
S
C8 ella
WEST
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1
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SS
M3
84 AURIGA
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4
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M1
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03 X
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M81N M
BE COM
U
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IN
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L
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ES
4
GA
M6
N TIC
I
C A NA
SU
M87
LA M5
AN
2 NG
VE
M
EAST
C
S
C Polaris
WEST
31
ER CA NG 869
3
DR
M5
TA S
C8
84
SI
OM
OP C AM U R SA SA R
E E U R A JO
S
I LOPA
ED
A RDALIS MINOR
CE
M1
CE
RE A
03
A
P M81 M
BE COM
NI
HEU
3
S
M
ar
M Miz M
51
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39
4
M6
N TIC
I
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LA M5 1 PP
M10 DI C A NA
VE
2
CE Polaris BI
G
3
RT E
M5
A D TH
en
eb U R SA
MINOR
C C EPH S
YG
N EU TE
O5O1
TM3
US S ar
M2 M
DRACO Miz BM
N
S
9 3
O
A
R
E
H CY H
T
W GN M10
1 T
E U R
S SR O
T IFT N
D en LYR
eb A M92
Vega
C YG M 13 E S
N HERCULES OT
US
BO
T
M2 M5
DRACO
N
S
9 7
O
A
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S O
T NA N
LYR NORTH RO AIS
A M92 CO RE L
Vega BO
M 13
HERCULES
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
M5
7
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
December 15 Midnight 1 am
January 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH January 15 10 pm 11 pm
February 1 9 pm 10 pm
February 15 8 pm 9 pm
JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
24
S
M3 A DE
5 AURIGA EI
PL
CAN
M1
M
C
SE
67
ES
ER
XT
SC
Cas
Po
PI
aran
AN
Pr
tor
DES
llu
Aldeb
S
x
M38 HYA S US
cy
N
on
M36ORIO
SEUAUR
CA
ECLIP PER T
M37
WEST
TIC
Reg
Bete
NI
LE
EAST
HY
u
lgeu
S
se S
O
M
D
ARIES
R
ra
O
DE
lus
M
A N
I
M3 A
N 5 ellatrix
Mi
O O AURIGBA EI
R CE PL
CAN
RO
M1
M
S
C
S
SE
67
E
EMR
XT
48
SC
TU
PI S
aran S
AN
Pr
M5
0 Aldeb DE CE
S
M42 HYA US
cy
U R
on
CA
M TA
ORIOelN
Rig
WEST
46 Bete
NI
EAST
HY
lgeu
S
M4 se
D
7 ius Sir
R
ra
M
A N
AN
Bellatrix
Mi
N C US
TL
M9
O ANI OC
MR N
3 DA
IA
A JO S E R O
R M4S1
ERI X
NA
M
S
48
PY FO
OR
XIS
M5 LEPUS TU
0 CE
PT
M42
L
Adhara
CU
M Rigel
S
46
M4
7 Sirius
AN
US
TL
M9 PU MCANIS N
3 DA
T
IA
PPA
ERI
S
ISJO
S
R M41 AX
O
E
VE COLUMBA M N
U
OR
W
T PY LA CAELU F
H XIS
LEPUS IUM H
E OG T
A R OL U
S Adhara HO O
T Canopus
S
X
PICTOR E NI
CAR DORADO M HO
INA ULU P
PU RETIC
T
PPI
S
S
S
O
E
VE UMBA M
U
W
COLLMC
T LA CAELU
H G IUM H
E LO T
A RO U
S HO O
T Canopus
S
SOUTH
PICTOR DORADO STAR MOTION
CAR M
INA ULU
RETIC
North
LMC
sunrise and sunset on 15th january
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JANUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J A NUA R Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
25
HY
R
M A JO
US
NIS
3
CA
M9
LEPUS
41
M
LEP
M46
us
RA
Siri 47
M
US
CAN HYD
8
I S M A JO R
M4
Rig
S
el
AN
CET
Mi
ER
XT
M42 0
D M5
AN
US
ra
SE
US
OS yon
A MONOCER Pro
c
PIS
U
T
RU Bellatrix 67
EC
EAST
S M
CE
us
WEST
LIP
Betelgeuse R ul
PEG
TIC
INO g
O
S
CANIS M Re
LE
HYAD
CE R
AS U
ES ORION
CAN
S
AR Aldebaran
I ES M4
4
M1
OR
PLEIA
TR DES
I M35 lux
AN Pol
IN
G
M
M
33 U LU M37 tor
Cas
O
M
LE
INI
PE M38 M36 GEM
R SEU
A S
N AU R I G A
DR
O M3
M
M
4
31
ED X
A Capella LYN
R
JO
A
CA M
SA
NG
S SI C8 NG
UR
69 C8
O
T
84
PE
N
S
IA M1
O
A
03
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S O
T N
CA MELO
PARDALIS
1
M8
DRACO
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
December 15 Midnight 1 am
January 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH January 15 10 pm 11 pm
February 1 9 pm 10 pm
February 15 8 pm 9 pm
JANUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
26
Ad
YD
C
AN
har BA N
S
Rig
a
M4
NA
CE
I S M A JO R
8
DA
RA
COLUM I
HYD
CAN
US
M
ER
FO
47
C
Siri
RA
us
M46
LEP
S
RA
PY
PU
XI
TE
PP
RIU
R
IS UM
M
CAEL
41
AN
LEPUS
QU
TL
M9
I
CA
3
A NIS
R
M
CO
US
Canopu
WEST
AJsOR
HY
EAST
U
TTO
Ad
AX
RV
P
har BA N
DR
L
a A
N
CE
U
A
COLUM ID
S
O
CU
ER
S
DORAD
FO
C
VE
t
LA
au
RA
PY
PU CA
alhS
XI
TE
mIU
PP R IN A
R
IS UM
AFoR
CAEL
M
AN
PICTOR IX
QU
GI U EN
TL
I
O
A
A LO PH
nar
R
LMC RETICULUM HORO er
CO
WEST
Ach
US
EAST
TO
N
RV
LP
U
RI IS
U
T
S
VOL O
A
S ISC
NCan
S opus US
SC
VE DORAD
t
HYDR 04
AU P
LA M E N SA
au
C1
CA NG
alh
RIN
A
m
SMC
Fo
Ga CR
NG cr ux UX
C PICTOR M X
51
39
CHAMAELEON IU NI US
Acru MUS
L U M O LOG A OE
CE x CA LMC R E T I C U HO R nar
ArN PH GR
N Bec TUC che A
US
TA rux
N
RI IS
UR
T
VOL
A OCTANS
S ISC
US
Had NS US
ar HYDR
T
04
AU P
M E N SA
S
C1
S
NG
O
E
APUS
U
W
T Ga
Rig
C il SMC
H NG cruL RUKent H
E C x UP X auru
s U S T
A 51 US CHAMAELEON U
S 39
Acru MUS IND US O
CET x CA NA GR S
N Mim CIRC TUCA
osa
TA INUS PAVO
UR TRIANG
ULU M
I U
US AUSTRA M
LE OCTANS
Had C OP
ar
T
S
OS
S
ARA R
O
E
APUS IC
U
M
W
T Rig
il K
H LU ent H
E aur
us US T
A PU
S U
S IND O
T S
CIRC SOUTH
INUS
TRIANG PAVO STAR MOTION
ULU
AUSTRA M
LE
North
ARA
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JANUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J A NUA R Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
27
28 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
FEBRUARY
To get your bearings this month, look out gemini
for the bright stars Castor and Pollux in Size ranking Brightest stars Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Gemini from northern latitudes. If you are 30 Beta (β) Geminorum, 1.15 Geminorum Gem January–February
Alpha (α) Geminorum, 1.6
observing from the Southern Hemisphere, LYNX
6h
You can find the 8h
constellation Gemini,
Vela can be seen high in the sky. the Twins, by looking
for its two brightest Castor
ο
αρ
θ
30º
τ
stars, Beta (β) and χ σ
β ι AURIGA
Alpha (α) Pollux
known to Ecliptic δ μ η 1
ζ
THE STARS constellations Taurus, Auriga, astronomers as Castor 20º
NGC 2392 ν TAURUS
If you are observing the sky from Perseus, and the W-shaped and Pollux. Castor is an 81
ORION
λ γ
interesting multiple star. Alhena
midnorthern latitudes, you will find Cassiopeia are also on show
You will also find the 38 ξ 30
the constellation Gemini almost this month. In the eastern sky, open cluster M35 near 10º
overhead. South of Gemini lies the the constellation Leo, the Lion, the feet of the twins. CANCER
Betelgeuse
CANIS
sparkling Winter Triangle formed is visible, while the familiar shape Procyon MINOR
by the bright stars Sirius in Canis of the Big Dipper asterism sits MONOCEROS
NOON
20° 6 A.M.
9 A.M.
Arcturus
LEO
27 2
Regulus
10°
Altair
28
0°
29
OPHIUCHUS VIRGO
29
–10° CAPRICORNUS
29 22 22
Spica
21 21 28 22
–20° 26 24 29
24 27
LIBRA
21
22 Antares
–30°
SAGITTARIUS Shaula
–40° Y
K
S
SCORPIUS G
I N
N
R
O
M
FEBRUARY 29
southern latitudes
THE STARS Magellanic Clouds. Meanwhile,
puppis
If you are observing from southern Leo, the Lion, is steadily rising
latitudes, you will find two stellar in the northeast. Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
beacons shining away high in the 20 Zeta (ζ) Puppis, Puppis Pup January–February
sky. These are the two brightest SIGHTS OF INTEREST or Naos, 2.2
9h 7h
stars in the night sky—Sirius and The regions in and around the The constellation Puppis, the MONOCEROS
–10º
Canopus. Two stunning constellations, Milky Way should be explored, as Stern, is home to the open ORION
19
Crux, the Southern Cross, and they contain many star clusters, star clusters M46 and M47, M47
Sirius
20
Centaurus, the Centaur, are also such as M46, M47, NGC 2451, which can be seen with a pair M46
CANIS
MAJOR
visible. A little way above them, and NGC 2477, which can be found of binoculars. Puppis sits –20º
16
LEPUS
in the night sky just north of 11
you will find the deceptive False in Puppis. Also seek out the star the bright star Canopus and ξ
M93
ο
Cross, sometimes mistaken for clusters IC 2391 and IC 2395 in is wedged between the NGC 1 Adhara
PYXIS
Vela and NGC 2516 in Carina.
3
the true Southern Cross. The
2571
constellations Vela, Carina, -30º
6h
and Canis Major.
k
False Cross is formed by four NGC 2439
Taurus are also visible. In the south, imaginary lines: one, an extension of the long –50º
PICTOR
you will still find the Large and Small axis of Crux, and the other at right angles CARINA Canopus
to the line joining Alpha and Beta Centauri.
9 P.M.
6 P.M.
MIDNIGHT URANUS
Capella
Capella
ARIES
3 P.M. 29 28 27
26 25
24
TAURUS 23
22
21
Castor Castor
Pollux Pollux
GEMINI GEMINI 23
Pleiades Pleiades
23
26 26 ARIES ARIES
25 25 25
25 21 20° 20°
21
Aldebaran
2727 27
TAURUS
Aldebaran
TAURUS 24
Hyades Hyades 24
ulus 29 29PISCES PISCES 10° 10°
CANCER CANCER Bellatrix Bellatrix
Procyon Procyon 28 28
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse 25 25
28 28
27 27
23 26 23 26 0° 0°
23 26 26
23
Mira Mira 25 25 26
28 28 26
Rigel Rigel
27 27
–10° –10°
22 22
24 24
E V E N I N G S K Y
–20° –20°
PEGASUS
AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS
positions of the planets
–30° –30°
Fomalhaut Fomalhaut
This chart shows the positions of the planets in except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
February from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on February 15. Mercury is shown
PISCES
represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac. –40° –40°
29
28
27
26
Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune 25
24
23 –50° –50°
Venus Jupiter Uranus 22
21
EXAMPLES
Jupiter’s position on Jupiter’s position on February 15, 2025. The arrow indicates AQUARIUS
22 25
February 15, 2022 that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).
NEPTUNE
30 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
January 15 Midnight 1 am
February 1 11 pm Midnight
February 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north March 1 9 pm 10 pm
March 15 8 pm 9 pm
In February, the three prominent open clusters in
Zenith
the northwest M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga 20°N
are a must-see. Through a telescope, each
cluster appears like grains of sugar scattered GEMINI Pollux
against the black sky; a pair of binoculars show Castor
the clusters as gray smudges. 40ºN
Other objects to be spotted with binoculars
are the galaxy M81 in Ursa Major, the Great
AURIGA
Bear, and the line of stars known as Kemble’s
Aldebaran 60ºN LEO
Cascade in Camelopardalis, the Giraffe, which Capella
lies close to Cassiopeia and Perseus.
TAURUS
PERSEUS
tic
Big Dipper
Eclip
URSA
MAJOR
URSA
CETUS MINOR
CASSIOPEIA
ARIES ANDROMEDA γ
CEPHEUS
DRACO BOÖTES
PISCES Horiz
on 20
ºN
Arcturus
Horizon 40ºN
Kemble’s Cascade
Sitting close to the halfway point between the bright star W PEGASUS
Deneb
ES ST
Capella, in Auriga, and Gamma (γ) Cassiopeiae, Kemble’s T CYGNUS Vega on 60ºN EA
Cascade is best observed with a pair of binoculars. Horiz
HERCULES
looking south
The open cluster M41 lies just south of the
bright star Sirius in Canis Major, the Greater Dog. Zenith
60°N
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. URSA
MAJOR Capella
To the east, the cluster NGC 2244 in 40ºN
AURIGA
Monoceros, the Unicorn, is good through
binoculars and small telescopes. Also worth Castor
Pollux
finding is M1 in Taurus in the west. A large GEMINI
telescope reveals its elliptical shape, while the 20ºN
biggest telescopes reveal even more details. CANCER
LEO
Aldebaran
Procyon
TAURUS
Regulus Betelgeuse
ic ORION
t
lip
Ec
MONOCEROS
HYDRA
Sirius
CANIS
Rigel
MAJOR
VIRGO
ERIDANUS
Horizon 60ºN
CETUS
PUPPIS
Horizon 40ºN
M1 in Taurus
Also called the Crab Nebula, M1 is a supernova remnant that was VELA
EA Canopus T
formed by the explosion of a massive star. About 6,500 light-years ST ES
W
from Earth, it appears as a faintly glowing patch in the sky. PICTOR
CARINA
Horizon 20ºN
FEBRUARY 31
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
FEBRUARY
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
In the constellation Cancer, the Crab, look out
Zenith
40°S
for the wonderful star cluster M44, also known
as the Beehive Cluster or Praesepe. Easy
PUPPIS to locate, it sits at the very center of the
constellation, close to the stars Gamma (γ) and
CANIS
MAJOR 20ºS Delta (δ) Cancri. M44 appears as a misty patch
to the naked eye from a dark sky location. Also
Sirius on show, and best seen with a telescope, are
MONOCEROS the interesting spiral galaxies M65 and M66
0º
Rigel HYDRA in Leo, the Lion. These galaxies appear as
Procyon elliptical smudges through a telescope.
ERIDANUS Betelgeuse CANCER
ORION 𝛅
𝛄 Regulus Eclip
GEMINI tic
Aldebaran Pollux
Castor
TAURUS LEO
AURIGA
VIRGO
CETUS Horiz
Capella on 4
0ºS
PERSEUS
ARIES Horizon 20ºS
M44 in Cancer
W Big Dipper
URSA Appearing as a glittering collection of stars, the magnitude 3.7
ES MAJOR ST open cluster M44 is a beautiful sight through binoculars. It is
T on 0
º EA
Horiz an ideal target for amateur deep-sky astrophotographers.
Polaris
looking south
This is a good time to observe and admire
Zenith the rich star fields of the Milky Way stretching
0°
across the southern skies. To scan these stars,
MONOCEROS
you only need your eyes or a pair of binoculars.
Look out for the Milky Way running through the
20ºS Sirius ORION constellations Crux, Centaurus, Musca, and
CANIS
Carina in the east. Be sure to observe the
MAJOR Coalsack Nebula, a distinctive dark patch close
PUPPIS Rigel
to the stars of Crux, the Southern Cross. This
40ºS
dark nebula is a cloud of dust and gas about
600 light-years away.
HYDRA
VELA Canopus
PICTOR ERIDANUS
CARINA
CENTAURUS
CRUX
S
n 40º
ARA GRUS Horizo to the naked eye, but binoculars show it twinkling away.
Ca AU
pe
l
R IG
la
I
A
VE ANES
TIC
NA
RS
O A
C
R
U J
P L EIA
M38
OR
M EO
A
TR
PIS CE
ES
M
M3
IN
M
IA
EAST
BE OMA
NIC
34
WEST
NARIE
U
DE S
PE
G
4
LU ER
3
M6
SE
S
RE
M5
X PP
R
M DI
C
US LYN
us
S
M AU 81 IG
tur
E
M
S
33 Ca
pe RIG EB
V E A N E S 51
OT
Arc
lla A TH
M
CA
I
TIC
BO
r
iza
NG M E LOP
M
C
NA
884
ARDA
RS
O A
LIS
C
R
NG
C8
69 U J
A
TR
M3
M
IA
EAST
34
10
WEST
M1
R
N
U M 03
Polaris
INO
M
PE
G
LU 31
SE ER
AM PP
R
M DI
US U R S 81
us
S
M CA IG
tur
TE
33 M
EB
51
S
Arc
SIO TH
S OO
M
CA
PE
AN
r
P
iza
ENIAGC M
GA
A NA B
E
DR
LOP
M
88 4 ARDA CO
SU
ED DRA
LI
LIS
RERO
M
N GC
S
A COO
8 69 M52
CEPH B
M1 EUS 10
1
M 03
Polaris
R
INO
M
31 LA
CE AM
CA RTA URS
S S IO
AN
PE 13
IA
DR
2 M
M9
A NA
T
CO
E IS
N EG
S
ED DRA
RERO
M
ES
L
O AS
A
P
A
UL COO H
M52
R
H M39
RC
T
W CEPH
EUS HE B RT
E O
S
US
Deneb
T N
CYG NUS LYRA
a
Veg
L AC 13
E RT M9
2 M
T
A M29
N
S
ES
O
A
UL
R
E
H M39 H
RC
T
W T
E HE R
S Deneb O
T N
NORTH LYRA
CYG NUS
a
Veg
M29
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
January 15 Midnight 1 am
February 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH February 15 10 pm 11 pm
March 1 9 pm 10 pm
March 15 8 pm 9 pm
FEBRUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
32
Pollux
M35
US
ES
T
I NI
Mira
an
M GEM M1 e bar YAD
CE
Ald H
LE
44
O
ECLIPTIC
36
M
37
Re
M
gu CA
S
ix
M8
lus NC
7
ER Castor IGA latr
M6 Bel
RU
7
M
U
AURgeuse ON
10
WEST
el
VI R
ORI
EAST
Pollux Bet 35 TA
M
M1
GO
US
ira
Procyon I ES
T
ran
M
M G MRIN
INEO eba AD
S M Ald HY
LE
SE 44 CANI
O
S CE
CR
XT
U
A
TE AN ROS 2
R S HY ECLIPTIC MONOCE M4 l AN
Re
DR
A CA Ri
ge D I
gu
N x
CO
lus CE
MR48 tri ER
M6 B ella
RV
7 e
M
M50
U
eus ON
10
WEST
elg
S
ORI
EAST
Best S
u PU
M47 Siri LE
Procyon
M46
AX
R
SE INO
CANIS M
S
CR
XT
U RN
A
TE AN ROS M41 2
S HY MONOCE
AN FO
R M93 M4 l
D
ge
DR
A Ri I
a
CO
AN M48 Adhar B A ER
RV
TL M50
LUM
U
IA CO
S
PYX IS PUPPIS S
us PU
M47 Siri
M46
AX
LE LUM
E
CA
T
S
S N
O
E FOR
M41 JOR
U
W
T M93 IS MA
H CAN H
E ra T
A Adha BA U
S AN pus UM O
T TL Cano DO
IA V PUPPIS COLICTOR RA S
PYEXLIA P D O
S
CARINA UM
EL
CA
T
S
S
O
E
U
VOLAN
S
W
T
H H
E T
A U
S pus O
T Cano R O
VELA TO R AD S
SOUTH PIC DO
CARINA STAR MOTION
North
VOLANS
sunrise and sunset on 15th february
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
FEBRUARY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
F E BRUA R Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
33
A
C
L EP
Mira
Sirius IC
U S PT
M46 LI
M47 EC
Ri
CET
S
ge
ER
AN
D
l
AN
US
O
48
I
M50
PISC
XT
M
RG
M
US
42
RA
SE
VI
YD
ES
H
B ell MO
87
atrix NO CEROS
M
y on
Proc
EAST
B
M53
etelg
WEST
euse
HY O R M6
7
U AD RI
ON CANI S MI NO
TA
s
AR
RU ES ulu
4
R g
M6
S CE Re O
CAN
A
I ES
l de LE
ES
EN M A
ba
ra
IC
n
ER CO
M1
M44
PL
TR
EIA B
DE
IAN
S M35
x
GU
Pollu R
GEM NO
INI Castor
MI
LU
LEO
M37
M
AT S
M3
I
IC
N NE
6
M3
8 C
A
AU LYNX VE
RIG
A
Cap
OR
M
e lla
RS
PE
34
EU AJ
S AM
URS
r
R iza
T
C PE
N
AM M
S
DIP
O
A
EL BIG
OP
R
E
H A H
T
W R DA T
E L IS R
S M81 O
T N
D R AC O
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
January 15 Midnight 1 am
February 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH February 15 10 pm 11 pm
March 1 9 pm 10 pm
March 15 8 pm 9 pm
FEBRUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
34
Adh
ara
PY
CRA
S
X
IS
TE
S
O GO
AN
VIR pica
C
TL
TU
OR
IA
U
CE
VU
A
BA
S
M ID
AX
M93 41 U
N
M OL ER
R
C
S
R
HY
N
PIS
JO
D
A
P UP UM FO
PU
A IS
Cpus
o L
RA
WEST
EAST
Can M AE
LE
M1
ra C
04
Adha
PY
CRA
VI R
M
X
VEL
A
Sp
IS
TE
83 CARINA
S
GO
AN
ica
C
TL
DO
TU
S
DORA
OR
IA
U
CE
VU
A
BA
S
MM ID
AX
NG VOLANS LU
LU
N
C RETICU
CO ER
CE 51
39
Ga S R
cru
x PU PPI M FO
NT U
EL
WEST
AU LMCanopus
C
EAST
R CA
R
US
Mi
M
TO
M mo VEL
A
P
83 sa C Ac CARINA IU
RU rux R OG r
UL
X MU ROL rna
MPEI CNTSOA ADO HO
RS he
SC
SCA DOU Ac
HYDR
IX
Rig Had
i lK ar
NG en
CHA
LUM EN
C tau MAELEON VOLANS O
CE 51 rusGa RETICU C PH
39 cru TRI
SM
NT x ANG
AU AU S U L U M LMC
R T RA
R
LE 104
LU
US CIR
PU im NGC
M
TO
CMIN
S U
P
osa
SC Ac OCTANS IU
N RU rux OG r
UL
X APUS
S
OR MU RAOL rna
M E N SA S H ON he
O
M
SCS T
E
A
SCA U A Ac
U
HYDR TUC US
W
T
IX
H Rig
i
Had GR H
E lK ar T
A en CHA EN
S
tau MAELEON
HO U
T
rus
TRI P O
ANG SMC S
AU S U L U M PAVO
CI T RA 4
LE
LU
RC AR NG C 10 S
PU IN U A NDU
I
S S OCTANS
N
T
APUS
S
S
OR A
O
M
E
A AN
U
TUC US
W
T GR
H H
E T
A U
S O
T S
SOUTH
PAVO
STAR MOTION
AR S
A INDU
North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
FEBRUARY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
F E BRUA R Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
35
36 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
MARCH
As the nights grow shorter in the Northern cancer
Hemisphere, the bright winter constellations Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
move toward the west. In the Southern 31 Beta (β) Cancri, 3.5 Cancri Cnc February–March
δ
THE STARS Sextans, Crater, and Hydra. The in the entire night sky,
Eclipti
c
ζ
Look north on March evenings and most notable star in this part of M44, which is also known Regulus
you will see the “Sickle” asterism, the sky is Alphard, lying in the as Praesepe, as well as α
M67
LEO
the Beehive Cluster.
10º
SEXTANS MONOCEROS
faint and sparse constellations of the Big Dipper asterism, with shining in the constellation
its handle arching down toward the Canis Major near the from streetlights and other sources
bright star Arcturus in Boötes. southwestern horizon. of light pollution, M81 can be
A little way away and closer to the spotted through a pair of binoculars.
horizon lies the star Spica in SIGHTS OF INTEREST Farther south, look out for the
the constellation Virgo. Also look If you are observing with a small well-placed Beehive Cluster, or
telescope this month, be sure to M44, in the constellation Cancer.
look out for the magnificent spiral
The Sickle of Leo
galaxy M81 in the northern part
The asterism known as the “Sickle,” made from
the stars of the head of Leo, is a useful celestial of the constellation Ursa Major. MIDNIGHT
signpost for navigating March’s night skies. On a clear March evening away
3 A.M.
20° 9 A.M.
6 A.M. Arcturus
10°
Altair
28
0° 29
AQUARIUS OPHIUCHUS VIRGO
22 24
26 29
–10° 23
24 21
22
24 27 Spica
27 21
22 SAGITTARIUS
–20° 21
PEGASUS
22
Fomalhaut
CAPRICORNUS Antares
–30° LIBRA
SCORPIUS
PISCES Shaula
29
28
27
26
25 Y
24 K
23
22 S
21
G
AQUARIUS I N
N
R
O
NEPTUNE M
MA R C H 37
southern latitudes
THE STARS Orion is gradually sinking out of IC 2602. Its brightest member, 4 degrees north of the Southern
If you are observing the night sky view, so make the most of it before the star Theta (θ) Carinae, can Pleiades is a glowing region
from southern latitudes, your eyes it disappears. Leo is very much still actually be seen with the naked eye. NGC 3372, visible to the naked eye.
will undoubtedly be drawn to visible and can be found sitting high If you focus your binoculars on the Also known as the Carina Nebula,
the constellations sitting in the in the northern part of the sky. Not cluster, you can see about 24 it is beautiful when observed
southeast, centered around Crux far away from Leo, a little lower in other sparkling stars. Around through a small telescope.
and Centaurus. From midlatitudes, the northwest, are the brightest
you can see Alphard, the brightest stars of the constellation Gemini,
vela
star in the constellation Hydra, sitting Castor and Pollux.
almost right above you. Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, Spica, the brightest SIGHTS OF INTEREST 32 Gamma Velorum, 1.8 Velorum Vel February–April
star in Virgo, twinkles away in the You can see a great deal with a
east, with the blazing Canopus in good pair of binoculars this month, The constellation Vela, the ANTLIA PYXIS
Carina taking center stage in the including a lovely open cluster Sails, was once part of a
southwest sky. The constellation known as the Southern Pleiades, larger constellation called Argo
ψ
Navis, the Ship. Vela can be –40º NGC 3132
λ
The False Cross found in the night sky near NGC 3201 VELA
PUPPIS
Formed by four stars in the constellations Carina the other parts of the ship, γ
and Vela, the False Cross asterism resembles notably the constellations μ IC 2395
the constellation Crux, the Southern Cross, Carina, the Keel, and –50º
NGC 3228
NGC 2547
ο
but is somewhat larger. Puppis, the Stern. CENTAURUS φ κ IC 2391
δ
IC 2488
8h
CRUX
9h PICTOR
6 P.M. CARINA
VOLANS
10h
9 P.M. Acrux 11h
3 P.M.
MIDNIGHT Capella
Capella
NOON
GEMINIGEMINI
Castor Castor 30° 30°
Pollux Pollux
Pleiades Pleiades
26 23 23 25 21
26 25 21 ARIES ARIES
CANCERCANCER 25 25 20° 20°
LEO LEO 27 27 28 PISCES
PISCES
27 AldebaranAldebaranTAURUS
TAURUS 24 28
27 24
Hyades Hyades 29 23 23
29
24 24 25 25 10° 10°
Regulus Regulus Bellatrix Bellatrix 28 28
BetelgeuseBetelgeuse
28 23 26 2325 26 25
Procyon Procyon 27 27 0°
26 26 0°
Mira Mira
Rigel Rigel
–10° –10°
E N I N G S K Y
E V –20° –20°
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
February 15 Midnight 1 am
March 1 11 pm Midnight
March 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north April 1 9 pm 10 pm
April 15 8 pm 9 pm
This month, look out for three beautiful star
Zenith
clusters in Taurus in the southwest: the 20°N
Pleiades, M45, and the Hyades (see p.23).
The Pleiades is arguably the finest open LEO
Capella
URSA Arcturus
Ecliptic
MINOR BOÖTES
Polaris
Aldebaran PERSEUS
CEPHEUS DRACO
TAURUS HERCULES SERPENS
N
on 20º CAPUT
Horiz
CASSIOPEIA
ARIES
Horizon 40ºN Vega
The Pleiades
Also known as the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades is a beautiful star W Deneb
cluster visible to the naked eye. It is a much-loved target of both ES CYGNUS ST
T Hori
zon 6 ANDROMEDA EA
astrophotographers and astronomers observing with binoculars. 0ºN
looking south
Coma Berenices, Berenice‘s Hair, is a
constellation located between Leo and Boötes Zenith
60°N
in the west, and binoculars or a small telescope
will reveal the scattered open star cluster known
URSA
as Melotte 111, which lies within it. With a MAJOR
magnitude of 2.7, Melotte 111 is visible to 40ºN
the naked eye from a dark sky site.
Other objects to look out for from northern
Castor
skies include the three galaxies in Leo: M65, Pollux
M66, and NGC 3628, as well as the double Algieba 20ºN
Ecliptic GEMINI
star Algieba, Gamma (γ) Leonis. LEO
CANCER
Regulus
BOÖTES
Procyon
MONOCEROS
Arcturus
Aldebaran
HYDRA Betelgeuse
ORION
VIRGO Horizon 60ºN Sirius
Spica
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
MARCH
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The galaxy M104 is an interesting target for
Zenith
40°S
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
PUPPIS 20ºS dust that sits across its faintly glowing form. A
relatively large telescope can show the dark
lane clearly, but even a modest telescope
CANIS HYDRA
MAJOR reveals the galaxy’s elliptical shape. Also in
0º
Sirius Virgo is the spiral galaxy M61; however, its
low magnitude (9.7) makes it difficult to spot.
MONOCEROS Procyon Regulus Ecliptic
LEO Spica
VIRGO
Rigel CANCER
Betelgeuse
Pollux
GEMINI
Castor
ORION URSA
Horizon 40ºS MAJOR
Arcturus
Aldebaran
AURIGA BOÖTES
Horizon 20ºS Big Dipper
The Sombrero Galaxy
Capella M104 is a good target if you have a large-aperture telescope.
W
ES TAURUS ST This stunning image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows
T DRACO EA
the prominent dust lane in great detail.
Horizon 0º
looking south
The globular cluster Omega (ω) Centauri is
Zenith a must-see object for astronomers. A large
0°
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,
20ºS the Jewel Box, in Crux, is a nice target for small
telescopes and binoculars. Another western
HYDRA
MONOCEROS
target is NGC 3372, or the Eta (η) Carinae
Nebula, a little farther in Carina. NGC 3372 is
40ºS PUPPIS
Sirius
visible to the naked eye against the Milky Way,
CANIS
with a dark lane of dust running through it.
VELA
MAJOR
VIRGO CARINA
Canopus
CRUX Rigel
PICTOR
Ecliptic
β Centauri
LIBRA α Centauri
LUPUS
Horizon 0º
ERIDANUS
OCTANS
ARA
SCORPIUS Achernar
Horizon 20ºS Omega (ω) Centauri
EA Antares PAVO Lying 17,000 light-years away, Omega (ω) Centauri or NGC 5139
ST ST is the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way. At magnitude 3.7,
WE
TUCANA PHOENIX it is visible to the naked eye in the constellation Centaurus.
Horizon 40ºS
M
36
LY
M
N X
38
AU
51
M
RI
GA
AMld
T IC r
I
NA Miza
C
PL
ap PER
4 eb
us
5 ara
ell DIP
EI
a BIG
tur
EAST
1
AD
WEST
M3
THE 10
M3
Arc
ES
M
n
HY
VE
TA
UT
AL A
AD
A J SA
RE ON
IS
M81
S
M
OR
UR
ES
AP
E
ES
36
E
R
LY
BO OR
OT
RS
N
U
P AU
CA
US
SC
CA X
38
C
BO
E
M
US M
EN
51
AR
EL
M
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OP
RP
AR
IES
GA
DA
SE
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LIS
M
iza
C
PL
ap ER
45
R DIPP
TR
ell
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a
INEOBIG
EAST
N 1
AD
WEST
O
IA
10
URSA MTH
G M
34 AC
ES
M
U DR 13
L
LE AL A
UM N GC M
CU RE O N
S IS
88 PolaM81
ris
E 4
ER BO OR
RS 92
P
M
C A NGC
C
E US M 86
AR
EL 9
OP M103
M
A
IES
RD
33
H
ALI
S
TR
N IN OR
O
IA
URSA M
G M
U 34 AC
LU NG CA M52 DR M
13
M S SIO
C
88 P EIA Polaris ga
M3 4 Ve
1 92
S
N M
LE
GC
57
PIS
CU
86
9 CEPHEUS A M
T
LYR
N ES
A M10
ER
S
C
M R
3
ND
O
A
33
H
RO
E
H H
T
W M T
E ED LAC R
S A ERTA O
T S N
CA Dene
b NU
CYG
M52 M39
S S IOP
M3 EIA ga
1 Ve
9
M2
CEPHEUS A
T
LYR 57
N
S
M
ND
O
A
R
RO
E
H H
T
W M T
E ED R
S A O
T S N
N O R TM39 Dene
b NU
H CYG
LACER
TA
9
M2
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
February 15 Midnight 1 am
March 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH March 15 10 pm 11 pm
April 1 9 pm 10 pm
April 15 8 pm 9 pm
MARCH | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
40
x
N
tri
lla
IO
Be
OR
M44
NI se
MI eu
GE
M
LEO
elg
US
e t
87
B
M1
5
Reg R
u
BE
lus E r
DA
VI
M3
LE CANC sto
ML5IB
R
RE
M
O
RI
G Ca
S
A
M
42
E
O A
A
M M67
RA
x yon M
64
IN OR
M
CO NIC
WEST
lu
U R JO
x
Proc
l
R l N
EAST
N
53
tri
OR Po
ge
ECLIPTIC MI
M ES
lla
Ri
IS IO
Be
CAN O S OR
ER
Sp M44 OC
ic
a MON NI se
S
MI eu
M
LEO GE 50 elg
US
M t
87
e
PU
M B
N
SEXT
10 AN S
LE
4 Reg
u lus ER48
DA
LIB
CANC M
VI
s
R
RI
G riu 42
E
47
RA
O CR M67 M Si M
yon OR
WEST
Proc
l
AT N
EAST
ER
ge
ECLIPTIC MI
41
Ri
M46 I S M
CAN S OR
HYDRA
E RO AJ
M CO M
83Sp RV OC S
ic U MON 3 NI
a
S
S M9 CA a
50 ar
M A dh
PU
M SEXT
10 ANS PYXIS
LE
4 M48
s
BA
47
riu
Si
M
CR M
AT
LU
ER ANTLIA
M46 41 CO
IS M OR
N HYDRA P AJ
M
G
C
CO P UP M
RV S
T
83 51 U 3 NI
S
39 S
S
M9
CE
O
CA ara
E
NT h
U
AU Ad
W
T R US PYXIS s
H pu H
E VELA A no T
A Ca U
BA
S CA RIN O
M
T S
LU
Ga ANTLIA
cru
x CR CO
P IS
N UX
UP
G P
C
T
51
S
39
S
CE
O
E
NT
VOLANS
U
AU
W
T R US s
H pu H
E VELA no T
A Ca U
S O
T S
Ga
cru
SOUTH
x CR INA STAR MOTION
UX CAR
North
VOLANS
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
MARCH | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
M A RC H N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
41
M4
8 S TIC
MO
LIP
Bel
AN EC
XT
latr
NO
SE
ix
HYDRA
CE
O
HY
S
R
Spica
ER
Be
AD
Rigel
R
te
AIlDA
M42
ES
E
lg
M46cyo
de N
C
TAU
M47
Pr
04
EAST
AT
eu
WEST
M AN
87
o
ba U
lus
M1
M5
OR
se
u
CR
IN I S Reg
ranS
M50
n
R
IO
GO
OR
US
M67
N
53
M
CA4N S TIC
VIR
8
M
MO
LIP
Bel
CE AN
M45
R EC
XTLEO
us
latr
ur
NO
SE
ct
ix
HYDRA
M
Ar
CE
1
PL
O M44
64
HY
S
R
M
EIA
M
Be
AD
35
GE
3
M
te
DE
Al
M
ES
lg
C INI
de
TAU
Pr
EAST
S
eu
WEST
M AN
Pollu
87
o
ba
x lus
OR
cy
se
M
u
IN I S Reg
ran
on
M
R
IO
36 OR R
US
M M67
LEO MINO
Cas
N
37
53
tor
CAN
M
AU CER
PE
M
LEO
s
tu S
RI
ru
38
I
A TE
RS
ES
GA
TIC
EN A
rc
M
O
S N A 64
EU
E R OM
IC
1
BO
PL
M44
VE M
EIA
C
M
35 G EM NE
3
CA B
M
DE
I NI LYNX 51
S
Pollu M
Ca x
M
p e
36 M lla OR OR
MAJ
Cas NA
37 tor LEO UMRIS r
AU iza 1
M 10
PE
M M
S
RI 38
I
TE
RS
G A IC
AT
T
S PER
ENU
EN
BO
DIP
S
C AM SV
O
BIG
A
NE
R
E
H EL H
CA
T
W O LYNX 51 T
E PA M81 CO M R
S
T Ca
pe
RD
AL DRA N
O
IS
JOR
lla
URSA MA iza
r
1
M 10
M
T
PER
N
DIP
S
C AM
O
BIG
A
R
E
H EL H
T
W O T
E PAR M81 R
S D O
T AL N
IS NORTH
DRACO
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
February 15 Midnight 1 am
March 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH March 15 10 pm 11 pm
April 1 9 pm 10 pm
April 15 8 pm 9 pm
MARCH | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
42
AN
ra
TLIA
d ha
A
H
US
YD
RA
AN
M
ID
VIR
83
ER
Sirius
M93
CE
GO
N
LIB
CO
BA
M41
TA
PYXIS
WEST
RA
U VELA PIS
EAST
M
RV
US
PUP
OR
U
P
RU L
U
S
AJ
AN
S
LE
s CO
ra
M
TLIA
pu
ha
NG no
M
C Ca
Ad
51 Ga IS
H
39 cr NA N EL
US
YD CARI
LU
ux CA
M8
PU CA
0
RA
AN
M4
X
ID
Mi
m
83
R
An
os
a
ER
DO
NA
TO A
tar
CE
R
N PIC
LIB
OR
es
CRU
D
BA
TA X Acru I
FO
x
WEST
RA
VELA PS
EAST
Rig UH PUP M
il K RUada MUSCA U
en Sr M OL
tau
VOLANS U
pu
LsU C
NO NG rus LMC ICo M
C RECTan
CIR U
M
UM
6
RM 51 Ga CIN
SC 2
39 US NA
O
A cr O GEI L
CARI
LU
ux L A
M8
RP
PU RO C
0
I
S CHAMAELEON SA HO
M4
X
Mi
MEN
US
mo O
An
sa
APUS
OR
NA
AD
tar
ICT R
R
Sh P
es
CRU
au
X Acru US DO
FO
la x R
Rig TR HYD r
il K IANHada a
en r MUSCA
M rn
AU GU U he
r
tau
ST R L U M VOLANS UL Ac
NO ALE LMC IC
AR us CIR SMC RET M
M
A IU
6
RM CIN
SC 2
US
O
A OG
04 R
U
OL X
S RPI
T CHAMAELEON C 1 SA
NG
PAVO OCTANS
H MEN HO ENI
O US
E APUS O
Sh A PH
au S TE
la T LE
NA RUS
SC TR TUCA HYD
OP IAN a r
rn
IUM AU GULUM he
ST R Ac
ALE
AR
A SMC
S
O
04
U
T C1 X
H
PAVO OCTANS NG E NI
E P HO
A
S TE
T LE
SC SOUTH TU CANA
OP
IUM STAR MOTION
North
INDUS
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
MARCH | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
M A RC H S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
43
44 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
APRIL
Although the nights in the Northern leo
Hemisphere are getting shorter, there is still Size ranking Brightest stars Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
plenty of time to do some serious sky gazing. 12 Alpha (α) Leonis 1.4, Leonis Leo March–April
Beta (β) Leonis 2.2
In the Southern Hemisphere, there is plenty CANES VENATICI 10h
The constellation Leo, the 11h
to see, including the magnificent arc of the Lion, lies between Cancer
Milky Way sweeping across the sky. and Virgo. It is familiar to LYNX
deep-sky observers, 30
˚ URSA MAJOR LEO MINOR
because it is home to many
μ κ
interesting galaxies. These
northern latitudes include the galaxies M66, 72 54 ζ ε λ
M65, and M96, which are 20˚ 93 δ 60 Algieba γ
THE SICKLE NGC 2903
THE STARS come across the bright star Spica in excellent targets for an 40
amateur telescope. The η
The magnitude -0.1 star Arcturus in Virgo. Not far away from Virgo is Leo, β
θ LEO
tic
constellation’s brightest M65 NGC Eclip
Boötes sits in the west this month and below these two constellations Denebola
M66 3628 M105 α Regulus
star is Regulus, Alpha (α) 10˚ ι
M96 M95 R
ο
ξ
and should be one of your first is a relatively empty patch of sky Leonis, which sits at ρ
31
χ∴ π
signposts. Find it by following the containing the long constellation the bottom of the σ 59
10
curve of Ursa Major’s handle, away Hydra, the Water Snake. famous backward- 58 HYDRA
τ
from its “bowl.” Along this curve, question-mark-like 0
˚
NGC 3521
20°
6 A.M. 3 A.M.
Arcturus
PISCES
10°
28 Altair
23
27 26
24 26
27 25
0°
26 AQUARIUS OPHIUCHUS
25 22 24
VIRGO
24 29
25
–10° 22
23 CAPRICORNUS
22
21 22
21
–20° PEGASUS LIBRA
Antares
Fomalhaut
PISCES
SCORPIUS
SAGITTARIUS Shaula
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
AQUARIUS
Y
K
S
NEPTUNE G
N I N
M O R
A P R IL 45
southern latitudes
THE STARS There is relatively little going on but binoculars or a small telescope NGC 3372, the Carina Nebula.
As the skies get dark, you will notice in the sky overhead—this area is will reveal its individual stars. If The real star of the show is the
that the constellations scattered along dominated by the long and winding you are observing with binoculars, stunning globular cluster NGC
the arc of the Milky Way come into constellation Hydra. However, you make sure you do not miss two 5139, Omega (ω) Centauri, in the
view. In the Southern skies, Crux, will find the bright star Spica in marvelous sights in the nearby constellation Centaurus. A small
also known as the Southern Cross, Virgo high in the east. constellation Carina—IC 2602, telescope reveals many of its
and Centaurus, with the bright stars or the Southern Pleiades, and millions of stars.
Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar, or Alpha (α) SIGHTS OF INTEREST
and Beta (β) Centauri, are visible. This time of year is perfect for
In the southeast, do not miss observing the dark nebula known crux
the bright star Antares in Scorpius. as the Coalsack. You will find it Size ranking Brightest stars Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
On the opposite side of the sky, nestled within the rich, bright star 88 Acrux 0.8, Becrux, Crucis Cru April–May
you will see Canopus in Carina. fields of the Milky Way. It is easily or Mimosa, 1.3
visible to the naked eye, sitting right
Of all the constellations, Crux, the
next to Crux, or the Southern Cross. Southern Cross, is the smallest. VELA
–50º
The Coalsack appears dark, because The whole constellation should fit CENTAURUS
it stops the light from the stars behind your outstretched hand at μ γ CRUX
behind it from getting to our eyes. arm’s length. You can use two of λβ δ
Not far from the Coalsack, you will the bright stars that make up Crux –60º NGC ι
β Centauri 4755 Coal- α
ε
θ1,2
to trace a line in the approximate sack
Acrux ζ
find the wonderful open cluster NGC direction of the South Celestial Pole. η CARINA
40° 40°
MIDNIGHT
Castor Castor
30° 30°
Pollux Pollux GEMINI
GEMINI Pleiades
Pleiades
23 28 28
23 21
25 25 26 26 21
25 25 23 23
22 22 ARIES
ARIES
29 29 20° 20°
24 24
s LEO LEO 27 27 27 27
Aldebaran
Aldebaran TAURUSTAURUS 23 21
23 21
HyadesHyades 26 26 29 29 29
29
28 10° 10°
Regulus RegulusCANCER
CANCER Betelgeuse BellatrixBellatrix
Betelgeuse 28
GEMINI
28 28 ProcyonProcyon
29 29
ARIES
29 28 27 0° 0°
26 25
24
O TAURUS
23
22 Mira Mira
9 29 21
Rigel Rigel
–10° –10°
Spica Spica
URANUS
–20° –20°
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
Y in April from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on April 15. Mercury is shown only
K represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
S inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
G
I N Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune
N
E
V Venus Jupiter Uranus
E
EXAMPLES
21 Jupiter’s position on 28 Jupiter’s position on April 15, 2028. The arrow indicates
April 15, 2021 that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).
46 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
March 15 Midnight 1 am
April 1 11 pm Midnight
April 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north May 1 9 pm 10 pm
May 15 8 pm 9 pm
Northern skies in April contain the open
Zenith
cluster NGC 188 in the constellation Cepheus. 20°N
This cluster sits just south of the bright star
Polaris, Alpha (α) Ursae Minoris, and is a nice
Regulus
target for a large telescope.
For observers using binoculars, the open 40ºN
clusters M36, M37, and M38 in the constellation LEO
Auriga are still on show, as is the Double URSA Arcturus
MAJOR
Cluster (see p.22) and the double star Mizar
60ºN Alcor
and Alcor. Also look out for the spiral galaxy CANCER
BOÖTES
Big Dipper Mizar
M81 in the constellation Ursa Major.
Ecliptic Pollux
Castor
URSA
MINOR
HERCULES
Polaris
GEMINI DRACO
CEPHEUS
Capella
AURIGA
Horizon 20ºN
ORION Vega
OPHIUCHUS
Betelgeuse
PERSEUS Deneb
CASSIOPEIA
Aldebaran Horizon 40ºN
M36 in Auriga
CYGNUS
The open cluster M36 is a truly wonderful sight when seen W
through a small telescope. It sits in the middle of Messier’s ES TAURUS ST
T EA
three famous open clusters in Auriga.
ANDROMEDA Horizon 60ºN
looking south
There is a lot to see in April for deep-sky
and galaxy enthusiasts looking south. Virgo has Zenith
60°N
galaxies that can be seen through a telescope,
such as M84, M86, and M87. The globular cluster URSA
MAJOR
M3 in Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs, makes
a good small-telescope target. Canes Venatici 40ºN
can be located between Ursa Major and Boötes BOÖTES
high in the northeast of the April skies. A small
telescope will help show the lovely open cluster
20ºN
M48 in Hydra, the Water Snake. M48 is a loose
LEO
collection of 80 stars southwest of Hydra‘s head. CANCER Castor
Arcturus Pollux
Eclipt
i c
Regulus
VIRGO
GEMINI
HYDRA
SERPENS Spica Procyon
CAPUT
MONOCEROS
LIBRA
Horiz
OPHIUCHUS on 60ºN
CENTAURUS
CANIS
PUPPIS MAJOR
Horizon 40ºN Sirius
The Virgo Galaxy Cluster
LUPUS
Lying in the constellation Virgo, this cluster is thought to EA Antares CRUX VELA
0ºN T
consist of an incredible 2,000 individual galaxies. Several of its ST zon
2 ES
SCORPIUS
β Centauri Hori W
brightest members can be observed using amateur equipment.
α Centauri CARINA
A P R IL 47
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
APRIL
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
In the west, Leo plays host to many interesting
Zenith
40°S
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
20ºS targets for large-aperture telescopes. They are
found clustered around a region at roughly the
HYDRA halfway point between the stars Chertan,
Spica Eclipti
or Theta (θ) Leonis, and Regulus, or Alpha (α)
0º c
PUPPIS
Leonis. M65 and M66 appear as gray smudges
VIRGO
of light through a small telescope.
Regulus Chertan LIBRA
LEO
Procyon Arcturus
CANCER URSA
SERPENS
MAJOR
BOÖTES CAPUT
MONOCEROS Pollux 40ºS
Horizon
OPHIUCHUS
Castor
Big Dipper
Betelgeuse HERCULES
GEMINI Horizon 20ºS
M66 in Leo
ORION
W DRACO The magnitude 8.9 spiral galaxy M66 appears in the bottom
ES ST right of this image as part of the famous trio of galaxies known
T AURIGA EA
URSA as the Leo Triplet, which also includes M65 and NGC 3628.
Horizon 0 MINOR
º
looking south
By far the most impressive sight from
Zenith southern latitudes is the great arc of the
0°
Milky Way galaxy. It stretches all the way
from the magnificent region in the east around
the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius,
20ºS through Crux, Carina, and Vela down to Puppis
VIRGO Spica
HYDRA
and Canis Major. The bright, magnitude 0.8 star
Acrux, or Alpha (α) Crucis, in Crux is a multiple
𝛄 star that can be resolved by a small telescope.
40ºS
ptic
Acrux PUPPIS
β Centauri
LUPUS MONOCEROS
α Centauri CARINA
CANIS
SCORPIUS Sirius
ARA MAJOR
OPHIUCHUS Horizon 0º
Canopus
OCTANS PICTOR
PAVO
ES
UL
lla
T
ar
S
O
trix
iz
BO RC
HU
M
1
10
UR
M
HE
M3
SA ER
UC
MAJOR PP
DI
5
M1
HI
IG
EB 13
LIS
OP
LY
GEM
TH
Pollux
E
ORIO
M
N TI
Ald N ES
CI
N
EAST
CA NA
REA
Bet
X
WEST
37
eba
HYA
INI
VE
elge
51
ran Bella
BO
M
AU
D
Ca
ES
use
RI M81 O
sto
AC
M
A
ES
UL
DR
36
N
A
ar
2
M
S
O
trix
RMO9
38
iz
BO
RC
HU
M
1
10
UR C
O
M
HE
M3
SA M ER
UC
Ca PP
AJOR DI
5
pe
M1
lla
HI
IG
TA
EB 13
OR
OP
LY
TH M
U
MIN
Alde
N
RU
EAST
URSA
57
M
X
WEST
ga
37
M
HYA
A
bara
AM Ve
UL
AU E Polaris
DES
LOP
n
O A
EC
M81
RI AR R
AC
M
G D LY
M4
LP
ALI DR
36
A
PL
92
M
S V
5
U
PE 38
EI
M
AD
R SE
ES
o
Ca
re
U pe
bi
S lla
Al
U
S
TA
OR GN
U
NGC
MIN CY
RU
URSA
57
884
ga
M
C
A
S
AM M10 Ve
CEPHEUS
UL
TR EL 3 C AS S Polaris
M3 OP NGC IOPEIA
EC
I AN 4 AR 869 M R29 A
D LY
P
GU ALI
PL
T UL
S b
PE L ne V
EI
UM De
ADN
RS M52
ESO
So
E
ire
U 9
bA
M3
S
R
H H
AEl
U
S
T
W T
E GN R
S
NGC
884 CY O
T AND R N
M10 O M E DA
T M
M3 33
3 C AS S
IOPEIA CEPHEUS
RI NGC M 31 29
A N
4 869
RTA M
GU L AC E b
L ne
UM De
T
M52
N
S
O
A
M3
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S O
T ANDRO N
M E DA N O R T H
M 33
M3
1
RTA
L AC E
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
March 15 Midnight 1 am
April 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH April 15 10 pm 11 pm
May 1 9 pm 10 pm
May 15 8 pm 9 pm
APRIL | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
48
S
44
M
R
M
OR
CE
M1
12
C
Arc
IN
0
M
M AN
BE
53
M
C
on
64 RE OM
turu
cy
s
N A s
o
IC u
S
O ul
Pr
g
67
ES LE
I IS
Re
C
M
RO
R
IN
M
E
U
50
5
M AN
M
IN
M R SA
E
OC
M87
SER
AJ
G
M
M
OR
3
O
WEST
BO
EAST
ius
LE
PEN
44
OPHI
OT
S
48
M
Sir
E
US R M
M
S
UC
R CE
M1
NO M
12
C
CA
Arc
I
N
0
YD
M
M H 47
BE
HU
n
53
M
M
1
VI CA
PU
S
64 RE OM
yo
turu
T
RG
s
N A
IS
M4
OR
O NS 46
oc
us
N
IC ul M
An
XOTA
Pr
SE g
ASJ
67
ES LE Re
CA
tar
M
MO
R
ECLIPTIC
es
M
50
M
ISE
SC
M
a
80
ONC
Spi
ca M104M87
OR
NA
har
M
C
4
LI
O3
WEST
EAST
Ad
M M9
BR
IU
ius
A R
S
48
Sir
CRATE S M
U
DR
HY 47
S
M
1
VI
PI
RG
S
M4
OR
O TAN 4P6
An
M SEX S PMU
AJ
CORV
tar
83 US XI
M
ECLIPTIC
es
PY
IS
SC
M8
L
0
U Spi IA
ara
ca M104 ANTL
AN
OR
93
h
M
PU
C
M
4
LI
S
Ad
BR R
IU
A
S
CRATE
T
S
S
PI
CE
O
A
E
NTA VEL P
U
W
T M
URUS
S PU
H 83
CORV
US I H
E NGC
P YX T
A 5 13 9
U
L
SU IA O
TP ANTL S
U
S
Gacrux
Mimosa
CRUX NA
Had CARI
T
ar
S
S
CE Acrux
O
A
E
NTA VEL
U
W
T URUS
H H
E NGC T
A 5 13 9
U
S O
T S
SOUTH
Gacrux STAR MOTION
Mimosa A
CRUX N
Had CARI North
ar
Acrux
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
APRIL | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
A PR IL N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
49
Bet
SE
elge
XT
Pr N
oc O
use
S
M5
y
RG
ORIO
CA
on
VI
NI
T
TI
PU
S
LIP
N
US
a
M
Spic
EC
2
CA
CORVUS
M1
IN
AT
CR
EAST
CH
WEST
M48
M6
O
CA E
S
7 R
R
HIU
EN
NC
4
MON
HY
10
E R
RP
M
Bet
Regu
OP
DR
SE
lu s
SE
7
M8
elge
ES
XT
53
OC
Pr N LEO M
UL
oc O
use
M5
s
RG
ER
yo M ru
ORIO
CA
44
VI ctu
RC
n
EM Ar
M3
OS
G IS M
N
HE
T
5
IN 4
PU
M6
N
I Po
CA
l lu
IN
EAST
x
ES
WEST
CA NIC
M6 A
LE
S
M3
R
7 N IS
OM ERE
EN
NC
ER IN OR COMA B S RO AL
RP
Ca E CO RE
Regu
st lu s OT
SE
or 7
13
M8 BO BO
ES
53
M
LEO M
UL
M s
44 ru
ctu
RC
TICI
AU
EM Ar
M3
VENA 4
G
HE
CANES
RI
5
IN M6
G
I Po
A
l lu
x M51
S
CE A
LY
N
LE
O M IU ER ENI M3 N IS
Ca X NROS
RA MAJOR COMA B S RO AL
E CO RE
st
or OT
13
BO BO
M
ar 01
Miz M1
BIG DIPPER
T
NAU
TICI
S
VENA
ORI
A
CANES
R GA
E
H H
T
W T
E M51
R
S O O
T LY DRAC N
N X UMR81SA
M A JO R
ar 01
Miz M1
BIG DIPPER
T
N
S
U R SA M I N O O
O
A
AC
R
E
H DR H
T
W T
E R
S O
T N
M81 NORTH
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
R
U R SA M I N O
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
March 15 Midnight 1 am
April 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH April 15 10 pm 11 pm
May 1 9 pm 10 pm
May 15 8 pm 9 pm
APRIL | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
50
3
M9
M8
3
IA
IS
HYD
TL
ION
RA
X
AN
OR
41
PY
OR
M
CE
AJ
80
NT
M
AU
R
M
C
US
IS
4
PU
7
M50
O
M
M1
N
9
0
L
LE
M4
U RV
An
ra
M
6
U CA
ta
19
PU S ha
re
M4
ius
NG Ad
s
S VELA S
M2
C5
WEST
Sir
3
3
13
EAST
9 PI
LIB
P
M
M9
PU
H
RA
M8
O P 24
M
M2
3
1
Ga
S
62 HY crux IA
IS
IUC
CO TL
ION
DRA
H
AN
OR
M
41
RP
PY
8
OR
M
IU CE
N
AJ
80
S Ri MTim
S
Aos
M
M
Ke gil Ua
USM28
6
Sh
BA
nta
M
au
IS
4
ur
PU
la us CRURXUSAcrux M
M
N
9
L
Hada
M
LE
NO U r INA a LU
An
M
M
ar O
7
CA
ta
22
19
RM PU CAR dh C
re
NG A A
s
AS CIR VEL
M2
C5 ISs
WEST
MUSCA S
3
13
EAST
CIN pPu
US 9 AN R Po
VOL TO an M
M2
PCU
M
U
4
M PIC
M2
L
1
69
S
62 Gacrux AE
M
C
5
CO
AU
O
M
RP
CO ST
T D
8
IU AR NO APUS
RA
A
S A RM RIAN Ri
4 SA
Mimosa
M2
N L
A GKU gil A DO
N
8
TE
R O R A M6
ISSh en
LU
BA
GI
au tauM CxHAMAELEO
Acru MENS LMC
la
LE A
rus US CRUX M
TT
SC THR
adA U
arLE S
A
INA L
M2
M U
2
OP CAR
MRI
IU
TR
IA LU CO
AN
7U
M CIR
T ICU
S
AU NGU CIN MOUCSTCAANS S E us ID
US AN R R op ER
ST L U M VOL TO Can M
P C
M
RA PI
LE AVO UM LU
69
I E
CA
M5
OG
4
US L
T
HYDR
S
AR APUS RO DO
AU S O
A
E
A
RO RA
HO ORA
CO ST U
N L
W
T I TE NC A D
S
H S SM
CHAMAELEO MENS LMC
E
LE H
T
AG
SC IN
A NGC 104
IT
S U US
r
OP DU
T
T IU S UM O N
A
rna UL
M he C S DA
I
RI
OCTANS AcRETI
ER
US
PAV TUCANA M
O IU
US OG
T
OL
S
HYDR
S
O
E
HO
U
W
T SMC
H H
E IN T
A NGC 104 U
S DU
S r O
T rna S
SOUTH he
Ac
TUCANA STAR MOTION
NIX
PHOE
North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
APRIL | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
A PR IL S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
51
52 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
MAY
In the Southern Hemisphere, you will be coma berenices
treated to the richness of the constellations Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Centaurus, Scorpius, and Sagittarius. If you 42 Beta (β) Comae Comae Com April–May
Berenices 4.2 Berenices
are observing from the Northern Hemisphere, 13h 12h
γ MELOTTE
41 31 16 14
wonderful binocular target, the NGC 4565 12
111
northern latitudes
FS
M64 23
If you have a small telescope, point Arcturus in the constellation Boötes. or the “Black Eye” Galaxy. M99
10º
it at the middle star in the “handle” To its south, you will see the bright VIRGO
of the Big Dipper asterism in Ursa star Spica in Virgo. This month, the
Major. This is the star Mizar, which
has a companion star, Alcor, that bright blue-white star Vega rises in SIGHTS OF INTEREST
can be glimpsed with the naked the east in the constellation Lyra, the For galaxy enthusiasts, the May
eye. A closer inspection of Mizar Lyre—a celestial sign that summer night sky offers two relatively
with a telescope shows that it is is on its way. If you are observing bright targets. The first is the
made up of a pair of stars. Once the night sky from lower northerly Whirlpool Galaxy, or M51, in Canes
again, follow the Big Dipper’s latitudes, you can also glimpse the Venatici. The second is the spiral
NOON constellation Scorpius, the Scorpion, galaxy M101, which sits to the
peeking over the southeastern north of the Big Dipper’s handle.
horizon, led by the bright orange-red
50°
star Antares. METEOR SHOWER
The annual Eta Aquarid meteor
Finding the Pole star shower peaks this month. Because
40° You can use the stars Alpha (α) and
the radiant of the shower lies near
Beta (β) Ursae Majoris (right) in the
Big Dipper asterism to find the location the celestial equator, it is not a great
of the pole star, Polaris (center top). sight from far northerly latitudes.
30°
6 A.M.
ARIES
20° MIDNIGHT
24 3 A.M.
29 28 27
28 23
PISCES
10° 23
Altair
26 27 25
24
24 22 26 22
0° 25
OPHIUCHUS
Mira 22 24
–10° 23
21
22
21
PEGASUS
URANUS AQUARIUS Antares
Fomalhaut CAPRICORNUS
PISCES SCORPIUS
SAGITTARIUS Shaula
ARIES 29
28
29 28 27
26 27
25 26
24 25
23 24
TAURUS 22
21 23
22
21
NEPTUNE
Y
M O R N I N G S K
MA Y 53
southern latitudes
THE STARS eye, whereas a telescope reveals
c e n tau r u s
Sitting high in the southern sky is many of its millions of stars in a tight
the prominent constellation Crux, the ball. If you have a large-aperture Size ranking Brightest stars Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Southern Cross. If you have a small telescope, turn it toward the fine 9 Alpha (α) Centauri -0.3, Centauri Cen April–June
telescope, be sure to point it at spiral galaxy M83 that sits in the Beta (β) Centauri 0.6
Crux’s brightest star Acrux, Alpha (α) constellation Hydra. The large constellation LIBRA
14h 13h 12h
11h
star made of two blue-white stars. METEOR SHOWER Centaur, sits within the
–30º
rich star fields of the
4
The Milky Way rises high in the Caused by the dust left over 3
1
south this month, with Sagittarius from Comet Halley entering our Milky Way. It is home θ
2 ANTLIA
the Southern Hemisphere. peaks every year around May 5–6. magnificent Omega (ω)
5128
υ2
ζ NGC
Centauri, or NGC 5139. LUPUS NGC
You can expect to see roughly 5139
ω 4945
ξ
1
γ
τ
σ
SIGHTS OF INTEREST 30 meteors an hour. The meteors The constellation’s two NGC
5460 ξ
2
δ VELA
is the globular cluster NGC 5139, Aquarius, and tend to be quite as Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar. CIRCINUS (β) centauri
ο1,2
R
Omega (ω) Centauri, you will want fast moving. The farther south The constellation is fully visible (α) centauri
NGC
3766
Castor Castor
Pollux Pollux GEMINIGEMINI 30° 30°
TAURUS
28 TAURUS
26 26
28
MIDNIGHT CANCER
CANCER 23 2327
PleiadesPleiades
21 21 25 27 28
23 2623 26 25 28
29 29
21 21
21 21 20° 20°
25 25 24 24
Arcturus Arcturus LEO LEO 27 27 Aldebaran
Aldebaran
27 27 Hyades Hyades
VIRGO VIRGO
29 29
Rigel Rigel
–10° –10°
Spica Spica
LIBRA LIBRA
positions of the planets
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
US in May from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on May 15. Mercury is shown only
represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
Y
K
S Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune
G
I N Venus Jupiter Uranus
N
E EXAMPLES
V Jupiter’s position on May Jupiter’s position on May 15, 2029. The arrow indicates
E 21
15, 2021
29
that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).
54 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
April 15 Midnight 1 am
May 1 11 pm Midnight
May 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north June 1 9 pm 10 pm
June 15 8 pm 9 pm
The globular cluster M13 in Hercules is a
Zenith
prominent feature in May. It is located roughly 20°N
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 40ºN BOÖTES
telescopes can show a multitude of
the cluster’s stars.
URSA
Another object to look out for is the planetary MAJOR ζ
LEO 60ºN
nebula NGC 6543 in Draco, which is best HERCULES
η
suited to larger telescopes. Big Dipper
DRACO
URSA
Ecliptic
MINOR ψ Draconis
Vega
CANCER
Pollux CYGNUS
Castor CEPHEUS
Deneb
GEMINI Horiz AQUILA
AURIGA CASSIOPEIA o n 20
ºN
Procyon Capella
Altair
Horizon 40ºN
NGC 6543
This magnitude 8.1 nebula, also known as the Cat’s Eye Nebula, W ANDROMEDA N
is best suited for larger telescopes and appears as a bluish disk. ES on 60º ST
T Horiz EA
It is 3,600 light-years away from Earth. PERSEUS PEGASUS
looking south
There are several notable globular clusters worth
observing in May’s night sky. M10 in the east, Zenith
60°N
at the heart of the constellation Ophiuchus, is
visible with binoculars. Just northwest of M10 κ URSA
but also in Ophiuchus lies another cluster, M12, MAJOR
SERPENS
CAPUT
Ecliptic CANCER
VIRGO
Regulus
Spica
OPHIUCHUS
LIBRA
HYDRA
SERPENS
CAUDA Horiz
Antares on 60ºN
LUPUS
CENTAURUS Horizon 40ºN
M10 in Ophiuchus
SCORPIUS
The magnitude 6.6 globular cluster M10 lies 14,000 light-years EA SAGITTARIUS CRUX
β Centauri T
from Earth, and is a little over 80 light-years in diameter. It is ST
on 2
0ºN ES
α Centauri VELA Horiz W
a wonderful target for a small amateur telescope. ARA
MA Y 55
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
MAY
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
In the east, several star clusters are on view in
Zenith
40°S
the constellation Ophiuchus this month.
Besides the globular clusters M10 and M12,
CENTAURUS there is the magnitude 4.6 open cluster
NGC 6633, roughly the same size as the full
HYDRA 20ºS Moon on the sky. Composed of 30 stars, this
SCORPIUS open cluster is a wonderful sight through a small
Spica telescope. Northwest of NGC 6633 is another
Antares large and scattered open cluster, IC 4665,
0º LIBRA
which lies close to the star Cebalrai, or Beta (β)
VIRGO
Ophiuchi, and is easily visible with binoculars.
OPHIUCHUS
SERPENS
Arcturus CAPUT
LEO SERPENS
CAUDA
BOÖTES
Regulus Cebalrai
HERCULES
ic t
Eclip
n 40ºS
Horizo
URSA
CANCER MAJOR
Big Dipper
Horizon 20ºS DRACO
M12 in Ophiuchus
W Vega Discovered in 1764 by Charles Messier, M12 is a prime target
ES Pollux ST for a small telescope. It is estimated to be between 16,000
T URSA EA
Horizo MINOR and 18,000 light-years away from Earth.
n 0º
looking south
The beautiful section of the Milky Way around
Zenith Crux, the Southern Cross, including the dark
0°
nebula known as the Coalsack, takes center
VIRGO stage in the south in May. There are several fine
Spica open clusters on view in Carina, many nestled
20ºS among the rich star fields of the Milky Way.
NGC 3532 can be seen with the naked eye, but
LIBRA
binoculars reveal its many twinkling stars well.
The magnitude 4.2 cluster NGC 3114 is an
40ºS
interesting target for a small telescope, while
CENTAURUS HYDRA NGC 2516 is a good target for binoculars.
Antares
ic
OPHIUCHUS
ipt
LUPUS
Ecl
SCORPIUS β Centauri
α Centauri
CRUX
VELA
SERPENS ARA
CARINA
CAUDA
SAGITTARIUS
Avior
Horizon 0º
PAVO PUPPIS
OCTANS
PICTOR
Horizon 20ºS Canopus CANIS NGC 2516
MAJOR
EA
TUCANA The magnitude 3.8 open cluster NGC 2516 sits roughly 3.5 degrees
ST ST away from the star Avior, Epsilon (ε) Carinae. It contains roughly
GRUS
Sirius WE
Achernar 100 stars and can be viewed with just a pair of binoculars.
PHOENIX Horizon 40ºS
C
Mizar
U
92
RS
A
M
AM 1
UL
M10
A
ITT
A
EC
JO
R THE
57
G
BIG DIPP
ga
LP
ER
M
C
SA
Ve
Po
V AN
VU
CO
ES
Procyon
llu E NA ES DRA S
CANIS
eo
x E
A
OT
CAN
EAST
UL
bir
3
TIC
LE
WEST
USIL
M1
I BO
Al
A
GE
RC
O
QU
R
N M51
CE R
LY
Altair
TA HAIN
M
M
C
HE
27
MIN
as
I
44
R
IN
M
or
Mizar
LP
I
U
92
A
S
OR
SA
DE
M
1 U
UL
M81 M10
LY M AJ N
G
EC
GIT
NX OR THE BIG CY
57
LP
ga
DIPPER
M
29
SA
Ve
Po
VU
l CO R M
D RA MI N O
l ux
eo
EAST
bir
U R SA
WEST
US
M
Al
A
G3E5
R
ne
LY
De
HIN
M
Ca
27
st Polaris
IN
M
or
M
LP
I
1
S
M
DE
CA U
37
M M8
LY ELO 1 39 N
U NX PARD M G
CY
A
RI ALIS EUS
M
G CEPH
36
M A Ca 29
M
OR TA
38 pe
ll
MI N ER
a
U R SA LAC
M
b
35
2 ne
Polaris M5 De
M
PE C AS S I O P E I A
1
RS
CAEUS
M
37
T
U LO PA
N
S
R DA L I S M103
A
RI EUS
M
O
A
G CEPH
36
R
E
H M A C H
T
W 38 ap
ell TA T
E a
ER R
S LAC US O
T S N
M5
2 GA
M34
PE
A N D R O M E DA
PE
R SEU C AS S I O P E I A M31
S NGC 8 NGC 869
84
T
N
S
M103
TRIANGULUM
O
A
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S S O
T SU N
NORTH GA
M34
PE
A N D R O M E DA M31
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
TRIANGULUM
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
April 15 Midnight 1 am
May 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH May 15 10 pm 11 pm
June 1 9 pm 10 pm
June 15 8 pm 9 pm
MAY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
56
O
8
BO
M3
HE
COMA ES
LE
M4
IC
R
C RE
N
A BEREN
OT
RO AL
CU
OP
Arcturus
E
IS S
M1
LE
1
HI
M64
S
SE
UC
R
RA
H
M53
D
PE
N
M2
US
6
7
S
HY
M
M6
CA
M87
14
PU
lus
WEST
EAST
M
gu
O
S
8
O
12
BO
Re
M
M M3
HE
LE
M4
10 M5 COMA ES
M1
A
M2
C RE
N
IC
7
A
5
M
N
BEREN XT
1
OT
RO AL
CU
SERP1E6 8
OP
S
Arcturus
E
IS S SE
M1
LE
1
HI
C
M64
M2
S
2
24
VIRGO
SE
UC
R
AU
M
M
RA
H
9 PE
M53 D
21
N
23
DMA
M2
US
S
6
HY
S
CA
M2
M87
XI
8
14
M
PU LIBRA
T
8
WEST
EAST
PY
IC M104
M ECLIPT Spica
S
12
M
M
16
10
A
M1
M n M5
M2
M
7
M TA
5
19 tar R X
18
es 80 TE
CRA SE
M2
M
M
M
2
7
4
A
M VIRGO
24
M
I
6
M 62 US
M
M
9 CORV TL
23
21
Sh SC
M83 AN
S
au OR
la
M2
XI
LIB
8
PI
M
RA
8
US
PY
IC M104
ECLIPT Spica
An
M tar M
19 es 80
LUP R
TE
T
US LA
S
CRA
S
VE
O
E
M
M N
7
A
M 4 O
U
M
W
6
T 62 RM US
H AR A CENTAURUS CORV TL H
AS AN T
E Sh
A au C OR M83 U
S la
T O
PI
US S
ux
Gacr
CIR LUPU Mimosa
T
CIN S Hadar LA
S
S
US Rigil ux VE
O
E
NO Kentaurus
CRUX Acr
U
W
T RM
H AR A CENTAURUS H
E A T
A U
S O
T S
SOUTH
ux STAR MOTION
Gacr
Mimosa
CIR North
CIN Hadar
US Rigil ux
Kentaurus
CRUX Acr
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
MAY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
M AY N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
57
M104
M
VIRGO
12
S
M
HU
UC
HI
5
CO
Re
OP
M
g
RV
ul
U ENS
CR
M6
us
14
US
EAST
HY
WEST
Spica T
7
DA
PU
0
AT
M1
CA RP
SE
DR
TIC CA
E
RA
ECLIP
SE
XT
S
R
M104
A
LE PEN
LIB
AN
M87
O SER
M
VIRGO
ILA
12
S
S
CA
44
HU
NC
ES
AQU
M53
M64 IS
UC
rus AL UL
ER
Arctu RE RC
HI
BO
HE
5
Re
Po
NA
OP
M
COMA BERENICES
CORO
g
ll
ul
ux
M6
L
us
EO
EAST
T
WEST
7
M3 PU
M5
M
I N CA
A
TIC
ECLIP O S
R
LER CANEM ES PEN
LY
O S87VEN
ATICI BOOT SER
M
CA
44
3
M1
LY
NC
M53
IS S
92LE
M64
N
AL
X
rus MU
ER
Arctu RE RC
ga
BO
HE
Ve
Po
UR COMA BERENIM51 NA
CES CORO
ll
ux
LE S A
O M
7
AJ M3
M5
M
IN OR
A
OR
R
CANE ES
LY
M101
S VEN
ATICI Mizar BOOT
3
BIG D O M1
LY
IPPER AC
T
N
DR
S
N
92
O
A
M
R
ga
E
H H
T
Ve
W U T
E RS M51 R
S A O
T M INOR N
AJ URSA M
OR M8
1
M101
Mizar
BIG D O
IPPER AC
T
DR
N
S
O
A
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S R
O
T N O R T HURSA MINO N
M8
1
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
April 15 Midnight 1 am
May 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH May 15 10 pm 11 pm
June 1 9 pm 10 pm
June 15 8 pm 9 pm
MAY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
58
M2
3
M
M1
4
8
M
An
7
M2
1
19
tar
M2
A
M4
4
es
DR
OP
M
H
25
HY
I
M
M
8
U
M2
46
62
8
C
IA
M
TL
6
SC
R
22
HU
S
AN
E
48
JOR
S
80
U
OR
93
S
LU
M1
S
M
M11
6
AT
P
M
M2
M
NGC 5139
PU
XI
AQU
RV
6
S MA
IU
69
CR
Sh
IL
WEST
PY
S
CO
M
S
EAST
au
M1
M9 7
I
A
M83
la
SCU
N
O
T
M
RUS
M1
N
54
CENTAU
M
An
8
NO
CA CERO
A
O
AMU21
19
M2 C S
Rig
USM
tar
RM ux
3 O T
7
7 M M24
A Ken il Gacr RA
M
es
RO R
ta Mimosa D
OP
A A uru
M14
TA s
5
HY
HI
LI
M4
M
S
GM M
Hadar X LA
8
RI
M2
46
62
CRU
8
C
VE IA
ara
M
M
h
I T 2 55 M
Acrux TL
6
SC
TE AR CIR
22
HU
AN
Ad
A
JOR
S
LE CIN
OR
93
LU
S
US
A
P
M
SC
M
NGC 5139
PU
XI
M
S
IU
69
OP INA
Sh
A
IC
PY
S
IU
WEST
M
CAR
au
EAST
7
M MUSC
IS M
la
S
N
TRIAN
U S
M
GULUM R P PI
54
C
RO S
ENTAU
AU
NO
CA
AUST
S A
PARM Rigi
l
RAL E C ux PU
Gacr
CO ST
PI
U N VOA K
RO R
BA
enta
OGIT
Mimosa
1
A A uru
s S
M
TAM LI
M4
S AN
M
RI Hadar X L LA
LU
U CRU VO
55
ra
APUS VE
O
S IN
ha
LS A CIN ON
ES US CHAMAELE us
C p
M
OP no
A INA Ca
IC
IU
M MUSC CAR
RO
TRIAN S
GULUM
P PI
SC
O
OACUTSATNRSALE PU
T
PAV
PI
U O HYDRUS
S
S
M SA LMC O
O
MEN
E BA
NS R AD
U
LA
WUM
UM
L
T APUS U L VO DO
O
H IN G RETIC H
E DU RU SMC CT
A S S
TUC NGC 1
04 ON U
S ANA CHAMAELE O
T us S
n op
Ca
O
PHCT
OAEN
NSIX
T
rnar
AcheH YDRUS IUM
S
SLAOGLMC O
S
H
MOERNO
O
E
M R AD
U
W
T ULU DO
H RETIC H
E GR
NGC 1 SMC T
A US TUC
ANA 04 U
S O
T SOUTH S
STAR MOTION
PHOENIX
I UM North
Achernar LOG
HORO
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
MAY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
M AY S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
59
60 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
JUNE
It is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, hercules
and with lighter evenings, the time for Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
observation is reduced. For observers in 5 Beta (β) Herculis, or Herculis Her June–August
Kornephoros, 2.8
the Southern Hemisphere, the dark skies 16h
50
˚
Hercules’ waist is formed by
offer a plethora of celestial sights to look for,
18h 17h
DRACO
four stars that make the 50º
THE STARS Scorpius. Look out for the an imaginary line STONE
68
Looking north, Ursa Minor, the Little unmistakable bright star Alpha (α) between the stars 30º 104
ν ε
ζ CORONA
BOREALIS
Eta (η) Herculis and ο ξ
Bear, is clearly visible with Draco, Scorpii, Antares, shining with μ
Zeta (ζ) Herculis. λ
δ
the Dragon, wrapped around it. The an orange-red tint. M13 contains 100
113
β
tip of the bear’s tail is marked by roughly 250,000 20º
109 106
95 HERCULES
NGC 6210
110 γ
the pole star, Polaris. SIGHTS OF INTEREST stars and can be 111
102
CLUSTER
κ
If observing from a site with If you have a small telescope, train easily seen with a 93
Rasalgethi
ABELL 2151
α ω
pair of binoculars.
a clear southern horizon, you will it on M13, the finest globular cluster 60
be able to spot the constellation in the northern skies this month. It shows it very well. AQUILA
lies in Hercules, which is high in
NOON SERPENS
the sky at this time. Also look for OPHIUCHUS CAPUT
27 24 28
ARIES
20° 3 A.M.
28 22
28 MIDNIGHT
Aldebaran 22 26 23
29
29 25
Hyades 24
10° 28 PISCES
Altair
27
Bellatrix 22
TAURUS 26
0° 22
25
AQUARIUS
Mira 24
Rigel
–10° 23 21
22
21
PEGASUS
URANUS
Fomalhaut CAPRICORNUS
PISCES SAGITTARIUS Sh
29
29 28 27
ARIES 28
27
26 25 26
24 25
23 24
TAURUS 22
21 23
22
21
M
O
R N
NEPTUNE I N
G
S K
Y
JUNE 61
southern latitudes
THE STARS SIGHTS OF INTEREST
scorpius
June is a wonderful time for There is no shortage of interesting
night-sky observers in the Southern objects to view from southern Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Hemisphere. The rich star fields of latitudes this month. A good place 33 Alpha (α) Scorpii, or Scorpii Sco June–July
the Milky Way Galaxy stretch right to start is the constellation Scorpius, Antares, 1.0
across the sky from the southwest which contains the stunning open You cannot fail to spot the
to the northeast. Scattered among clusters M6 and M7, both of which constellation Scorpius, which has –10º ψ
ξ
them are the sparkling constellations can be viewed with the naked eye. one of the most recognizable
Sco X-1
Centaurus, the Centaur; Crux, the They sit not far from the Scorpion’s patterns in the night sky. It is home
SERPENS
Southern Cross; as well as Scorpius, tail, and a pair of binoculars shows to many excellent targets for an CAUDA OPHIUCHUS ν β
–20
amateur telescope. However, to Ecliptic
the Scorpion; Carina, the Keel; them very clearly. There is also see the entire constellation in ο
M80 δ
σ
and Sagittarius, the Archer. the open star cluster NGC 6231 the night sky, your location should SAGITTARIUS Antares
22
M4 π
2
LIBRA
τ α 1
High in the south, you will see nearby, lying close to the star Zeta (ζ) be to the south of latitude 13
ρ
the constellation Lupus, while the Scorpii. The magnificent globular 40 degrees north. Scorpius’ M6
NGC
RR
SCORPIUS
LUPUS
ε
distinctive shape of Scorpius will cluster Omega (ω) Centauri in brightest star is the orange-red M7 6383
40° 40°
GEMINI
Castor Castor GEMINI
30° 30°
Pollux Pollux 21 21
9 P.M. 24 24
29 29 25 25
26 26
26 26
23 23 20° 20°
MIDNIGHT 26 26
Arcturus Arcturus
LEO LEO 23 23 21
Regulus Regulus27 21
27
25 25
10° 10°
CANCER
CANCER Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse
27 27 Procyon Procyon
28 28
0° 0°
OPHIUCHUS
OPHIUCHUS 29 29
VIRGO VIRGO29 29
–10° –10°
Spica Spica
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
SCORPIUS
SCORPIUS in June from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on June 15. Mercury is shown only
haula Shaula represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
15 May Midnight 1 am
1 June 11 pm Midnight
15 June 10 pm 11 pm
looking north 1 July 9 pm 10 pm
15 July 8 pm 9 pm
One of the finest double stars of the northern
Zenith
skies is on show in the east at this time of 20°N
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 Arcturus
HERCULES
Big Dipper
URSA CYGNUS
URSA
MINOR
MAJOR
Deneb
LEO
Polaris
CEPHEUS
δ
Horizon 20ºN
Regulus
Ec
CASSIOPEIA
lip
tic
looking south
The constellation Boötes, the Herdsman, is high
in the sky in June. Its brightest star Arcturus, Zenith
60°N
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 DRACO URSA
MAJOR
the globular cluster M13 in Hercules. Low down 40ºN
on the horizon is Scorpius, which contains some Vega
BOÖTES
interesting objects, such as two open clusters,
HERCULES
M6 and M7, and a globular cluster M4. Both M6
and M7 are visible to the naked eye and their 20ºN Arcturus
individual stars can be seen through binoculars.
SERPENS
CAPUT
OPHIUCHUS
SERPENS VIRGO
Altair CAUDA
LEO
LIBRA Spica
Antares
AQUILA
SAGITTARIUS Regulus
Horizo
n 60
ºN
SCORPIUS
tic
lip
Ec LUPUS
Horizon 40ºN
M6 in Scorpius
A magnitude 4.2 open cluster, M6 can be found sitting not HYDRA
EA CAPRICORNUS CENTAURUS
α Centauri T
far from the “sting” in the tail of Scorpius, just north of M7. ST ARA ES
N W
It is also known as the Butterfly Cluster. β Centauri n 20º
Horizo
CRUX
JUNE 63
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
JUNE
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
While there may be more impressive sights
Zenith
40°S
in the southern part of the June sky, there is
also much to see when looking north, such
LUPUS
as the globular clusters M13 and M92 in the
SCORPIUS constellation Hercules. There are also plenty
Antares
20ºS of interesting clusters to look at in Ophiuchus.
Besides the two globular clusters M10 and
ipt
ic LIBRA SAGITTARIUS M12, and the open cluster NGC 6633, be sure
HYDRA Ecl
to look out for the magnitude 4.2 open cluster
0º OPHIUCHUS
Spica IC 4665. It is composed of a group of 30 stars
SERPENS and is a lovely sight through binoculars.
SERPENS CAUDA
CAPUT
VIRGO
Arcturus
HERCULES
AQUILA
BOÖTES
Altair
Vega
LEO Horiz
on 40ºS
URSA CYGNUS
MAJOR DRACO
Regulus Horizon 20ºS
M13 in Hercules
W
Big Dipper
Deneb The globular cluster M13 in Hercules is a spectacular sight in a
ES º ST large-aperture telescope. A large Dobsonian telescope, for
T on 0 EA
URSA Horiz
MINOR CEPHEUS example, will show it as a ball of thousands of stars.
looking south
If you are looking south in the southern
Zenith hemisphere, you will be met with a rich
0°
variety of objects visible with just the naked
eye, or with binoculars or a small telescope.
LIBRA M22 in the constellation Sagittarius is an
OPHIUCHUS
20ºS impressive magnitude 5.1 globular cluster,
VIRGO while the emission nebula, M8, is a fine
Antares target for binoculars. Meanwhile, Omega (ω)
SERPENS tic
SCORPIUS Spica Centauri, arguably the finest globular cluster
CAUDA lip 40ºS
Ec in the night sky, sits at the heart of Centaurus,
the Centaur.
LUPUS
ARA
α Centauri
SAGITTARIUS HYDRA
AQUILA β Centauri
CRUX CENTAURUS
PAVO
OCTANS
CAPRICORNUS
Horiz
CARINA VELA on 0
º
TUCANA
ES
PHIN
CAN
S
ULA
o
M57
LEU
Albire
UL
M27
Reg
Vega
92
RC
ES
EC
DEL
M
u
UU
lus
M
HE
LP
51
A
VE
EQ
R
LEO
US
VU
5
LY
NA
M1
M
GN
10
TI
1
CI
CY
29
M
M
iza
LE
D R AC O
O
EAST
M67
WEST
M
CA
b
TH
IN
ne
EB
De
O
NC
IG
R
DI
PP
ER
ER
UR
SA
M4
S
4
SU
M 39 A
A JO RT
GA
M
R URS CE
LA
PE
M8
A MINOR
1
S
EU
Polaris CEPH
Po
LY
llu
N
x
A
2
ED
M5
Ca
M
st O
GE
or
EIA DR
IOP AN
M
CAMELOPA C AS S
IN
R DA L I S
I
T
NGC 884
N
S
O
A
AU
R
RIG Cap
E
H M
37 ella H
T
W A T
E R
S
M3
6 M O
T 38 N
UM
M34
UL
PERSEUS NG
TRIA
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
May 15 Midnight 1 am
June 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH June 15 10 pm 11 pm
July 1 9 pm 10 pm
July 15 8 pm 9 pm
JUNE | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
64
A
H
E
A
S
s
IC
ER
N
ltai
ru
N
r
C
IS
tu
C
c
TA
U
COR
RE OM
ONA BOREAL
Ar
LE
53
S
EX
BE
A
M
87
S
M
S
QU
V
TE
IL
U
B OO
L
O
M1
SAAG
3
LE
R
64
ITT
M
A
3
WEST
SER
EAST
N
M
S PENS CAP UT
H
ES
A
PE LA
OP
S
S
s
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ltai
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11
S COR
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M ONA BOREAL
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53
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S
EX
M5 B
M
87
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AQ
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CA
M1 S
26
2 10 AT
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M1 TE M C R
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B
M
CO
16
M
ER
M S
P
25 17 ica
Sp
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EN
M PENS CAP UT IPT OR
M M ECL
SM 23
OP
C
US
18 9
SC
2C4A HI
M UC
M
22 M
UD HU GO
11
S
M
M A 14
TU
21
R
VI R
55
MM
D
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28 M5 Y
M
M8
SA
M1 M1 M80 4
26
2
H ATE
M 9 10
G
M R
CA
54 AMn1ta
0 res
LIBRA 3 C
M8
I TT
M M M M4
PRI
1 6
AR
69 M6
M 6 2
M S
IU
CO
17 M ica
S
25 M 7 IC Sp VU
18 M PT
RN
M 23 Sh
M au ECLI C OR
24 9 la
US
M
22 M
M
21 SCO
C
RA
O TE RPIUS LUPUS
55
T
A
D
U R M LE
S
SS
28 S C Y
E
ST O N MO H
8P M1 M80 13 9
U
M 9 C5
W
OAG
T RA A
NG
IUM
H 54 LIS Anta
res NORMA LIBRA 3 S H
I TT
E M M M4
M8 R U T
A 6 TAU U
AR
S 69 M6
2 CEN O
IU
T M S
S
AR
7 A ru x
Sh
aul G ac
a
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Min
CIRCINUS Rigil urus
Kenta
SCO
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T
A
LE
S
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S
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Had
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E
ST O N
13 9
OP
U
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NG
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H LIS NORMA US H
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A TAU U
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A SOUTH x
cru
Ga
STAR MOTION
CIRCINUS osa
Rigil rus
Kentau Mim
North
TRIANGULUM ar
Had
AUSTRALE
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JUNE | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J UN E N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
65
14
3
10
UD NS
M
M
TIC
ECLIP
A
CA RPE
12
M
SE
US
A
CH
air
IL
M26
VI
G M5 I
Alt
U
U
TUM
LEU NUS
R
O H
SEX
M10
M16
AQ
OP
M11
Re TA
EAST
S
WEST
TA
gu N
SE
I
SCU
EQ LPH
LI
lus S
R
LE
IT
P
Sp
BR
M ENS
G
SA
87
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CAPUT
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14
DE
A
Ar
10
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M
ctu
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M
ECLIP
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A
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s CA RPE
12
27
S LP
M
M5
M
3
LE SE
VU
US
CU
COR HER
A
ONA BOREALIS
M
CH
air
64
BO o
IL
VI
G OTE M5 I ire
Alt
U
U
US
lb
R
O H
Re
AQ
OP
A
LE LEO
g
EAST
HIN
WEST
ulu
TA
C S
O
CA OM ER 57
s
IT
M3 P
LP
M
N M A ENS M
G
B SA
87
IN
ES ER CAPUT
DE
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OR
LA
tu 3
NA ES ru M1 U
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M 29
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27
S
M
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U
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3
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64
BO
COR
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2 C o
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M S lb
b
AJ A
ne
LE
OR
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M
NE A M
BE
IN
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M101
R A
VE LY
OR
NA ICE M1
3
S Miza
r
29
TIC
M
I
U
ga
T
Ve
N
U B IG DRACO G
N
CY
S
RS DIP
O
A
PE M9
A R
R
E
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T
W T
b
AJ R
ne
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De
S M5 N
T 1
M101
Miza
r
U R SA M
INOR
T
BI DRACO
N
GD
S
IPP
O
A
ER
S
R
E
H H
EU
T
W T
E PH R
S CE O
T N
NORTH
U R SA M
INOR
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
May 15 Midnight 1 am
June 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH June 15 10 pm 11 pm
July 1 9 pm 10 pm
July 15 8 pm 9 pm
JUNE | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
66
M
M8
M2
2
M2
8
M
M6
62
M6
9
S
Sh
4
LUPU
M
7
SA
ul
a
M
RA
M5 AM
GI
55
D
O SC
M9
MR18
U17
CA
TT
C O ST
NS
OR
HY
R
A
RA NA PIU
M80
PR
M2
A
M2
RI
U S
1
LI
M25
S
IC
M24
M1
S
XTA
BR
ATE
9
S
O
M
LI
An
SE
WEST
CR
C
RN
EAST
ta
U 13 9
M83
C5
M2
NOR
re
S
RVU
MA
M8TE
2
s
NG
M2
M
L
8
M
M6
30
PIASQUAR
ES
62
CO
AU
M6
S
CO
US
9
l S
IA
T
M5
RigiU
IS IUS
AR
Sh
KePntaurus
4
PI AU R
R
A LU
M
UM CENT TL
au
SA
ux N
A
la
M
r
IC
RA
A
GI
Gac
R
55
R
D
S
O O Hadar
SC
IN CA
TT
C O ST
XI
OR
HY
SC
Becrux
A
RA NA PIU
US PR
RI
x
OP S
PY
IU U LI
S CIRCIN US Acru
IC
M S CRUX
PIS
IN
C
WEST
I
RN
EAST
U 13 9
S
DU NTO C5
RRIAMNGULUM
S S
TE
NG
M
L
AUSA TRALE
30
AU
ES
CO PAVO LA
Rigil CA S VE
STFo
IA
R
PI Kentaurus MUS URU
m
ENTA
M
UM RA C TL
INalh
APUS r ux
IC
AN
UaSu
Gac
t
S
Hadar
O GR
OCTANS
a
US
XI
SC
Mimos
x
OP
PY
M
PP
IN NS
U
DU TRIANG
ULUM VOLA P
S LEON
TU AUSTRALECHAMAE A
CA PAVO RIN LA
NA SCA VE
Fo
CA
T
M E N SA M U
m
S
S
NGC 10
alh
4
E
SMC APUS
au
W
t
T GR
OCTANS R
H US TO H
O SC
E LMC PIC T
A HYDRUS U
UL
PH
S
P
OE us O
T nop S
TO
NI
R X Ach HOROLOGIUM N S Ca
erna VOLA
r CHAMAELEON
S
TU A
PI
CA
P
NA E O RIN
U
AD CA
T
R MENSU AM
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S
NGA
CN10U RETICUL
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SMC
U
W
T R
H TO H
E LMC PIC T
A PH HYDRUS U
S OE us O
T NI nop S
X Ach SOUTH Ca
erna HOROLOGIUM
r
STAR MOTION
ER ADO North
IDA UM DOR
NUS RETICUL
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JUNE | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J UN E S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
67
68 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
JULY
The northern night skies will continue to ly r a
entice stargazers through the summer. Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
High in the sky is Hercules, home to the 52 Alpha (α) Lyrae, or Lyrae Lyr July–August
Vega, 0.0
magnificent M13. In the southern latitudes, 19h 18h
You can easily find the relatively small
the spectacular constellations Scorpius and constellation Lyra, the Lyre, by locating
CYGNUS
RR
the famous Summer Triangle asterism. 40º
η
ε 1,2
THE STARS you can find the Summer Triangle Larger aperture telescopes will show 30º
M56
The constellation Hercules is high asterism, while the constellation the nebula as a small, smoky gray ring.
in the sky this month and it is a Ophiuchus sits in the south. Look for HERCULES
good time to observe its celestial Boötes in the west, with the bright VULPECULA
30° 3 A.M.
GEMINI TAURUS
22 Pleiades
25 24
27 28 26 ARIES MIDNIGHT
20° 27 21 25
28 24 23
29
Hyades 28 22 PISCES
10° Aldebaran
Betelgeuse Altair
27
Bellatrix 22
26
0° 25
Mira 24
Rigel AQUARIUS
–10° 23
21
22
21
PEGASUS
southern latitudes
THE STARS SIGHTS OF INTEREST
s a g i t ta r i u s
Sitting high in the southern skies, At this time of year, the
Scorpius is easy to spot this month. constellation Sagittarius offers Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Nearby are the constellations some exceptional deep-sky objects. 15 Epsilon (ε) Sagittarii, Sagittarii Sgr July–August
Sagittarius and the slightly less The striking globular cluster M22 1.8
20h 19h 18h
prominent Libra. Sagittarius is is visible to the naked eye if you The constellation
AQUARIUS OPHIUCHUS
famous for the “Teapot” asterism have good observing conditions. Sagittarius, the Archer,
CAPRICORNUS
NGC 6818
SERPENS
SCUTUM CAUDA
formed by some of its brightest The Lagoon Nebula, or M8, lying is nestled within a NGC 6822 υ M17
stars, and at this time it sits very above the spout of the “Teapot”, mesmerizingly detailed 56
ρ1 43
NGC
6716 M25
M18
Y M24 M23
high in the sky. When you look is a glowing cloud of gas and a part of the Milky Way. π
ξ1,21,2 21 μ
–20º M75 ECLIPTIC ο ν M21
You can find it by first 11 M20
toward Sagittarius and Scorpius, stunning sight through binoculars. locating the “Teapot” 60 52
ψ Nunki
M22 λ M28
4
M8
ω φ
you are peering toward the center It appears as a misty patch with asterism, which forms the 62 59 τ ζ σ
TEAPOT
X
W
of the Milky Way Galaxy. This whole the star cluster NGC 6530
RR
constellation’s hub, close M55
MILK
DIPPER M54
M69
δ γ Sgr A*
to a notably bright swathe
–30º
region is full of rich and beautiful nestled within it. SAGITTARIUS M70
ε
Kaus
Australis
star fields, which are a joy to Other famous deep-sky objects of the Milky Way. A scan of θ1 NGC 6723 η SCORPIUS
Sagittarius with binoculars Shaula
explore using binoculars. in Sagittarius are visible through or a small telescope will
CORONA
AUSTRALIS
α
A little lower in the sky are the a telescope, including the Trifid reveal many rich star clusters –40º
ι β1
bright stars Alpha (α) and Beta Nebula, or M20. However, you can and bright nebulae, such as 2
β TELESCOPIUM
(β) Centauri, also known as Rigil see one particularly bright patch the beautiful Lagoon Nebula.
INDUS
Kentaurus and Hadar respectively. of the Milky Way—M24—with just ARA
NORMA
Very close to them, you will spot the naked eye. Beside Sagittarius, –50º
the smallest constellation in the night Scorpius contains the bright open METEOR SHOWER
sky—Crux, or the Southern Cross. clusters M6 and M7, which remain When observing in late July, look
high in the sky this month. To the out for the Delta Aquarid meteor
north in the constellation Serpens shower, which peaks on July 29. NOON
Cauda, the Tail of the Serpent, lies If observing from a dark sky site,
the open cluster M16 in the much you should be able to spot around
50°
fainter Eagle Nebula. 20 meteors every hour. 3 P.M. 50°
LIBRA LIBRA
positions of the planets
Antares Antares
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
in July from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on July 15. Mercury is shown only
SCORPIUS
SCORPIUS represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
Shaula Shaula
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
Y
E V E N I N G S K
70 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
June 15 Midnight 1 am
July 1 11 pm Midnight
July 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north August 1 9 pm 10 pm
August 15 8 pm 9 pm
Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is home to several
Zenith
galaxies that can be seen with amateur 20°N
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 HERCULES
CEPHEUS
Mizar Alcor
URSA
URSA
MINOR
MAJOR
Big Dipper Polaris
CASSIOPEIA
Horizon 20ºN ANDROMEDA
PEGASUS
PERSEUS
LEO
Horizon 40ºN
Alcor and Mizar
The double star system of Alcor and Mizar is visible to the naked W
Capella
eye. You can find it in the handle of the famous Big Dipper ES PISCES ST
T GEMINI EA
(Plough) asterism in the constellation Ursa Major. AURIGA
Castor
Pollux
Horizon 60ºN
looking south
One prominent marker of the night sky in the
northern summer is the asterism known as Zenith
60°N
the Summer Triangle. The corners of this large
isosceles triangle are formed by the three DRACO
SERPENS
CAUDA LIBRA
PEGASUS
c Antares
Eclipti
VIRGO
AQUARIUS Horizon
6 0ºN
SAGITTARIUS Spica
CAPRICORNUS
SCORPIUS
Horizon 40ºN CENTAURUS
The Summer Triangle
This asterism is a useful navigational aid when finding your ARA HYDRA
EA LUPUS T
way around the summer night sky. Look for dark lanes in the ST Horiz
on 20 ES
ºN W
Milky Way that cut across the triangle through Cygnus and beyond. GRUS α
PAVO
JULY 71
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
JULY
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The wonderful globular cluster M5 is high
Zenith
40°S
in the sky at this time. It is roughly 25,000
light-years away from Earth, toward the
constellation Serpens Caput. A small telescope
SCORPIUS SAGITTARIUS
brings many of its outer stars into focus. A
Antares 20ºS short hop east over Ophiuchus into Serpens
Cauda you will find the open cluster M16
Ecl
LIBRA SERPENS ipt
ic
surrounded by the much fainter Eagle Nebula.
CAUDA
This cluster can be observed with a pair of
OPHIUCHUS 0º
binoculars. Also look out for Alpha (α) Librae, a
Zubenelgenubi
CAPRICORNUS double star in the constellation Libra, the Scales.
SERPENS AQUILA
CAPUT Altair
Spica
HERCULES
AQUARIUS
Arcturus
VIRGO
40 ºS Deneb
izon
Hor
DRACO
PEGASUS
Horizon 20ºS
Alpha (α) Librae
W The second brightest star in Libra is called Zubenelgenubi
ES Hor
izon
URSA ST (Arabic for “the Southern claw”). It is a binary star system, and
T 0º MAJOR EA
URSA CEPHEUS a pair of binoculars easily shows its two stars.
MINOR
looking south
The “Teapot” asterism, made of eight stars,
Zenith lies among the stars of the Milky Way in the
0°
constellation Sagittarius. Its stubby spout is
marked by the stars Gamma (γ), Epsilon (ε),
SERPENS OPHIUCHUS and Delta (δ) Sagittarii, while Phi (ϕ), Sigma (σ),
CAUDA
AQUILA 20ºS Zeta (ζ), and Tau (τ) make its handle.
Scattered around the Teapot are some
δ γ Antares interesting binocular and small-telescope
σ φ
tic τ ζ ε SCORPIUS targets, including the bright Lagoon Nebula
lip 40ºS
Ec LIBRA M8, the magnitude 4.6 open cluster M25,
SAGITTARIUS
and the globular cluster M22.
ARA LUPUS
VIRGO
CAPRICORNUS
α Centauri Spica
PAVO
PHOENIX
Achernar
CARINA
Horizon 20ºS
M22 in Sagittarius
EA VELA A small telescope shows many of M22’s brightest stars. It is the
ST PICTOR ST third-brightest globular cluster in the sky and can be seen with
on 40
ºS WE
ERIDANUS Canopus Horiz just the naked eye in particularly dark and clear skies.
9
S
A
M3
N NE
C
SU
A
VE
AT S
RT
M101
M8
GA
I M5 DRAC
CE
CI
7
1 O M 92
EAST
PE
A L
WEST
R
M3
LE
HERCULES LY
9
BO
M2
64
Miz
BER
ar
O
U
CO ICES
RS
O
b
S
S
ne
AM
TE
U
EN
INO
MA
De
N
R G
CY S
EU
PH
9
S
A 52
M3
THE
N N CE
C
SU
M
O
A
BIG
VE
AT ES
LE
RT
M DIP M101
GA
IN IC M5 PER DRAC A
CE
O I 1 O ED 31
EAST
PE
L
WEST
A
R OM M
LE
U RS Miz
ar DR
O
UR IA AN
A SA
Polaris
PE
M AJ MINO SIO
OR R CAS
S
EU
M81
33
PH
M
TH 51203
CE
CES
EB M
M
O 69
LE
IG DIP C8
M PER NG
A
IN
PIS
ED
M
O 884 31
LU
R NGC OM M
U
UR DR N
G
S A Polaris EIA AN4 IA
M OP TR
AJ LY CAISSSI M3
OR NX DA L
M81 CAMELOPAR
33
T
N
M
S
03
M1
O
A
69S
8U
R
GSCE
E
H H
PENR
T
W GE T
R
M
E MI 884 O
S
LU
C NI NGC N U
T ast
or G
Capella N
IA
LY AU R I G A M3
4
TR
N IS
X DA L
CAMELOPAR
T
N
M38
S
S
O
A
S IE
SEU
R
E
H AR H
PER
T
W GE T
E MI R
S NI O
T Ca
sto N
r NORTH Capella
AU R I G A
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
M38
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
June 15 Midnight 1 am
July 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH July 15 10 pm 11 pm
August 1 9 pm 10 pm
August 15 8 pm 9 pm
JULY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
72
M1
5
M
27
VU
LP
S
SA
DE
EC
G
LE
LP
UL U
IT
A
EQ
O
RC
Al
TA
HI
U
t
HE
U
RG
air
Ve
S
M
M
LE
CY
VI
S
04
ga
A
2
13
U
PU
CE
S M
M1
GN
PE
NI
M
S
C
U
LY
E
57
Al
S
R
RI
R
A
TE A
WEST
bi
NS
EAST
S
us
A Q G AS
E
U
A
ica
re
Q N
M1
IS
ur
BE COM 53
S
U
5
U
OO
Sp
ct
M
5
UA US
r
R O SLERP
B
IL A M
27
A
RV
VU
A CO RE
LP
CO
S
SA
DE
EC SER
P 2
BO
L
G
UL U LE M1
IT
CAU ENS
A
EQ
O
PH
DA RC
Al
TA
U
HE G
ta
0
U
ir
M1 IR
NU
M
LE
M14 V
S
04
2
M1
U
1
PU
S
M1
A
H US
A
M2 OPHIUC C RA
6
U
SC S
RI
D
WEST
EAST
S
UT
U
A
ica
ST
Q UM M16 PE HY
MS
30
R
U R
Sp
ECL
VU
SE 5
IPT
IC
IL
A M 17 M
AQ P I S C I N U
83
M
OR
UA IS S
M
CA M25 M23
C
SER M18 M9 RA
P 24 2
PR
IC S
CAU ENM M1 LIB
OR DA 8
M22 M80
0
NU
S SA M28 M19
M1 res US
GIT M21 M14 Anta M4
TAR M1
1
UR
I US NTA
M5 H US E
5 OPHIUC C RA
AU
SCM5 M26 D
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ST
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83
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T C OPIUM MA S
A
SROAU T H NOR
STAR MOTION
PAVO
North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JULY | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J UL Y N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
73
M
M2
M14 11
10
US
M
M5 M S
12 EN
LE
S S E R P DA
UU
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M
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25
87
PH
M M2
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M
EQ
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M
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15
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9
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M
M
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ta
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26
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LIB
16
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M
PU
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M
GA
T
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CO
SC
TT
GO
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S
GI
U
M
M
M
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53
64
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A
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10
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M
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01
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T
W T
E R
S O
T U R SA M
52 N
MINOR NORTH
S
HEU
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
CEP
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
June 15 Midnight 1 am
July 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH July 15 10 pm 11 pm
August 1 9 pm 10 pm
August 15 8 pm 9 pm
JULY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
74
62
M
S
55
S
SA
U
M6 la
54
PI
AQ
Shau
GI
C M7 R
RV
AU
M3
TT
O
UA
AU OR
A
CO
S
R
ST
RI
U
ST O N SC
83
PU
IU
S RA A
M
LU
S
PI S RI N
LIS
M21
ECLIPTIC
CI U
O
S S
es
4
Spica
M2
M8
RG
M
tar
2
A
8
19
M
VI
R
M10
An
CA
ARA RM
M
M
28
E
M
IC NO
WEST
PR
62
TE
EAST
AT
BR
Fo
69
M
RO LES
IC
m
LI
S
CR
55
COPIUM
al
S
SC
SA
U
M6
ha
la
OR
54
9
OP
PI
AQ
Shau
ut
GI
C 13
N
IU M7 R
RV
C5
AU
M
M3
TT
0
O M
UA
AU OR
NG
US
CO
R
ST
RI ST O N
N GSUCLU US
U
83
E il
IU
RA A TRIA
RA
S UsP
M
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S
PI S RI N
LIS RigntauLru
AUST Ke UR
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SC
S S
H
IN D
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UL
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P
R
ARA RM Ha
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PAVO
NO cru
WEST
GR MIC TE S
TO F
EAST
sa Ga
AT
US RO LES NU mo
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CIRCI
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al
SC
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9
OP
ut
IU CA 13
MT MUS UCX5
UC APUS UM ux CRNG
Acr
AN
ANA UL
OCTANS TRIANG LE il s S
RA TL
PH RA Rigntauru RU
AUST Ke U
YD
SC
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OE IN D
U
NI US NT
X NGC dar CE
LP
104 Ha LA
PAVO x
TO
GR S cru VE
R
NU sa Ga
mo
US
SMC CIRCI Mi
Ach
IA
ern
ar CA
MUS UX
TT L
ux CR
S
TUC APUS ELEON
A
SN
Acr
A
A HYDRU N SA C H A M NS
O
S
E
HO NA OCTA
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U
RO
W
T PH LOG CAR
H I UM H
E OE
T
A NI
NGC U
S X ER 104 LA O
T ID
AN LMC VE S
US
SMC PICTOR
Ach DORADO
ern
ar RET
ICULU
N
T
S
ELEO
S
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E
RO S s OLANS
MENSA CHAMaAnopuV
C
U
INA
W
T LOG CAR
H IUM H
E T
A U
S ER O
T ID
AN S
US SLMC
OUTH
PICTOR
STAR MOTION
DORADO
RET
North
ICULU
M
s
C anopu
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
JULY | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
J U L Y S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
75
76 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
AUGUST cygnus
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
16 Alpha (α) Cygni, or Cygni Cyg August–September
On a warm August evening, the most Deneb 1.3
From the Southern Hemisphere, the Its brightest star, Deneb, has
LACERTA
33
κ
magnitude 1.3 and marks the NGC 7128
ψ
magnificent center of the Milky Way is swan’s tail. The swan’s head is
50º
π1 NGC 7086
CYGNUS
NGC 6826 ι
π2 θ
still sitting high in the sky. marked by the gorgeous
double star Albireo,
IC 5146 M39 63
59
55
NGC 7026
ω1
α ο1
ο2
NGC 6811
W ρ 57 Deneb
30
δ
Beta (β) Cygni. A small 40º ξ
NGC 7027
NGC 7000
IC 5067
γ
telescope reveals the ν Cyg A
northern latitudes
NGC 6910 NGC 6819 Vega
σ LYRA
two stars—one gold, 72
61
τ
M29
P
22
15
λ
the other tinted blue. υ 47 29 28 NGCη6871 8
ε 17
THE STARS SIGHTS OF INTEREST Binoculars are perfect for 30º
NGC 6992 39
Cyg X-1
χ
ζ φ
Directly overhead is the bright star When observing Cygnus, look exploring Cygnus’s beautiful μ1
NGC
52 6960
41 NGC 6894
β2
star fields and clusters. Albireo
Vega in Lyra, as well as Deneb, which out for the Cygnus Rift. This dark VULPECULA
marks the tail of the constellation lane of dust sits in front of the
Cygnus. The shape of Cygnus means background stars and appears
it is often called the Northern Cross. to split the Milky Way into two. METEOR SHOWER
In the south, the rich regions around Also look out for the Wild Duck One of the finest meteor showers opportunity to lie back, take in the
Scutum, Scorpius, and Sagittarius Cluster, M11, in Scutum. It is of the year, the Perseids peak night sky, and hopefully see some
are sinking away. clearly visible through binoculars. around August 12. This is a great meteors, too—you should be able
to spot one every minute or so. The
9 A.M. meteors appear to come from
6 A.M. the northern parts of Perseus.
NOON They are typically quite bright
and are best seen after midnight.
Capella PEGASUS
NEPTUNE
3 A.M.
PISCES
29
28
27
26
30° 25
Pollux GEMINI TAURUS Pleiades
24
23
28 22
24 21
25 26
22 25 28 24 22 ARIES
20°
26
25 26
Aldebaran 29
23
CANCER Hyades 28
10° PISCES
23 Betelgeuse 27
Procyon Bellatrix
26
22
0°
25
Mira
24
Rigel
–10° 23
AQUARIUS
21
22
GEMINI Fomalhaut
29 28 27 ARIES M
26 25 O
24 R
23
22 N
21 I N
TAURUS
G
Perseid meteors S
The warm nights in August are a great time to K
Y
sit back and watch the Perseid meteor shower
unfold in the night sky above you. URANUS
AUGUST 77
to its southwest lies Scorpius, the skies, you should have little trouble is relatively small—the fifth smallest of
88 constellations. It is located between AQUILA OPHIUCHUS
Scorpion. Low on the southwest, seeing the Small Magellanic Cloud
the stars of Aquila and Sagittarius, close
the bright stars Alpha (α) and sitting to the west of the star ηβ
to the constellation Serpens Cauda, the M11
R
α ζ
ε
Beta (β) Centauri, also known Achernar in Eridanus. Snake’s Tail, in a wonderfully rich and –10º δ
interesting part of the Milky Way. The Polish
M26
as Rigil Kentaurus and Hadar, are SERPENS
sinking below the horizon, taking SIGHTS OF INTEREST astronomer Johannes Hevelius originally SCUTUM
γ CAUDA
30° 30°
MIDNIGHT
6 P.M.
20° 20°
LEO LEO
9 P.M. Arcturus Arcturus
27 27
27 27 10° 10°
Altair Altair 24 21 24 21Regulus Regulus
23 2323 23
29 28 29 28
29 29 0° 0°
25 25
21 21
OPHIUCHUS
OPHIUCHUS VIRGO VIRGO 22 22
26 26
29 27 29 27
CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS –10° –10°
21 29 29
Spica Spica
22
21 21
E V
E N
I N G
S K Y
78 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
July 15 Midnight 1 am
August 1 11 pm Midnight
August 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north September 1 9 pm 10 pm
September 15 8 pm 9 pm
Northern summer nights are the perfect time
Zenith
to admire the galaxy we live in. In August the 20°N
Milky Way rises up from Auriga and Perseus in
the northeast, stretching all the way across the
sky into Scutum, Scorpius, and Sagittarius in CYGNUS
the southwest. There are many objects nestled 40ºN
in and around the Milky Way that can be spotted
Vega
with binoculars. In addition to the Double
Deneb
Cluster (see p.22), be sure to look out for HERCULES
60ºN
the globular clusters M13 and M92. A large
PEGASUS
telescope will reveal the galaxies M81 and M51. SERPENS
CAPUT DRACO
CEPHEUS
CASSIOPEIA
Arcturus URSA
Big Dipper PISCES
MAJOR
PERSEUS
20ºN
izon
Hor
Capella ARIES itc
li p
Horizon 40ºN Ec
The Milky Way
Binoculars are the ideal way to explore the star fields of the Milky W Hor
Way. The glow of the Milky Way on a dark night is the collective ES izon AURIGA ST
T 60ºN EA
light of billions of the galaxy’s stars. Castor
looking south
There are two must-see objects if you are
looking south in the Northern Hemisphere: Zenith
60°N
M27, or the Dumbbell Nebula, east of Pegasus,
and M57, or the Ring Nebula, south of Cygnus. DRACO
Both these planetary nebulae are enormous
Deneb
shells of gas ejected by Sun-like stars as they 40ºN
die. The Ring Nebula is so named because it
CYGNUS Vega
looks like a smoky gray ring when it is viewed
through a telescope. The Dumbbell Nebula
20ºN
appears as a faint gray bow-tie shape through a
HERCULES
large-aperture telescope.
PEGASUS Altair AQUILA
AQUARIUS
PISCES
SERPENS
CAPRICORNUS CAUDA OPHIUCHUS
SERPENS
tic
Eclip CAPUT
0ºN
Horizon 6 SAGITTARIUS
VIRGO
Antares
Fomalhaut
CETUS LIBRA
Horizon 40ºN
The Dumbbell Nebula
Lying east of Pegasus, the Dumbbell Nebula can be seen as a EA
SCORPIUS
ARA T
fuzzy patch through a small telescope or a pair of binoculars. ST GRUS LUPUS ES
Horiz
on
W
A large telescope reveals its intriguing shape more clearly. 20ºN PAVO
AUGUST 79
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
AUGUST
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The constellation Cygnus, the Swan, is home
Zenith
40°S
to two open clusters that make good,
small-telescope targets. M29 sits very
close to the star Sadr, Gamma (γ) Cygni.
SAGITTARIUS The magnitude 4.6 cluster M39 can be seen
20ºS sparkling against the stars of the Milky Way. It
CAPRICORNUS
has about 30 stars. Higher in the sky you will
β
find Capricornus, the Sea Goat, which is home
Antares
SERPENS
CAUDA
to the globular cluster M30 and Beta (β)
0º
SCORPIUS AQUARIUS
Capricorni—a double star of magnitude
3.1 that can be seen with binoculars.
OPHIUCHUS AQUILA Altair
LIBRA
Ecli
ptic
SERPENS CYGNUS
CAPUT HERCULES
Sadr
Vega PEGASUS
Deneb
Horizon 40
ºS
VIRGO
CEPHEUS
DRACO ANDROMEDA
Arcturus BOÖTES Horizon 20ºS
M39 in Cygnus
W PISCES The open cluster M39 covers an area of similar size to the full
ES URSA ST Moon and lies 825 light-years away. It is a nice target for
T EA
MINOR
0º binoculars or a small telescope on a clear night.
CASSIOPEIA Horizon
looking south
Sagittarius, the Archer, is now sitting high
Zenith in the south, providing a feast of objects
0°
to observe. M17, the Omega Nebula, is
AQUILA
a good target for a small telescope. It is a
glowing cloud of hydrogen gas that resembles
SERPENS
20ºS CAUDA the Greek capital letter Omega (ω). The open
cluster M23 and the Sagittarius Star Cloud
c
ipti M24 are also ideal binocular objects.
Ecl
LUPUS
PHOENIX TUCANA
OCTANS α Centauri LIBRA
Achernar β Centauri
CETUS º CRUX
zon 0
Hori VIRGO
A
ct
RT
BO
ur
ES
us
CE
OT COR EAL
SC
LA
ES
Vega
PI
LYDRA b
M
S ne
BO
SUS
3
31
RA CO U
53
De
M3
EAST
GN
M
WEST
HE
ON IS
CY
M1
GA
CO
RC
M9
3
A
3
PE
UL
MA
52
9
S
M
M3
ES
IE
M6
Ar
BE
EI TA
AR
ct
4
BO
SC M
ur
R
RE
C M1 P
ES
us
LU
VE AN
CE
01
OT
IO
NI
SS
U
N
AT ES G
LA
E
S N
CEM53
A
CA
M
S
EU IA
PI
IC 51 Miz DR 9
ED
ar UR 86
PH TR
S
I S AC 3
3
31
A CE 10 GC
M3
MIN O
OM
EAST
M
M
WEST
N 34
OR S M
DR
EU
CO
U Polaris IS 4
88
RS
3
N
RS
DA PE
C
MA
A
A 52
NG
S
MA R M
PA
ISE
M6
JO
ELO
BE
DRE
R TH
4
EIAA
CAM
45
EB
RE
EI
M1 I GD P
LU
M
VE AN 01
I PPE IO
PL
NI
SS
U
N
AT ES G
R
S N
CE
CA
M
IC 51 Miz EU 9 IA
S
ar U 86
RS PH TR
S
RU
I 3
AM M81 CE M
10 GC
U
N 34
INOR S
TA
M
U Polaris IS 4 EU
L EO RS L 88
RS
DA PE
C
A R NG
M M AJ PA
S
IN lla
OR ELO
DE
OR TH pe
Ca
CAM
EB
EIA
IG
PL T
DI
N
PPE
S
R
O
A
R
E
H H
S
38
IGA
T
W T
RU
M
M81 R R
E AU O
U
S 36
TA
T M N
LE
O LYN
M X 7
M3 lla
IN e
OR Ca
p
T
N
S
O
A
R
E
H 38 H
IGA
T
W M T
R R
E
S AU 36 O
T M N
NORTH
LYN
X M3
7
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
July 15 Midnight 1 am
August 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH August 15 10 pm 11 pm
September 1 9 pm 10 pm
September 15 8 pm 9 pm
AUGUST | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
80
ireo LA
PI
Alb
PE
S
M2 E CU
7 VULP
CE
GA
S
S
M5
DE
U
LP
S
M HI
T
15 NU
M2
U
9
R
S SAG
ITTA
LY
AP
CY
CET
57
GN
M
S
S
AltaUirS GO
WEST
US
LE
EAST
EQ
AQUIL C HU
U
PE
IU 12
UU
VIR
ireo LA H M R
PI
RC
LE Alb U OP
PE
E
S
M US S SE
A
PEC
H
2 M2
7 VUL PEN
CE
4
GA
M1
S
10 BR
S
M5
SER UDA
M
DE
LI
U
CA
A
Q LP
S
U M HI
T
15 NU
M11
AR S
IU SAGI
TTA U
S AP
CA C
CET
PR M26
Altair S S
WEST
A
N
US
M 16
EAST
EQ ICOR
NU AQUIL M C HU PE
S M 17 IU 12
UU
SCUTU HM9 M R
Fo LE M 18 M 2 3 OP 80
m M U M M
SC
S S24 SE
A
PI 2
U
al
ha
SC ECL PEN M1
4 es
PT u IS IPTIC SER M21 10 9 ar BR
t M 5 UDA
2A M M1 Ant LI
4
S
L A
AU
M
S
Q OR ST M3
0 M8
U R 2
PU
22 M28 M6 IU
M11 M
AR INU
S
LU
I US RP
M55 S CO
CA M26 M6
PR
ICO M69
RN M54 M16M7 aula
US M M 17 Sh
SCUTU
Fo SAGITTARIUS M 18 M 2 3 M9 80
m M24 M
SC
PI A
U
al SC ECL
L
ha CORONLIS es
T
PT u IS IPTIC A M21 9 t ar A
S
t AUSTRM25 M
S
O MIC M1 AnR
AU 4
O
M
ES
R ST M3 R OS
0 M8 N2 O
U
PIUM
PU
8
COP O
W
T RIN IUM M6 IU
H US TEML2E2 SC M2
LU
E GR RP H
A US CO T
S M55 M6 S U
PH
T M69 O
A la
S
OE
M54 AMR7 u
ha
N
IND U
S S
IX
SAGITTARIUS A
CORONLIS A
T
S
AUSTR M
S
MIC
R
O
E
ROS
PAVO NO
U
COP OPIUM
W
T IUM TE LES C
H GR H
E T
A US U
S O
T A S
SOUTH AR
IND U
S STAR MOTION
North
PAVO
sunrise and sunset on 15th august
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
AUGUST | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
A UGUS T N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
81
SC N
4
UA
CO
PI TRI
M
IS
GO
I
M
8
PR
30
AQ
S
28
M
M2
CA
AU
M9
2
M21 M24
M1
M23
M2
8M
VI
5
17
R GO
NU
S
SE
M1
OR
6
RP
RIC
26
CAP
EN
S
M5
M1
IU
2
M
M
AR
10
14
M
U
SC
U
CA
11
TU
U
DA
AQ
M
M2
H
O
IU
P
U
C LE
S
HU
SE
AQ UU
CE
S U
RP
EQ
Arc
ILA
PIS
Altair
EAST
WEST
EN
tur
S
us
PU
CA
15
T
M
SAGITTA U
S
US
VU HIN AS
L PEC DELP PE
G
ULA M27
O
C
RO
N HE
Albire
o
A
BO
BO RC
ULE M57
OT
RE S
AL
E
ED
A
M
S
13
IS M29
OM
Vega CYGNUS DR
M9 AN
2 LYRA eb
Den
31
M
M39
TA
ER
LAC
IA
D PE
RA IO
T
CO SS
N
S
CA
O
2
US
A
M5
CEPHE
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S O
T N
URS
A MI
NO R
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
July 15 Midnight 1 am
August 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH August 15 10 pm 11 pm
September 1 9 pm 10 pm
September 15 8 pm 9 pm
AUGUST | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
82
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A
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N
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North
Can CARINA
opu
s
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
AUGUST | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
A UGU S T S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
83
84 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
SEPTEMBER pegasus
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
7 Epsilon (ε) Pegasi, Pegasi Peg September–October
The nights are darker now in the Northern or Enif, 2.4
Hemisphere, making it a good time to admire You can easily spot the LACERTA 22h
β
η
the Milky Way’s center moves to the west. Its main body is made up of ψ
Scheat
μ
κ
υ τ 56
λ ι
the large asterism known GREAT
SQUARE OF
2
γ Markab
Andromeda, where you 70
ξ 31 M15
ζ
THE STARS the east. The roughly triangular can find the magnificent 10º ε
Enif
Looking high up in the sky, you constellation Capricornus, the spiral galaxy M31, the θ
will spot the constellation Cepheus, Sea Goat, lies in the south. Andromeda Galaxy. 35
ν EQUULEUS
is a popular target for amateur If you are up for a real challenge this the star Deneb in Cygnus.
astronomers. Its brightness varies month, try hunting down the North If you want to marvel at binoculars. It can be
between magnitude 3.5 and 4.4 America Nebula, NGC 7000. It is one of the jewels of the seen near the star Enif, or
every 5 days and 9 hours. hard to detect from light-polluted night sky, look for the beautiful Epsilon (ε) Pegasi. The open
Toward the west, the stars of skies, but with binoculars, it can be globular cluster M15 using star cluster M39 in Cygnus is
the Summer Triangle are still visible, seen from dark skies, sitting near another deep-sky object worth
while the constellations Cassiopeia 6 A.M. observing through binoculars or
and Andromeda are visible in 9 A.M. a small telescope.
3 A.M.
NOON Capella
MIDNIGHT
Castor
30°
Pollux
GEMINI TAURUS
26 24 Pleiades
25 24 22 ARIES
20° 28
LEO 29
25 26 28 Aldebaran
23
24 Hyades 28
23
CANCER 27 PISCES
10° 22
Regulus Betelgeuse Bellatrix
23 27 Procyon
26 22
0°
Mira 25
Rigel 24
–10°
M O R N I N
–20° G
S K
positions of the planets
Y
This chart shows the positions of the planets in except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s Foma
–30° September from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on September 15. Mercury is shown
represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). 29 ARIES
28 27
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For the specific dates, refer to the Almanac. 26 25
24
23
22
Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune TAURUS 21
southern latitudes
THE STARS constellations, including Pisces, globular cluster M22. The relatively large telescope to
If you are observing from the the Fishes; Cetus, the Whale; and constellation Aquarius, the Water view this nebula. There are two
Southern Hemisphere this month, Eridanus, the River. Carrier, sits almost overhead. You interesting binocular targets in
be sure to enjoy the rich regions can see several deep-sky objects the sky at the moment—the
of Scorpius and Ophiuchus before SIGHTS OF INTEREST there, including the interesting globular cluster M2 in Aquarius,
they sink below the western horizon. This month, be sure to enjoy the planetary nebula NGC 7293, also near the star Beta Aquarii,
Just above them lies a rich region sights of Scorpius, Sagittarius, known as the Helix Nebula. You and another globular cluster
around the heart of the Milky Way and Scutum before they disappear will need dark skies and a M15, in Pegasus.
Galaxy, brimming with star clusters below the horizon. The most
and bright nebulae. spectacular objects to look p i s c i s au s t r i n u s
In contrast, the eastern half for in these constellations include
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
of the sky is relatively empty, M8, the Lagoon Nebula; the open
60 Alpha (α) Piscis Austrini, Piscis PsA September–October
though you can still find several clusters M6 and M7; and the or Fomalhaut, 1.2 Austrini
9 P.M.
20° 20°
6 P.M.
Arcturus Arcturus
10° 10°
Altair Altair
21 21
AQUARIUS AQUARIUS
22 27
28 0° 27
28 0°
25 OPHIUCHUS OPHIUCHUS VIRGO VIRGO
23 23
24 28 24 28
24 29 29
25 21 25 21 –10°
CAPRICORNUSCAPRICORNUS –10°
23 22 23 22 27 27
21 21 27 29 27 29
PEGASUS 26 26
21 21 21
21 29 29 –20° –20°
29
28 SAGITTARIUS SAGITTARIUS
Shaula Shaula
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
SCORPIUS SCORPIUS
NEPTUNE
Y
E V E N I N G S K
86 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
August 15 Midnight 1 am
September 1 11 pm Midnight
September 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north October 1 9 pm 10 pm
October 15 8 pm 9 pm
In the northern skies, trace the constellation
Zenith
Draco, the Dragon, weaving between the 20°N
constellations Ursa Minor, Cepheus, and
Hercules. At the tip of the dragon’s tongue
PEGASUS
lies the double star 16 and 17 Draconis, which
can be spotted with just a pair of binoculars. 40ºN
CYGNUS
Nu (ν) Draconis in the dragon’s head is also
an interesting double star in binoculars. Deneb
DRACO CEPHEUS
ν
CASSIOPEIA
16,17
Draconis Polaris ARIES
URSA
HERCULES MINOR
PERSEUS
looking south
In the south the impressive Andromeda Galaxy,
M31, sits in the heart of Andromeda. It is easily Zenith
60°N
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. Deneb
The Coathanger asterism, or Brocchi’s Cluster, ANDROMEDA
40ºN
lies between Cygnus and Aquila in the east, and CYGNUS
ARIES
Ecliptic
AQUARIUS
PISCES
SERPENS
CAPRICORNUS CAUDA
CETUS 0ºN
Horizon 6
Fomalhaut
OPHIUCHUS
GRUS SAGITTARIUS
Horizon 40ºN
The Coathanger
Ten stars make up the famous shape of the Coathanger, south ERIDANUS
EA PHOENIX
SCORPIUS Antares T
of Cygnus. The stars of this open cluster are not near each ST ES
Horiz W
other in space; the shape is a chance alignment. on 20º
N PAVO
TUCANA
S E P T E MB E R 87
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
SEPTEMBER
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The globular cluster M15 sits southwest of the
Zenith
40°S
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
CAPRICORNUS thought to be 13.2 billion years old. Several
20ºS Fomalhaut deep-sky objects lie in the northeast, in the
constellation Aquarius. The globular cluster
M2 appears as a fuzzy star through binoculars,
AQUARIUS
and the planetary nebula NGC 7293,
SAGITTARIUS 0º
Ec the Helix Nebula, appears as a faint
lip
tic fuzzy disc through a small telescope.
AQUILA Enif
SERPENS CETUS
Altair
CAUDA
PEGASUS
CYGNUS
PISCES
OPHIUCHUS Deneb ANDROMEDA
HERCULES
Vega
40 ºS CEPHEUS
izon CASSIOPEIA
Hor ARIES
Horizon 20ºS
M15 in Pegasus
W DRACO The globular cluster M15 is roughly 175 light-years in
ES Hori PERSEUS ST diameter and 30,000 light-years from Earth. A 150mm
T zon 0º EA
(6in) telescope reveals many of the cluster’s sparkling stars.
Polaris
looking south
The globular cluster 47 Tucanae is a must-see
Zenith target in the September southern skies, lying
0°
to the south of the constellation Tucana. It is
visible to the naked eye as a hazy star, while
Ecliptic a small telescope shows its bright center
20ºS and many of its glittering stars. This cluster is
AQUILA 15,000 light-years away. Other visible targets
AQUARIUS CAPRICORNUS
include the globular clusters M22, NGC 6397,
and M4, in Sagittarius, Ara, and Scorpius
Fomalhaut 40ºS
respectively. The open clusters M6 and M7
GRUS SAGITTARIUS SERPENS
CAUDA
in Scorpius are also visible.
CETUS
PHOENIX
TUCANA
PAVO ARA
Achernar OPHIUCHUS
SCORPIUS
OCTANS Antares
Horizon 0º
ERIDANUS
α Centauri
β Centauri LUPUS
31
M
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US
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M M
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13 92
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T Ca N
NORTH
LEO
MINO
R
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
August 15 Midnight 1 am
September 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH September 15 10 pm 11 pm
October 1 9 pm 10 pm
October 15 8 pm 9 pm
SEPTEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
88
PI
S
SC
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HU
12
M
C
M
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M
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0
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A
PH
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M1
M29
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9
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21
WEST
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D
CAPRICOR
M6
8
M
UM
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6
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16
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54
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8
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SOUTH INDUS
STAR MOTION
TUCAN
A PAVO
North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
SEPTEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
S E PTE M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
89
CE
ICO
22
M 2 1 M 18
3
t
CH
RN u S
ha U
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M24 M17
US
M25
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US
m
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M30 Fo
U
M 16
AQ
CA
S
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M2
PR
SC
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a
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10
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UA
UT
M
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N
12
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M1
AQ
UM
S
RP
S
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TU
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11
EN
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HI
ECL
SC
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UC
CA
AQ
AP
HU
UD
U
UT
A
S
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M2
A
WEST
EAST
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air
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SA US E
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G ITT SC
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M15
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M39
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E
AC C H
T
W O CEPHEUS M1
03 NG T
E R
S O
T EIA N
IOP
SS
CA
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
August 15 Midnight 1 am
September 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH September 15 10 pm 11 pm
October 1 9 pm 10 pm
October 15 8 pm 9 pm
SEPTEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
90
CAP
QU
M
ET
M
8
UT
HMI1
CO
SE
10
Mir
6
AR
a
M
M2
US
RI
SC
OP
US
M8
M2
AP
PIS
RI
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SC
54
A
CIS
U
M
AU
TTC M55
ST
LP
I
69
9
TO RIN
res
G
M
US
R
ta
7
M1
AQ
SA
M 16
M
M
62
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M30
F
S
Fo
A
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M8
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M25
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M24 M17
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HU
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N
M4
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M
GRU NA S
EAST
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CE
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WEST
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M22
AX
CA
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M2
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M9
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55
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M1
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62
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0
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S
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OR
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M4
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ern
ar GRU PAVO NA S PU
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WEST
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INDUS L UM OR
LIB
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SOUTH X S
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STAR MOTION
CARINA
North
VELA
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
SEPTEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
S E PTE M B E R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
91
92 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S 6h
1h
0h
5h
4h 2h
3h
OCTOBER perseus
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
24 Alpha (α) Persei, Persei Per November–December
In the Northern Hemisphere, the main or Mirphak, 1.8
attractions this month are Pegasus and Perseus, the Hero, sits among the 5h
2h
October night sky, you can see magnitude 0.0 Vega. TAURUS ARIES
NOON
Castor
Pollux
TAURUS Pleiades
GEMINI
24 22 24 ARIES
20°
LEO 25
26
Aldebaran 29
28 26 23
Hyades
28
10°
23 Regulus CANCER Betelgeuse
VIRGO 28 27
22 29 Procyon Bellatrix
27
0° 25
28
21 28
Mira
Rigel
–10°
M O R N
–20° I N G
positions of the planets S K
Y
This chart shows the positions of the planets except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
–30° in October from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on October 15. Mercury is shown when
represented by colored dots, while the number it is at greatest elongation (see p.125). For
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
southern latitudes e r i da n u s
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
THE STARS star Fomalhaut, almost directly
After the wonderfully rich views above you in the constellation Piscis 6 Alpha (α) Eridani, or Eridani Eri November–January
ORION
Achernar, 0.5 TAURUS
of the southern winter, October Austrinus. A little lower down in 4h
PISCES
5h 3h
night skies look rather empty. the south at one end of Eridanus Eridanus, the River, winds 45
ν 32
However, this does not mean there shines Achernar, or Alpha (α) Eridani, its way across the night μ 17
CETUS
is nothing to see. Looking south, while the bright star Altair, in Aquila, sky, starting near the feet β ω ο1
ε ζ η
of Orion. It then meanders ψ ο2 δ
you can locate the constellations twinkles away in the west. Aquarius across the sky toward –10º
λ
39
π
Phoenix, Grus, Tucana, Pavo, and is high up in the northern part of the
64
Cetus before passing 53
NGC 1535
γ
the long and winding Eridanus. The sky. Pegasus is also on view with its the constellations ERIDANUS
τ1
constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, famous square practically due north. Horologium, the Clock, 54 NGC 1300
τ5 τ4
lies low in the west. and Caelum, the Chisel. τ 6
15
3
τ τ2
τ9
Its brightest star, Achernar,
There are several bright stars to SIGHTS OF INTEREST Alpha (α) Eridani, has a
τ8
help you navigate the sky. In the In the Southern Hemisphere, magnitude 0.5 and marks υ 1 FORNAX
–30º
υ2
south, look out for the magnitude 1.2 the night sky offers several the end of this celestial river. 4
υ
objects that make good targets Eridanus has few clusters or υ3
for even modest amateur nebulae within it but contains
CAELUM
The Circlet star. Near 47 Tucanae lies the A hop over the constellation
This asterism is formed by a ring of seven stars galaxy known as the Small Hydrus, or the Little Water Snake, Galaxy, M31, in the constellation
that make up the head of one of the fish in the HYDRUS
constellation Pisces.
Magellanic Cloud, or SMC, takes you to the constellations Andromeda, as well as the
which is a great target for a small
PEGASUS Dorado and Mensa, where you spiral galaxy M33, visible through
will find the Large Magellanic binoculars or a small telescope in
MIDNIGHT NEPTUNE
Cloud, or LMC. It can be seen the constellation Triangulum. The
with the naked eye and is a fine Andromeda Galaxy is the closest
PISCES sight through a telescope. Turning major galaxy to the Milky Way
29
28 your attention to the northern sky, and twice as large.
9 P.M. 27
26 you can find the Andromeda
25 NOON
24
23
22
21
26 26 0° 0°
22 22
OPHIUCHUS
OPHIUCHUS
25 25 VIRGO VIRGO
24 24AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS –10° –10°
22 29 29
23 23 22 23 27 23
21 21 27
25 25
21 27 27 26 26
21 –20°
24 26 26 –20°
24
29 29 2529 25
29
Antares Antares
CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS 21 21 LIBRA LIBRA –30° –30°
SAGITTARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
Shaula Shaula
29 28
27 26
ARIES
25
24 –40° –40°
23
22
TAURUS 21
SCORPIUS
SCORPIUS
E
V
URANUS E
N
I N
G
S K Y
94 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
September 15 Midnight 1 am
October 1 11 pm Midnight
October 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north November 1 9 pm 10 pm
November 15 8 pm 9 pm
As the Summer Triangle (Vega, Deneb, and
Zenith
Altair) moves to the west, the Milky Way arches 20°N
overhead and some winter constellations start
peeking over the horizon. Look out for the PEGASUS
Double Cluster in Perseus (see p.22) and
the open clusters M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, 40ºN
PISCES
rising in the east. The Hyades and Pleiades star
ANDROMEDA
clusters in Taurus start coming back into view
and the open clusters M52, NGC 457, and M103 ARIES
60ºN
high in the sky in Cassiopeia are also worth Deneb
finding. These are all good binocular targets. CYGNUS
Ecliptic
CASSIOPEIA
Horizon 20ºN
OPHIUCHUS ORION
Big Dipper
GEMINI Betelgeuse
Horizon 40ºN Castor
The Auriga Clusters
Use binoculars to look out for the open clusters M36, M37, Pollux
W
and M38. All three will just fit within the same field of view ES ST
T BOÖTES URSA EA
with wide-angle binoculars. MAJOR
Horizon 60ºN
looking south
While the beautiful Andromeda Galaxy, M31,
is still on show this month, do not overlook Zenith
60°N
another interesting galaxy close by. M33,
or the Triangulum Galaxy is just above the CASSIOPEIA
constellation Aries, and can be glimpsed with
the naked eye from a very dark sky site. A pair ANDROMEDA 40ºN
Deneb
of binoculars or a small telescope will show this
beautiful spiral galaxy’s misty, oval form. If you CYGNUS
are observing with a telescope, make sure to PERSEUS
20ºN
spot the lovely double star Gamma (γ) Arietis
in the nearby constellation Aries. ARIES γ PEGASUS
TAURUS PISCES
Eclip
tic
AQUARIUS
Altair
CETUS
Aldebaran
CAPRICORNUS
0ºN AQUILA
ORION Horizon 6
Fomalhaut
GRUS
PHOENIX
Horizon 40ºN SERPENS
The Andromeda Galaxy
Rigel CAUDA
Through a small telescope M31, in the constellation Andromeda, EA
ERIDANUS SAGITTARIUS
T
appears as a fuzzy gray ellipse with a brighter core. Larger ST ES
Achernar W
apertures will help discern the galaxy’s dark, dusty lanes. Horizon
20ºN
TUCANA
OC T OB E R 95
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
OCTOBER
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The double star Almach, Gamma (γ)
Zenith
40°S
Andromedae in the constellation Andromeda,
is a lovely target for a small telescope when
looking north. One of the stars has an orange
Fomalhaut tint, while the other is a beautiful blue. In the
20ºS same constellation, quite close to Almach, is
CAPRICORNUS
the magnitude 5.5 open cluster NGC 752.
Binoculars or small telescopes reveal it
covering an area larger than the full Moon.
0º
AQUARIUS Finally, be sure to track down M31 in
CETUS
Andromeda and M33 just above Aries.
PISCES ERIDANUS
PEGASUS Ec
lip
tic
Altair
ANDROMEDA
ARIES TAURUS
AQUILA
Horizon 40ºS
CYGNUS Almach
CASSIOPEIA
Deneb
OPHIUCHUS ORION
Aldebaran
Horizon 20ºS PERSEUS
NGC 752
CEPHEUS
W
HERCULES
Vega Composed of around 70 stars, the loose open star cluster NGC 752
ES ST is a fine sight in a small telescope using a low magnification.
T
AURIGA EA
DRACO Capella It can be found north of Andromeda’s star Almach in the east.
Polaris Horizon 0º
looking south
Two of the celestial showpieces of the
Zenith southern skies can be seen this month:
0°
the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. These
galaxies lie relatively close in space to the
Milky Way. The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)
AQUARIUS
20ºS in Tucana can be seen with the naked eye, as
Ec
li
can the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which
pt
ic
GRUS
AQUILA
Achernar
ERIDANUS TUCANA
SAGITTARIUS
PAVO
OCTANS
Horizon 0º ARA
PICTOR
Rigel
Canopus
SCORPIUS
Horizon 20ºS PUPPIS CARINA CENTAURUS OPHIUCHUS
Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)
ORION α Centauri
EA CANIS The irregular galaxy known to astronomers as the SMC sits in the
ST MAJOR β Centauri Antares ST constellation Tucana. Visible to the naked eye, it stretches roughly
WE
VELA
LUPUS
seven times the Moon’s apparent diameter across the sky.
CRUX
Horizon 40ºS
LA
M3
CE
S
RT
34
EU
9
e
ION
A
eus
De
M57
RS
ne
elg
OR
9
b
86
PE
LYR
Bet
C
G
1
N
n
UM
A
SM
M52
VULPE
bara
03 88
CE
ES
1
M1
DES
C
M3
EAST
RU
ix
P G
UL
Ve lbireo
WEST
Alde
N
M HYAD
latr
EU 36
ga
M29
ASNDROMEDA IA
PLEIA
NG
A
TAU
OPH
PE
Bel
S
CUL
IO LI 38
SS
IA
CYG
37
HEIUC
DA
LA M
CA
35
M3
lla
TR
C R
S
M
A
R CH U
ER PA pe
34
EU
9
e
Ca
ION
NU
TA LO
eus
De
M57
UL S
ME
RS
ne
9A
S
elg
C
ES
OR
A
b
G
86
PE RI
LYR
Bet
M M C
13
AU
92 G
1
N
A
M
M52 4
03 88
CE M1 C
EAST
IN
DR PH G
Ve
WEST
N
AC EU 36
M
ga
O S IA M
PE
is
Polar
GE
S
IO LI 38
CHOE
SS
37
DA
M
CA
35
M
R la
RRO
el
M
PA p
CN
LO Ca
or
UAL
ME
st
CA
ACa
EBSO
URS G
M
13 M A MIN
OR RI
AU
R
92
N X
x
EA
BO LY
lu
M81
l
Po
LI
OT
I
S
IN
ES D RA
M
C O is
Polar
GE
M1
CO
01
RO
Mizar
or
NA
st
THE BIG DIPPER
Ca
T
URS
NOR
B
S
A MIN
O EA
A
OR AJOR X
R LI
H URSMA81M N H
Ex
B LY
lu
T S
W OO M T
l
Po
51
E TE R
S S CA O
T NES N
M 101
V ENAT
ICI
OR
MIN
Mizar
LEO
THE BIG DIPPER
T
N
S
O
A
AJOR
R
E
H U R SA M H
T
W M 51 T
E R
S CA O
T NES N
V ENAT NORTH
ICI
OR
MIN
LEO
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
September 15 Midnight 1 am
October 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH October 15 10 pm 11 pm
November 1 9 pm 10 pm
November 15 8 pm 9 pm
OCTOBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
96
E
CL
IP
ir
TI
C PEGASUS
ta
S
Al
U
N
1
5 HI
M1 P
M1
A
US
D EL
OR
TT
PIS ANDROMEDA
TRIA
M27
S
GI
A
CE
M
S
ION
M
M3
L EU
3
H
SA
NG
WEST
UIL
EAST
AR
TU IUCH
UU
U
EQ U
E
M 17
TAU
AQ
LU
IES
CL
R
IP S C OP 26
M
ir
TI
C PEGASUS M2
5
US
ta
S
ira
Al
U
M2
ER
IN
1
ID 5 S
M1 PH
M1
AN
L R NU
E
22
US
M
D ICO
6
CE PIS R
TU CE CSAP
M2
S S EU
L
UM
WEST
EAST
T
S UU
EQ
M 17
ARIU
CU
A QU
S
54
M2
5
M
M
55
ira
U
M
M2
ER FO
RI
ID RN 0
US M3 M US
TA
AN AX RIN IU N
UST OP IT
22
US PISCIS A OR G
M
O SC R IC
CE t SA
TU Fomalhau ICR C AP
S M
SCULPTOR
RIUS
A QU A
54
M
T
55
S
M
SS
PHO
O
ERIU
HOFOR ENIX
U S 0 M
U
GRUS M3
TA
W
T RO NAX RIN U
H LO UST USPI ITH
E GI PISCIS A INSDCO GT
A UM RO S A
U
S Fo malhaut O
T MIC S
SCULPTOR
Ache
TUCANA
rnar
T
S
S
PHO
O
E
HO ENIX
U
GRUS
W
T RO
H LO US H
E G IU IND T
A M U
S O
T S
SOUTH
STAR MOTION
Ache
TUCANA
rnar
North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
OCTOBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
O CTO BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
97
a
Mir
AQ
trix
UIL
Bella
A
S
TU
S
CE
RU
M
n
2
ara
ES
Al
UAS
U
M11
ta
EQ
eb
AD
ir
EAST
AN
Ald
HY
UU
WEST
AQ
ID
SA AQU
LE
IT
ION
S
ER
M S
G
a
U
UA
TA LP
D
CE
15 ECLIP
Mir
OPH
HI TIC
PI S
VU
OR
RI
trix
LP
US
US
IUC
ILA
Bella
EC
45
LA
S
M
IES
HU
M PEGASUS
TRU
S
27 A
CE
RU
M
n
ES
S
Al
2
ara
Al
ES
AD
U
bi ta
EQ
re EI T
eb
AD
o ir
PL
EAST
Ald
UU
WEST
HY
SA
LE
M
I TT S M
57
S
G
LP 3
D
CE M3
15 ECLIP
A M
OPH
ANDROMEDA TIC
HMI PI S LU
VU
LY LPE
C GU
GA
N29 LAC
RA C
YG US ERTA AN S
TRI
IUC
N EU
RI
U US 45
LA M31
RS
AU
ES
M
HU
M PEGASUS PE
RI
27 A
ES
S
Ve
Al 4
b M3 AD
ga
ir eo EI
De M39 PL
n eb
M
A
C AS S I O P E I
57
lla
M3 M
ANDROMEDA
pe
LU
LY
CY GU
T GA
M2
Ca
LAC
R
9
GN ERTA AN S
A
69
T8R4I U
S RI
C8
U M31
NG
SE
A U
S C8
NG ESR
N
E A
LPI
O
M103
DA
M52
CE
VeT
R
H PHEU M3
4
R H
ga
W D S T
RA PA R
E CODen M39 LO O
S
T eb ME N
A CA
C AS S I O P E I
lla
pe
Ca
69
C8
NG 84
C8
T
NG
N
S
S
LI
O
A
M103
DA
M52
C
R
EPHE
E
H US R H
T
W D T
RA PA R
E CO LO O
S
T ME N
NORTH CA
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
September 15 Midnight 1 am
October 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH October 15 10 pm 11 pm
November 1 9 pm 10 pm
November 15 8 pm 9 pm
OCTOBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
98
a
SC
1 6
UL
OR
PT
8M1
OR
25
M1
A
CIS S
M
D
ION
4 M
PH
FO
O
E
PIS RI NU
55
M2
RN ST
AU
22
RI
EN
UM
AU
IU
M
D
AX IX
PI
M2
SC
AR
1
AN
CO
2
N
U
UM
TT
S
M9
28
S
I
ut
PE
LE
ha
54
US
CE
UT
RO
8
al
T
M30
IC
C
ER
m
M M26
SA
S
PU
M4
WEST
EAST
S
S
2
RN
Fo
Rig
SC GRU
US
el
O
16
69
UL
M
PT
8M
HO
RIC
1
C
9
OR
P
7
M
RO CIS S
7
US
M25
M
M
M1
L
DA
ION
4
PH
ND
CA
Ach I
M1
FO
O PIS RI NU
CA
ern
55
M2
R
RNOGI ar ST
EE
22
EN NA S
UM
U
AU a
M
IX l
23
AXUM
ILDU
PI
RO ALI
RI
O M
OR ANIS M
M TUCANA au
M
A
C TR U
AN
Sh
nt
CO
S
NS
PI
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2 21
A
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M9 areCsAU
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28
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M
M6M
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SC
54
R
RO
R
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8
RP
M
NGC 104 IC
CO
M
SA
S EL
PU
O
WEST
M T
EAST
SE
S
DO
M4
LU
SMC GRU
SC
RA
M
O 69
M
DO
Ad
BA
HORETIC
HYD PAV A
C
9
ha
OCTANS S
6
RO U LU M RUS U AR 7
M
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M1
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Ca I
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no GI ern A
p ar
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us UM M EN
SA R ON LIS l a
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A A M
SM
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PU CO R
Sh
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PP L UM UST O RM PIU
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CO
TRI STRA
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DO AU TE PU
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SMC
SC
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DO RE CHAMAELEON
Ad
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TIC A
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ra
T
LALNUM
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IN
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W
T SA il rus A
H PU MUSCA Rig ntau
M M H
E PP Ke
U R T
A IS PIC CAR
LMC UL NO U
S INA r A O
T H ada I NG ALE
R
VTEOR
LA TR ST USS
AU UP
osa L
CHAMAELEON Mim
VO Acrux APUS RUS
L TAU
CEN
T
AN
S US
S
S
CIN
O
CIR
E
CRUX Gacrux
U
W
T MUSCA
il rus
Rig tau
H Ken H
E T
A CAR
INA U
S dar O
T VE Ha S
LA SOUTH
osa STAR MOTION
Mim
Acrux RU S
TAU
CEN North
x
CRUX Gacru
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
OCTOBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
O CTO B E R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
99
100 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
NOVEMBER
We are now deep into the wonderful dark tau r u s
nights of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
where the constellations Orion, Taurus, 17 Alpha (α) Tauri, or Tauri Tau December–January
Aldebaran, 0.85
Auriga, and Gemini are visible. In the 5h 4h
The stars of Taurus, the Bull, are
Southern Hemisphere, Cetus, Eridanus, easy to locate in the night sky, 30º
6h
AURIGA PERSEUS
and Aquarius are high in the sky. because they are anchored
around the bright “V” shape of 136 βAlnath φ
Pleiades
GEMINI TAURUS
the Hyades star cluster and the 139
132
τ
M45
NGC 1746 υ 37 ARIES
bright star Aldebaran. Both κ
northern latitudes ι
M1
20º ζ 114 109
ω Ecliptic
the Hyades and Pleiades star 119
NGC 1647
ε T
clusters can be seen with the 126 α Hyades
Aldebaran
THE STARS targets. A small telescope shows naked eye. Another remarkable 134 5
Two interesting constellations, the glittering pair of clusters in deep-sky object in Taurus is 10º ORION 90 λ
ξ
M1, the Crab Nebula. 88 μ 47
ο
Perseus and Cassiopeia, are almost Perseus listed as NGC 869 and Betelgeuse
ν
CETUS
Andromeda are sitting high in also several fine open clusters a point south of M45. Another ERIDANUS
the sky. In the east, the grand visible in Auriga. meteor shower, the Leonids,
constellations Orion, Taurus, peaks around November 17. At
and Auriga are also visible. METEOR SHOWERS its peak, you can observe up to
Look for the peak of the Taurid 10 meteors an hour, shooting
SIGHTS OF INTEREST meteor shower during the first from the direction of Leo’s head.
In the Northern Hemisphere, week of November. If the skies 3 A.M.
MIDNIGHT
November’s skies contain the are clear and dark, you may see
lingering sights of summer, 10 meteors an hour, coming from 6 A.M.
including M31 and M33, as well
as some new objects. The open
Capella
clusters NGC 457 and NGC 663
in the “W” shaped constellation
Cassiopeia make excellent binocular 9 A.M.
Castor
Pollux
GEMINI
Pleiades
22
NOON 24
24 25
0°
23
VIRGO 28
28
25 27 Rigel
–10° 26
21 26
29
–20° positions of the planets
LIBRA
This chart shows the positions of the planets in except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
November from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on November 15. Mercury is shown
–30°
Y represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
K inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
S
G Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune
–40° I N
N Venus Jupiter Uranus
R
O EXAMPLES
–50°
M 21 Jupiter’s position on 24 Jupiter’s position on November 15, 2024. The arrow indicates
November 15, 2021 that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).
N OV E MB E R 101
southern latitudes
THE STARS Orion and Taurus. It is easy to
cetus
The constellations Eridanus and identify Orion, as it contains the
Cetus sit right above you this bright stars Betelgeuse, Alpha (α) Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
month. Eridanus, the River, is Orionis, and Rigel, Beta (β) Orionis. 4 Beta (β) Ceti 2.0 Ceti Cet October–December
naturally long and winding and its Look north to find the constellations
end is marked by the bright star Andromeda, Pisces, and Aries. Cetus, the Sea 2h PISCES
10º 3h
Achernar, which can be seen high Monster or Whale, λ μ ξ2 ξ1
in the sky almost due south. The SIGHTS OF INTEREST can be found in the
ν Ecli
constellation Phoenix sits close to Because Cetus is high in the sky, night sky positioned κ α Menkar
ptic
γ
Eridanus and below it, toward the a large telescope will show you the between Pisces and 0º M77 δ 0h
Eridanus. The
interesting spiral galaxy M77, sitting
20
direction of the south celestial pole, brightest star in this ο
Mira
are the constellations Reticulum, very close to the star Delta (δ) Ceti. constellation, Beta CETUS
ERIDANUS θ
the Net; Hydrus, the Little Water The beautiful Magellanic Clouds (β) Ceti, is called –10º
ι
ζ φ
Snake; Tucana, the Toucan; and should be your next target. The Diphda and has a ε ρ
η 3
URANUS NEPTUNE
9 P.M.
GEMINI PISCES
29 28 ARIES 29
28
27 26 27
25 26
24 25
23
22 24
des 6 P.M. TAURUS 21 23
22
ARIES ARIES 21
28 28
PISCES PISCES
10° 10°
Altair Altair
27 27
AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS
26 26 0° 0°
22 22
Mira Mira OPHIUCHUS
25 25 OPHIUCHUS
24 24 CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS –10° –10°
23 23
21 21
22 22
21 21 22 22–20° –20°
29 29 27 27 25 25
27 27
24 24 24 24
29 29
Antares Antares
E 21 21 –30° –30°
FomalhautFomalhaut
V
E SAGITTARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
N Shaula Shaula
I N
G –40° –40°
S SCORPIUS
SCORPIUS
K
Y
–50° –50°
10 2 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
October 15 Midnight 1 am
November 1 11 pm Midnight
November 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north December 1 9 pm 10 pm
December 15 8 pm 9 pm
Be sure to savor the sights of Cygnus, the
Zenith
Swan, before the constellation starts to sink 20°N
below the horizon. A small telescope will show
its beautiful double stars Omicron-1 (ο1) Cygni, ARIES
PISCES
61 Cygni, and Albireo (see p.62), which marks
the bill of the swan. A pair of binoculars will 40ºN
show the open clusters M29 and M39.
Also look out for the magnitude 7.3 ANDROMEDA TAURUS
PERSEUS
open cluster M52, sitting high in the sky in Aldebaran
60ºN
Cassiopeia; the open clusters M36, M37, and
PEGASUS
M38 in Auriga (see p.46); and M35 in Gemini. CASSIOPEIA
Capella AURIGA
CEPHEUS
61 Cygni ORION
Deneb
Polaris
Sadr ο¹ Cygni
URSA GEMINI
MINOR
CYGNUS
Castor
Vega Pollux
Albireo Horizo
Eclipti
Altair DRACO n2 0ºN
Big Dipper
c
URSA Procyon
MAJOR
Horizon 40ºN
M29 in Cygnus
This open cluster can be found sitting against the background W BOÖTES
star fields of the Milky Way. Located a little way from the star ES HERCULES LEO CANCER ST
T EA
Sadr, it is best observed with a small telescope. 0ºN
Horizon 6
looking south
The Hyades (see p.23) and Pleiades (see p.38)
star clusters in the constellation Taurus make Zenith
60°N
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 PERSEUS
and Hyades are clearly visible to the naked eye, 40ºN ANDROMEDA
Betelgeuse
Horizon 60ºN
AQUARIUS
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
NOVEMBER
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
Look out for the globular cluster M79 lying
Zenith
40°S
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
20ºS multiple star system, Omicron-2 (ο2) Eridani,
CETUS
ERIDANUS with three components, and a double star
Fomalhaut
Theta (θ) Eridani. Both are visible with small
AQUARIUS telescopes. Deep-sky observers with dark skies
0º
will be able to spot the galaxy NGC 1300 in the
²
Ecliptic ο Eridani same constellation using large telescopes.
PISCES
TAURUS
Rigel
ARIES
PEGASUS ORION
Aldebaran MONOCEROS
Betelgeuse
ANDROMEDA
40ºS
zon CASSIOPEIA
Hori PERSEUS Capella
AQUILA
AURIGA GEMINI
Horizon 20ºS
NGC 1300
Altair Procyon
W CYGNUS Deneb The barred spiral galaxy NGC 1300 is located about
ES Hori
zon ST 69 million light-years from Earth. It is particularly faint
T 0º EA
Castor but can be seen with a very large amateur telescope.
CEPHEUS
Polaris
looking south
There is a lot to see in the southern skies this
Zenith month with just the naked eye. Start off by
0°
looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC),
west of the constellation Pictor, and the Small
Magellanic Cloud (SMC), in Tucana. These are
CETUS
20ºS both irregular galaxies close to the Milky Way.
The globular cluster 47 Tucanae can be seen
Ec
lip
ORION
TUCANA
CANIS CAPRICORNUS
Canopus
MAJOR PICTOR OCTANS PAVO
Sirius
CARINA
MONOCEROS
PUPPIS Hor
SAGITTARIUS izon
0º
ARA Horizon 20ºS
47 Tucanae
S
EA
VELA 40º This globular cluster in Tucana is a wonderful sight through
zon
ST α Centauri Hori ES
T
a small telescope. A large-aperture telescope shows
W
CRUX β Centauri its countless stars packed together in a dense ball.
CENTAURUS SCORPIUS
MO
N
g
PL
QU
IA tel
TR
Be
ILA
M1
DELP
AQU
Alta
4
M31
M3
ir
HIN
SAG
ILA
M35
R
yon
S
NO
EU
RS
US
c
AN
A
Pro
ITTA
6
DR PE
M37
MI
RIG
8
M3
O ME 9 M3
LA
DA 86
NIS
M2
AU
C 4
CE
NG 88
7
CY
CA
NG
RT
NI
IS
L
lla
DA
GN
pe
A
MI
CA M103
R
Ca
SS
VU
PA
US
GE
M IOPE
29
39
IA LO
EAST
LP
ME
WEST
M52
De CA
EC
ne
b
r
UL
Al
sto
x
CEP
bi
lu
A
Ca
re
HEU
l
Po
o
ER
4
M4
NC
M
57
CA
LY
N X
R
LY
A
Ve
ga
Polaris
URSA
HE
MINOR
O
RC
DRA
LE
CO
U
M81
LE
S
M
92
R
O
I
N
DIPP
ER OR M
BIG AJ O
M THE AM LE
URS
13
T
N
S
O
Mizar
A
R
E
H H
T
W T
E M101 R
S O
T N
BOO TICI
TES VENA
M51 CANES
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
October 15 Midnight 1 am
November 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH November 15 10 pm 11 pm
December 1 9 pm 10 pm
December 15 8 pm 9 pm
NOVEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
104
O
U
ge
LE
NG
I
M
u
S
yon
OR
Al
M35
IL
UL
SA
AD
se
OR
HI
EU
UM M33
NO
M
de
ir
b
L
ES
45
S
IO
E DA
ar
U
U
CE
M3
N
AR OM
M31
an
HY
4
Alta
AQU
U
AS
A
ANDR
U
IES
DELP
G
RO
R
U
EQ
B
PE
S
TA ES
S
M5
EC
el
0
la
L IP
M2
tri
TIC
xM1
US
CA
LA
S
Be
RIN
I
TR
NM
PI SCE
Siri
O
tel
S
P
IA
WEST
us
S
EAST
ICQ
ge
LE
NG
I
M 15
M
M
u
A
N
RA
UL
ld
42
A
P
AD
se
OR
EU
UM M33
I
ES
45
S
ba
E DA
CA
UL
OCE
ra
ON
AR OM SU
n
HY
U
Ri
A
ANDR
U
ge
IES
GA
JO R O
R
l U E
EQ
P
R S
TA ES
Be
S EC
MM4510
lla
L IP S
M2
LE
tri
TIC Mira IU
P
R
U
US
S
UA
CA
N
S AQ 30
PI SCE
Siri
M
OR
NIS
WEST
CETU
C
us
S
EAST
I
M
M
42
M
PR
AJ
U
CA
CO
PI
OR
O
Ri
ge
SC
l
ut
M41
RO
lha
UM L
S
C
Mira ma
Fo IU I
R M
BA EPU
S
UA
AQ
30
PTOR S
M
CETU SC UL CI US
FORN S PISTRIN
ER AX
M
CA IDA A US
NU
CO
EL S
T IU
U
UM
X
L S
S COP
ENI
M
ut
O
ES
PHO lha
BA
U
C
WRO
T oma
H DO F I
E RA US MT H
A DO HOR GR U
S OLO O
T GIUM PTOR S S
SC UL CI US
FORN PISTRIN
E AX S
RE RIDAN ANA AU
CA TIC TUC
EL ULU US Achernar
M
T
UM
X
S
S
ENI
O
E
PHO
U
W
T DO
H H
E RA US T
A DO HOR GR U
S OLO O
T GIUM S
SOUTH
RE ANA STAR MOTION
TIC TUC
ULU Achernar
M North
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
NOVEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
NO V E M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
105
M
2 CETUS
N
IO
Alt
Q Mira
A
U
OR
DE
air
AR EC
LIP
LP
IU T IC
e
S
M42
x
HI
us
el
tri
Rig
ge
N
lla
OS
U
tel
Be
EAST
WEST
NI
Be
SAAQ
n
ES
CER
ra
M
S AD ba
MI
15
U
GUITI
HY de
AN
EQ
Al
GE
NO
ID
LTA
M
ER
UU
CETUS
A
MO
N
LE
PE
IO
1
Alt
Q G Mira
M
US
U AS
OR
M2
DE
air
AR US E CL S
ARIE
7
LP
I US IP T IC S
e
RU 35
x
HI
us
S
tri
5
DE M4 U M
ge
N
TA
lla
EIA
U
PL
tel
Be
EAST
WEST
M33
NI
Be
SA
n
ES ra
M
AD ba
15
MI
GIT
HY de
Al 36
GE
M 37
TA
M
TRIANGULUM
CY
A 8
M3
M
NPD
E 1
29
R
G
G O
ASMED M
M2
S US A A
U
S G
ARIE RI
7
LA M31 S
C ER
TA M34
DE
S
M4
5
U RU AU M
35
PL
EIA TA a
De ll
ne
M33 pe
b Ca
M
39 S 36
SEU M 37
PER M
TNRGICA8N6 GULUM
9
CY
AN 8
M3
M
D 884 X
NGC
29
ROM N
G
ALY
T
N
S E DA
N
S
U
G
RI
M103
L C
O
M52
A
AC ASMS31IO
PEIA
R
AU
E
H ER M34
H
T
W TA C EPH
T
E IS R
S De EU S AL pe
ll a O
T ne
RD Ca N
b M PA
39
ELO
CASMEUS
9 PER
NGC 86
884 X
NGC N
LY
T
N
S
M103
C AS S
O
M52
A
IOPEIA
R
E
H H
T
W CEP T
E R
S
H EUS LIS O
T DA N
NORTH PAR
ELO
CAM
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
October 15 Midnight 1 am
November 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH November 15 10 pm 11 pm
December 1 9 pm 10 pm
December 15 8 pm 9 pm
NOVEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
106
FO
30
R
M
RN
TO
AX
LP
U
M
47
SC
M
S
ER
41
M
ID
IU
AN CE
NI
TU
AR
MAM
M4 O
S
5
S
S
US
6 N
S
CA JO0 R
CA IX
AQ
M
N
NU
M
WEST
OC
E
Sir
EAST
93
NU
EL
t
RI
HO
R
HO
LEP
FO
Ad
PI
ius
UM
au
30
ER
CO RO P
S CIS
ha
M
RN
alh
LOG
CO
ra
LU I
US
ICO
OS
UM
m
AU P I S
TO
M AX US S
55
Fo
GR PR
LP
BA RO
Achernar
U
IC
M
U
CAS
S M
47
2
SC RI
M
DO ER DU
41
M2
PU RA IN TA
M4
Can IT
54
D O I DA
6
MA
NI
PP G
M
opu NRU
IS s
S
EST A A
ICU AN
X S
C A JO R
104
69
CA
M
NGC TUCNI
M
LUM
WEST
EAST
93
EL
OE U
HO
Ad
PI
UM HY PH
IS
CO PIC RO SMC
ha
TO LOG DRUS
CO
ra
AL A
LU R
R
IUM
R
5
M US S
O
LMC
PY
GR O C
SMT5 ON
BA
X
Achernar O R
VOL IC M
US
IS
A
I
CA NS PAV M U AU
2
US PI
7
RIN DOR D
MR
M2
A IN CO
TA
PU A S
T
M E N SA
I
Can
54
DO LE
PP o
G
M
pus RE TE
I
A S
A
P
VE IS TIC
04
N S
LA UL AN S CA R
69
UM GCC1T
NO TU O
M
A SC
IS
HYDR
PIC
TO US SMC AR
LUM
AL A
R
R
R
OS
LMC
PY
APUS TRIANGU E
T
AL C
ST OhaNul
XI
O
S
VOL AUSTR M
SS
CHAMA
A
O
ELEON PAV
E
CA NS U AU
PI
U
7
T RIN
M
H A MM
EU CO H
E NS
SCAA
S
A R M
A LES T
U
S TE U
PI
T
VE NO O
LA AC
OCCTIR NUS
NIS O
SR
SC
la
Acrux A
au
CRUX
M AR
Sh
Hadar ULU
Mimosa APUS TR IAil NG
Rig u r us LE
T
Gacrux
Ken ta A
S
S
CHAMA AUSTR
O
EON
E
U
CENTAEULR US
W
T
H MUSCA
A H
E M T
A R U
S NO O
T S S
SOUTH CIRCINU
Acrux
CRUX STAR MOTION
Hadar
Mimosa
Gacrux Rigiltaurus North
Ken
CENTAURUS
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
NOVEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
NO V E M BE R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
107
108 M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: OVERVIEW S
DECEMBER
As we round off the year, the northern skies orion
contain the spectacular constellations Orion, Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
Taurus, Gemini, and Auriga. These can also 26 Beta (β) Orionis, Orionis Ori December–January
or Rigel, 0.2
be glimpsed from the Southern Hemisphere, 6h
Orion, the Hunter, is one of the
along with Vela and Carina. greatest constellations in the whole
GEMINI
NGC 2175
χ2 χ1
U 5h
Hyades is a large cluster outlining streaking across the sky from the
the bull’s face and the Pleiades is direction of Gemini.
possibly the finest open cluster in
the sky. Auriga, too, has several 6 A.M.
stunning open clusters to look for.
The Geminids
If you are observing the Geminids, you
might spot a very bright meteor. These Castor
“fireballs” add to the excitement of
watching these celestial fireworks.
GEMINI
9 A.M. Pollux
24 25
NOON
Arcturus
LEO
Regulus Al
26
26
CANCER Betelgeuse Be
28
27
Procyon
0°
OPHIUCHUS VIRGO
28
–10° 26
23 Spica
25 29
28
–20° 24
25 21
23
positions of the planets
Antares
–30° LIBRA This chart shows the positions of the planets in except Mercury, the dot indicates the planet’s
December from 2021 to 2029. The planets are position on December 15. Mercury is shown
represented by colored dots, while the number when it is at greatest elongation (see p.125).
inside each dot denotes the year. For all planets For specific dates, refer to the Almanac.
–40° SCORPIUS
Y Mercury Mars Saturn Neptune
K
S
–50° Venus Jupiter Uranus
G
I N EXAMPLES
N Jupiter’s position on Jupiter’s position on December 15, 2023. The arrow indicates
R 21 23
O December 15, 2021 that the planet is in retrograde motion (see p.125).
M
DE C E MB E R 109
southern latitudes
THE STARS north. Auriga can be found by Goldfish, and Mensa, the Taurus, you have a great
The constellations Taurus, Gemini, locating the bright star Capella, Table Mountain. Look for the opportunity to observe two open
Orion, and Auriga are visible from which is low in the sky this month. Tarantula Nebula, or NGC 2070, star clusters, the Hyades and the
the Southern Hemisphere this If you look roughly northeast, Gemini in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Pleiades. The Pleiades star cluster,
month. Looking toward the north, is also on show, sitting low in the High in the northeast lies the or M45, can be seen with the
you can spot the distinct “V” shape sky near the horizon. Meanwhile, fantastic nebula M42, in Orion. naked eye and is a wonderful
of the Hyades star cluster, which Canis Major, Vela, and Carina can be In the nearby constellation sight in a small telescope.
marks the head of the constellation located in the southeast. December
Taurus. Just next to it toward the is also a great time to look out for lepus
northeast is Orion, a magnificent the Magellanic Clouds in the south.
Size ranking Brightest star Genitive Abbreviation Highest in sky at 10 p.m.
sight with its bright stars Rigel and
51 Alpha (α) Leporis, Leporis Lep January
Betelgeuse. Emerging from the foot SIGHTS OF INTEREST or Arneb, 2.6
of Orion, Eridanus meanders high The Magellanic Clouds can be seen
across the sky. Look out for Perseus sitting in the southern part of the The constellation Lepus, the Hare, ORION
and Auriga below Taurus in the night sky this month. The Small sits right under the feet of the MONOCEROS Rigel –10º
magnificent Orion, between Canis
Magellanic Cloud sits in Tucana, ι RX
Major and Eridanus. Unlike its θ
η
ζ
λ κ
while the Large Magellanic neighbors, Canis Major and Orion, Sirius 17 R
α μ
Cloud hovers on the border of ERIDANUS
NGC 2017
Lepus contains few bright stars. Arneb
β –20º
the constellations Dorado, the Even so, it does have a handful δ γ
Nihal
ε
of targets to observe. These
M79
You can see the Large Magellanic Cloud globular cluster, and a small group Adhara
with the naked eye. A small telescope of stars cataloged as NGC 2017, –30º
reveals the Tarantula Nebula, NGC 2070, both of which can be seen with a
embedded within it. small telescope.
6h COLUMBA 5h
CAELUM
9 P.M.
PEGASUS
Capella Capella
NEPTUNE
PISCES
6 P.M.
29
28
27
26
25
24
TAURUSTAURUS
Pleiades Pleiades 23
22
22 21
22
24 24 ARIES ARIES 3 P.M.
AQUARIUS
ldebaran Aldebaran 29 29
Hyades 23 23
Hyades
28 28 PISCES PISCES 10°
Bellatrix 10°
ellatrix Altair Altair
27 27
26 AQUARIUS
AQUARIUS
26 0°
22 22 0°
Mira Mira
25 25
Rigel Rigel 24
24
CAPRICORNUS
CAPRICORNUS –10° –10°
23 23
21 21
22 22
21 29 2129 21
21 –20°
24 28 22 –20°
24 28 22
27 27 29
27 27 29
29 23 25
29 23 25
E 22
22
V –30°
–30°
E
N SAGITTARIUS
SAGITTARIUS Shaula
I N Shaula
G –40°
ARIES –40°
29 28
27 26 S
25 K
24
23 Y
22
TAURUS 21
–50°
–50°
URANUS
11 0 MO NT H LY S KY GUIDES: HIGHLIGHTS
NORTHERN LATITUDES
time time
November 15 Midnight 1 am
December 1 11 pm Midnight
December 15 10 pm 11 pm
looking north January 1 9 pm 10 pm
January 15 8 pm 9 pm
There are several interesting sights to be seen
Zenith
in the constellation Gemini, the Twins, in the 20°N
east. Castor, Gemini’s second brightest star,
is an interesting multiple star, while the open ARIES
cluster M35, sitting close to the feet of one TAURUS
of the twins, is a great target for binoculars 40ºN
or a small telescope. PISCES
Other December treats include the Double PERSEUS AURIGA
Cluster (see p.22) in Perseus; the Andromeda Capella GEMINI
60ºN
Galaxy (see p.94), which is still high in the sky;
ANDROMEDA
and the Milky Way rising up through Cygnus.
CASSIOPEIA Castor
Eclip
Pollux
tic
Polaris URSA
MAJOR
CEPHEUS URSA
MINOR CANCER
PEGASUS
Deneb
Big Dipper
DRACO
LEO
20ºN
izon CYGNUS
Hor Regulus
Horizon 40ºN
Castor
A multiple star system, Castor, or Alpha (α) Geminorum, Hor
W izon Vega
can be seen with a small telescope. The two main stars ES 60 ºN BOÖTES ST
T EA
orbit each other roughly once about every 468 years. HERCULES
looking south
The Orion Nebula is undoubtedly the prime
target in this part of the northern skies (see Zenith
60°N
p.102). It can be found in Orion’s Sword, which
drops down from the middle of the “belt”
PERSEUS
stars. Through a small telescope, you should Capella
be able to see the nebula, resembling a 40ºN ANDROMEDA
ERIDANUS
lip
Procyon MONOCEROS
tic
Sirius
HYDRA N
60º CANIS
izon AQUARIUS
Hor MAJOR
Horizon 40ºN
Orion
Hor
The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a magnificent sight in the EA izon PUPPIS
20ºN PHOENIX Fomalhaut T
winter night sky. The star Betelgeuse marks the shoulder ST ES
Achernar W
of the Hunter, while Rigel marks his foot. Canopus
CARINA
DE C E MB E R 111
star magnitudes
-1 0 1 2 3 and above
DECEMBER
SOUTHERN LATITUDES
looking north
The constellation Orion has many interesting
Zenith
40°S
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
20ºS telescope. The Pleiades and Hyades star
clusters can be enjoyed with the naked eye.
ERIDANUS
Meanwhile, in the nearby constellations Auriga,
CETUS Rigel CANIS
MAJOR
Monoceros, and Puppis, there are several open
0º
ORION
clusters to be seen, such as M36, M37, M38,
Sirius M50, M46, and M47.
AQUARIUS Betelgeuse
Ecliptic
TAURUS Aldebaran
PISCES ARIES
MONOCEROS
PERSEUS
Procyon
GEMINI
AURIGA
PEGASUS
Capella
Castor HYDRA
0ºS Pollux
iz on 4 ANDROMEDA
Hor
looking south
If you are observing with binoculars, there is a
Zenith great deal to see looking south. NGC 3114 and
0°
NGC 2516 are both prominent open clusters
worth observing in Carina in the southeast.
The Eta (ε) Carinae Nebula, or NGC 3372, is a
20ºS bright diffuse nebula visible through binoculars
Rigel
ORION CETUS
or a small telescope. The bright open cluster
IC 2602, or the Southern Pleiades, is a great
ERIDANUS
binocular object. Also look out for the Small
40ºS
CANIS Magellanic Cloud in Tucana and the
MAJOR
Sirius
Large Magellanic Cloud, just west of Pictor.
MONOCEROS PHOENIX
Ecliptic
Canopus AQUARIUS
Achernar
PICTOR
PUPPIS
VELA OCTANS
º
zon 0
HYDRA Hori
PAVO
Horizon 20ºS CAPRICORNUS
The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC)
SAGITTARIUS
EA β Centauri A conspicuous naked-eye object, the LMC sits on the border of
ST Hori CRUX ST the constellations Mensa and Dorado. A small telescope will
zon 4
0ºS
CENTAURUS
ARA WE
α Centauri show star clusters and bright patches of nebulosity within it.
GA
M
31
RI
AU
NG
M
N
G C8
15
C 84
86
9
PEG
lus
DEL
PE
CA
E QU
M1
M3
u
M67
EAST
S 03
INXI
RS
Reg
WEST
ER
S
O
AS
AN
IOP
PH
LY
GEM N
LE
EU
EI Pollux
NC
ULE
M44
A
US
DR
INU
or
L
lla
S
AC CAME S
Cast
LOPARDALI
GA
CA
pe
OM
M
US
E
S
Ca
RT
31
RI
AA M52
ED
R
AU
O
NG
M
IN
G C
15
C 88
M
M 86 4
39 9
EO
SAG PHIN
G L
lus
CY
DEL
N CA M1
u
U
EAST
03
ITT US
Reg
WEST
S S
O
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S
LY
N
IOP Polaris
LE
M
D CEP
A M2
en
29
eb HE US EI A M81
LA R
URC A ELOPARDALIS JO
C SAMM MA
7
ER INOR
TA M52
SA
R
UR
O
IN
ER
M
P
M
39 DIP
BIG
EO
SAG
THE L
Al
G
CY
VU
bi
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CI
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U
LP
I
ITT
S LY AT
EC
Polaris
M
RA en
D CEP EN
A M2
29
HE
SV R
eb
M81
U
ES
US
LA
NE JO
IC
URS N
7
M
57 DARAMCIO
NOR Mi
zar CA MA RE
SA BE
Ve
ga
1 UR A
M5 M
T
ER
N
CO
1 IPP
S
M10 D
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A
BIG
THE
RA
E
H H
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T
bi
W
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LP
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S M92
AT
EC
T RA HE N
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CU
BOOTE
S SV
LA
LE
NE
IC
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M zar CA
57 DRACO Mi RE
BE
Ve
ga
M 13
M5
1 A
M
T
N
CO
1
S
M10
O
A
R
E
H H
T
W T
E R
S M92 O
T HE N
R CU NORTH S
LES BOOTE
M 13
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
NORTH time time
November 15 Midnight 1 am
December 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH December 15 10 pm 11 pm
January 1 9 pm 10 pm
January 15 8 pm 9 pm
DECEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
112
M1
Pr
o
M45
cy
DES
PLEIA
on
Al ES
de
ba ARI
S
ra
n
CE
Be
M38
M33
te
lg
HY
AD S
e O PI
M
us ES ECL IPTIC
M36
e
RI
M37
48
SU
ON M
ED
CAN
LU
M35
IU
G
AU
GA
U
WEST
CE
EAST
RI
G NG
CA
Be
RO
PE
PTEARUSREUUSS
R
EM
M1
HYDRA
lla A
Pr
TRIA
N
UA
M I
trix D
IN
oc
I
DES AN
yo
AQ
S
PLEIA
n
OSM
C
E ES
M
Al
N IN
de ARI ira
50
O RO ba M
INU
R S
M
ra
M n
46
TR
CE
47 Be S
te M4 HY
lg AD
US
e 2O E TUPIS
M
ES C ECL IPTIC
A
Si us
e
RI
48
riu
s
S
RigOeN
l
I
S
M
IU
SC
WEST
93
EAST
TAU
Be R
M
PI
US
AR
lla
O
trix
U
N
t
41
O
u
S
AQ
M
alha
CEAR ira
50
M
m
INU
M
NOIS
M R
Fo
PU46
Ad SM
TR
h
LEP
47 S TO
PP
US
I
ar AJ U
S a OR M4
2 LP
US
C ET U
A
Si
riu SC
s
S
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l
I
M
SC
93
PI
CO X
M LU FORNA
t
41 MB
au
A S
alh
CA ERIDANU
m
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S
NI
R
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Fo T
O
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Ad SM LEP CAEL I X
P U
TO
PP
ha US UM
W
I
AJ
T S
H
ra OR O EN LP
E PIC M PH U H
A TOR HOROLOGIU SC T
S U
T O
Ca S
no
pu DOR X
CO s ADO FORNA
LU
ar
MB ern
A RETICULUM S Ach
ERIDANU
T
S
S
O
E
CAEL IX
U
UM
W
T O EN
H M H
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HOROLOGIU PH T
A TOR
U
S O
T Ca S
no
pu DOR SOUTH
s ADO
ar STAR MOTION
ern
RETICULUM Ach
US North
HYDR
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
DECEMBER | NORTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
D E CE M BE R N OR T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 60°N 40°N 20°N Zeniths 60°N 40°N 20°N Ecliptic
star
113
n
OS
c yo
ER
Pro
R
M
NO
e
OC
us
ira
ge
MI
ON
tel
N
IO
Be
S
S
R
OR
67
NI
M48
PU
CE
M
M50
EAST
CA
x
tri
A
WEST
AQ
LE
N
E R I DA N U S R U S lla
DR
l
TAU Be
CA
ge
UA
Ri
CE
HY
SC
42
P
EC DES ran
RIU
M
TU
E S L IP HYA eba
4
OS
PE TIC Ald
M4
yo
S
S
c
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Pro
AS
R
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NO
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OC
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ira
S AR M1
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MI
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tel I
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T IO Be 5
M
M3 M
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GE
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OR
67
NI
x
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NG
M
PLEIADES lu
EAST
l
CA
UL
WEST
ix Po
N
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TAURUS lla
CA
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DR IS M3 st
3 7 Ca
P
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S L IP HYA eba M38
4
6
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M4
G A
A
LA
SU M34
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S AR M1
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RT
M 31 Cape
IN
A
PE 5
TR RSEUS M3 M
IAN GE x
G PLEIADES IGA lu
AU R
UL l
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AN M o r
DR M3
CA3 st
S M3
7
X Ca
O M SI OPE 8 N
ED IA
M3
M3
6 LY R
NGC O
A AJ
884
LA
T
N GC M
N
M83649
S
SA
CE R
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A
M103
lla UR
RTT
MM3
Cape
E
H 51 2 H
W T
A
PERS R
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S C IGA O
T EP HEU AU R N
S CAMELOPARDALIS
CA
SSI N X
O PEI LY R
A NGC O
AJ
884
T
NG M
N
C 869
S
SA
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A
M103
UR
R
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H M5 H
T
2
W T
E R
S C O
T EPH N
EUS NORTH
CAMELOPARDALIS
M O NT H LY S KY GUID ES: SKY GUID ES
observation times
Date Standard Daylight-saving
time time
NORTH
November 15 Midnight 1 am
December 1 11 pm Midnight
LOOK
IN G NORTH December 15 10 pm 11 pm
January 1 9 pm 10 pm
January 15 8 pm 9 pm
DECEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Variable Galaxy Globular Open Diffuse Planetary Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star cluster cluster nebula nebula
114
M
AX
HY
ER
93
ID N
F OR
DR
AN
A
Ad
US
ha
t
ra
R
au
R
CA
CO
TO
alh
PU EL
ST C I S
LP
LU
Sir
PP M UM
Fo
P
30
IU S INUS
LE
AU P I S
IS
CTUUS
M4
CAN
M
7
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S
M4
PU
CE
AR
IS
WEST
IS
6
S
EAST
ius M4
DO
1
S
IX
M
Ca RA
D
M
AQ
no
AJ
EN
NU
AX
HY
pu ER O
93
O
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R
s ID
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DR
AN Fern
CO
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Ach
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P
ra
IN
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au
CA
CA
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TO
P
alh
PU ELRETICULUM
CA OLO
LP
LU
MSTR CIS
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AN
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Fo
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30
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IUU IS
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CU
TL
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NAB TO
PA
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A R D RU
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WEST
EAST
LA DO LMC HY
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SMC 04
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AGE
T ux L N M
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PUIU H
A CE M O T
S NT CR AUSTRALE SCND U
T AU
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RU CIRCINUS TE S
S Hadar
OCTANS ARA
CHA
M AE
Rigil LEO APUS
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S
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S Hadar
ARA STAR MOTION
Rigil North
Kentauru
s
SOUTH
LOOK
IN G SOUTH
South
DECEMBER | SOUTHERN LATITUDES
star magnitudes deep-sky objects points of reference
Variable Globular Open Diffuse Planetary
D E C E M BE R S OU T H E R N L A T IT U DE S
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Galaxy cluster cluster nebula nebula Horizons 0° 20°S 40°S Zeniths 0° 20°S 40°S Ecliptic
star
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
2021
This year sees solar eclipses visible
at extreme northern and southern
of the Moon, eclipses of the Sun and the Moon, and motions of latitudes and lunar eclipses that will
the planets. The latter include the greatest western and eastern be more widely seen. One of the
year’s highlights is a rare close
elongations (the angle between the Sun and a planet) of Mercury encounter between the largest and
and Venus. Also shown are the oppositions of Mars, Jupiter, and smallest planets.
Saturn, when these planets are on the opposite side of Earth from
the Sun and visible in the sky through the night.
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1 March 5
August 2
2 Mercury and Jupiter
Saturn at opposition,
3 are extremely close
magnitude -0.2
together in the June 10
4 morning sky
Annular eclipse of the
5 Sun visible from northern
Canada, Greenland, and July 4 December 4
6 March 6
Russia. Partial eclipse visible Mercury at greatest Total eclipse of the Sun
Mercury at greatest
7 morning elongation,
across northern North America, morning elongation, visible in Antarctica. Partial
Europe, and Asia magnitude 0.6 eclipse visible across
8 magnitude 0.4
southern Africa and the
9 September 14 South Atlantic
10 Mercury at greatest
evening elongation,
11 magnitude 0.4
12
November 19
13
Partial eclipse of the Moon
14 visible across North and
August 19 South America, northern
15 May 17 Jupiter at opposition, Europe, east Asia, Australia,
16 Mercury at greatest magnitude -2.9 and the Pacific Ocean
17 evening elongation,
magnitude 0.6
18
19 January 24
20 Mercury at greatest May 26
evening elongation,
21 magnitude -0.3
Total eclipse of the Moon
visible across east Asia,
22 Australia, the Pacific Ocean,
23 and North and South America
October 25
24 Mercury at greatest
25 morning elongation,
magnitude -0.3
26
27 May 28 October 29
28 Venus and Mercury will Venus at greatest
be close together in the evening elongation,
29 evening sky magnitude -4.4
30
31
2021–2022 117
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
2
January 7
3 Mercury at greatest December 8
4 evening elongation, Mars at opposition,
magnitude -0.3 magnitude -1.9
5
October 8
6
Mercury at greatest
7 morning elongation,
8 magnitude -0.3
May 16
9
Total eclipse of the Moon
10 visible across North America
February 16 and South America. Partial
11 Mercury at greatest eclipse of the Moon visible
November 8
12 morning elongation, across Pacific Ocean, Europe, Total eclipse of the Moon
magnitude 0.2 and west Africa visible across Pacific Ocean,
13 east Asia, and parts of North
America. Partial eclipse of
14 the Moon visible from Asia,
15 Australasia, North America,
and South America
16 August 14
17 Saturn at opposition,
magnitude -0.1
18 June 16
March 20 December 21
19 Mercury at greatest
Venus at greatest Mercury at greatest
20 morning elongation, morning elongation,
evening elongation,
magnitude -4.4 magnitude 0.7
21 magnitude -0.3
22 August 27
23 Mercury at greatest
evening elongation,
24 April 29
magnitude 0.5
25 Mercury at greatest
evening elongation,
26 April 30 magnitude 0.5
27 Partial eclipse of the Sun
visible from southern October 25
28 South America, Antarctica, September 26 Partial eclipse of the Sun
29 south Atlantic Ocean, and Jupiter at opposition, visible from Europe, western
south Pacific Ocean magnitude -2.9 Asia, and northeast Africa
30
31
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.
Giant close up
Mars occulted On September 26, Jupiter will be in opposition
The relative positions of the Moon and Mars (see p.125) and at its closest to Earth since 1951.
(top right) mean that our satellite occults (see Shining at magnitude -2.9, it will lie 367.2 million
p.125) the Red Planet no fewer than three times miles (591.2 million km) from Earth and display a
this year: on June 22, July 21, and December 8. disk roughly 1/40 the size of the full Moon.
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.
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.
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
November 3
2
Jupiter at opposition,
3 magnitude -2.9
4
5
August 10
6 Mercury at greatest
June 4 December 4
7 evening elongation,
Venus at greatest magnitude 0.6 Mercury at greatest
8 evening elongation, evening elongation,
March 2
magnitude -4.3 magnitude -0.2
9 Venus and Jupiter appear
10 one Moon-width apart in the
western early evening sky
11 October 14
12 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible in
southwestern US, Central America,
13 Colombia, and Brazil. Partial eclipse visible
April 11
14 across most of North and South America
Mercury at greatest
15 evening elongation,
magnitude 0.3
16
17
September 22 October 28
18 Mercury at greatest Partial eclipse of the Moon
19 morning elongation, visible from the east of North
magnitude -0.2 and South America, Europe,
20 Africa, Asia, and Australia
21
22 April 20
23 Hybrid annular/total eclipse of
the Sun visible in southern
24 August 27 October 23
Indonesia and western Australia.
25 January 30
Partial eclipse visible across Saturn at opposition, Venus at greatest morning
Australia and southeast Asia magnitude 0.4 elongation, magnitude -4.4
26 Mercury at greatest
27 morning elongation,
magnitude 0.1
28 May 29
Mercury at greatest
29 morning elongation,
30 magnitude 0.7
31
2023–2024 119
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
2 April 8
3 Total eclipse of the Sun visible
4 from Mexico, central US, and east October 2
Canada. Partial eclipse visible from
5 Annular eclipse of the Sun
North and Central America
visible from southern Chile and
6 September 5 Argentina. Partial eclipse visible
across southern South America
7 Mercury at greatest
8 morning elongation,
magnitude 0.0
9
10 December 7
August 14 September 8
11 Jupiter at opposition,
May 9 Mars and Jupiter will Saturn at opposition, magnitude -2.8
12 be close to each other magnitude 0.6
Mercury at greatest
in the pre-dawn sky
13 morning elongation,
magnitude 0.7
14
January 12
15 Mercury at greatest September 18
16 morning elongation, Partial eclipse of the
magnitude 0.0 Moon visible from North
17 and South America,
18 Europe, and Africa November 16
Mercury at greatest
19 March 24
evening elongation,
20 Mercury at greatest magnitude -0.1
evening elongation,
21 magnitude 0.1
22
23
24 July 22
December 25
Mercury at greatest
25 evening elongation,
Mercury at greatest
morning elongation,
26 magnitude 0.7
magnitude -0.1
27
28
29
30
31
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.
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.
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.
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
2
3 July 4
January 10 March 8 Mercury at greatest
4
Venus at greatest Mercury at greatest evening elongation,
5 evening elongation, evening elongation, magnitude 0.7
magnitude -4.4 magnitude -0.1
6
7
8
9 March 14
September 7 December 7
Total eclipse of the Moon
10 Total eclipse of the Moon Mercury at greatest
visible visible across North,
visible across Asia, Australia, morning elongation,
11 Central, and South America
eastern Europe, and east magnitude -0.2
12 Africa
13
14
April 21 August 19
15
Mercury at greatest Mercury at greatest
16 morning elongation, morning elongation,
17 magnitude 0.6 magnitude 0.2
January 16
18 Mars at opposition,
19 magnitude -1.4
20
21
22 March 29 April 29
23 Partial eclipse of the Sun is Venus and Saturn appear
visible from eastern Canada, seven Moon-widths apart
24 Greenland, northern Europe, in the low eastern
25 and northern Russia pre-dawn sky
September 21
26
Saturn at opposition,
27 magnitude 0.6
May 31 October 29
28
Venus at greatest Partial eclipse of the Sun Mercury at greatest
29 morning elongation, visible from the south Pacific, evening elongation,
magnitude -4.3 New Zealand, and Antarctica magnitude 0.1
30
31
2025–2026 121
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
April 3
2
Mercury at greatest October 4
3 morning elongation, August 2
Saturn at opposition,
magnitude 0.5 Mercury at greatest magnitude 0.3
4 morning elongation,
5 March 3 magnitude 0.4
January 10
6 Total eclipse of the Moon visible from August 12
Jupiter at opposition, northwest North America, the Pacific Total eclipse of the Sun visible
7 magnitude -2.7 Ocean, the far northeast of Asia and from northern Spain, the North
8 eastern Australasia, as well as the Atlantic, Greenland, Iceland, and
Arctic and Antarctica. the Arctic. Partial eclipse visible
9 in northwest Africa, Europe, and
10 northern North America
October 6
11 Jupiter passes behind the
12 February 17 Moon in a rare occultation
Annular eclipse of the Sun visible visible to observers across
13 from southern South America, eastern North America
14 souther Africa, the south Pacific and
Indian oceans, and Antarctica
15
16
17
June 15 August 15 October 12
18 Mercury at greatest Venus at greatest Mercury at greatest
19 evening elongation, evening elongation, evening elongation,
magnitude 0.7 magnitude -4.3 magnitude 0.2
20
21 February 19
Mercury at greatest
22
evening elongation,
23 magnitude -0.2 August 28
24 Partial eclipse of the Moon
visible most of the Americas,
25 most of Europe, and Africa
26 November 20
27 Mercury at greatest
morning elongation,
28 magnitude -0.3
29
30
31
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.
Morning Mercury
Occulting a giant The innermost planet Mercury is at its greatest
On October 6, Jupiter passes behind the Moon possible western elongation from the Sun on
in an occultation (see p.125), visible for April 3, offering a good opportunity to spot it
observers across eastern North America. in the sky before dawn.
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.
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
February 3
2
Mercury at greatest
3 evening elongation,
magnitude -0.3
4
5
November 4
6
Mercury at greatest
7 August 2 morning elongation,
8 Total eclipse of the Sun visible in magnitude -0.3
February 6 Spain, North Africa, and the
9 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible in Arabian Peninsula. Partial eclipse
Chile and Argentina. Partial eclipse visible across northern and central
10
visible across South America and Africa, Europe, the Middle East,
11 January 3 West Africa. and India.
12 Venus at greatest
morning elongation,
13 magnitude -4.4 February 10 July 15
14 Jupiter at opposition, Mercury at greatest
15 March 17
magnitude -2.5 morning elongation,
magnitude 0.5
16 Mercury at greatest
morning elongation,
17 October 18
magnitude 0.4
Saturn at opposition,
18
magnitude 0.1
19
20
21
22
23 September 24
February 19 May 28 Mercury at greatest
24 evening elongation,
Mars at opposition, Mercury at greatest
25 magnitude -1.2 evening elongation, magnitude 0.3
magnitude 0.7
26
27
28
29
30
31
2 02 7 – 2 02 8 123
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
2 May 9
3 Mercury at greatest
evening elongation,
4 magnitude 0.6
January 12 March 12
5 Partial eclipse of the Moon Jupiter at opposition,
September 6
Mercury at greatest
6 visible across the Americas, magnitude -2.0
evening elongation,
Europe, Africa, and western
7 Asia magnitude 0.4
8
9 July 6
10 Partial eclipse of the Moon August 11
visible across Africa and Venus at greatest
11 Australia, and in most of morning elongation,
12 Europe and Asia magnitude -4.3
13
14
July 22
15
January 17 Total eclipse of the Sun visible in
16 Mercury at greatest Australia and New Zealand. Partial
17 evening elongation, eclipse visible across southeast
magnitude -0.4 Asia and Australasia
18
19 October 17
March 21
20 Mercury at greatest
February 27 Venus at greatest morning elongation,
21 Mercury at greatest
evening elongation, magnitude -0.3
magnitude -4.4
22 morning elongation,
magnitude 0.3
23
December 31
24 Total eclipse of the Moon
October 30
25 January 26 visible across Africa,
Saturn at opposition, Europe, Asia, Australasia,
26 Annular eclipse of the Sun visible magnitude -0.2 and western North America
in Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil in South
27 America, and Portugal and Spain Mercury at greatest evening
28 in Europe. Partial eclipse visible in June 26
elongation, magnitude -0.3
much of North America, Central Mercury at greatest
29 and South America, Western morning elongation,
30 Europe, and northwest Africa magnitude 0.7
31
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.
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
Red Moon passes just 19,635 miles (31,600 km) from Earth
The Moon may turn blood red as it passes on April 13—closer than many satellites. It will
through Earth’s shadow during widely visible be visible to the naked eye and on long-exposure
total lunar eclipses in June and December. images as a “star” drifting across the sky.
Total eclipse Partial eclipse Partial eclipse Annular eclipse Total eclipse
key Full Moon New Moon
of the Moon of the Moon of the Sun of the Sun of the Sun
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1
2
January 1 April 11 June 8 July 11 October 1
3
A total eclipse of the Moon Jupiter at opposition, Mercury at greatest Partial eclipse of the Sun Mercury at greatest
4 is visible across the Arctic, magnitude -2.5 morning elongation, visible in the far south of morning elongation,
5 eastern Europe, Asia, and magnitude 0.7 South America magnitude -0.2
Australasia
6
7
February 9
8 December 5
Mercury at greatest
9 morning elongation, Partial eclipse of the
November 13 Sun visible in southern
10 magnitude 0.2
Saturn at opposition, South America and
11 magnitude -0.3 Antarctica
12
13
14 June 12 August 19
Partial eclipse of the Sun Mercury at greatest
15 December 14
visible from northern and evening elongation,
16 January 14 eastern Europe, northern magnitude 0.5 Mercury at greatest
Partial eclipse of the Sun April 21 Asia, northern Canada, evening elongation,
17 visible across North Mercury at greatest Alaska, and the Arctic magnitude -0.3
18 America, the eastern Pacific, morning elongation,
and western Atlantic magnitude 0.4
19
20 June 26
Total eclipse of the Moon visible
21
across Central and South America,
22 Africa, most of North America,
and most of Europe
23
24 March 25
Mars at opposition,
25 magnitude -1.3
October 27 December 20
26
Venus at greatest Total eclipse of the Moon
27 evening elongation, visible across the Americas,
28 magnitude -4.4 Europe, Africa, Asia, and
Australia
29
30
31
G L OS S A R Y 125
GLOSSARY
Aperture The diameter of the Deep-sky object Any celestial Local group A small cluster of over Planetary nebula A glowing shell of
main mirror or lens in a telescope object lying beyond the Solar 30 galaxies; it includes our own dust and gas ejected by a dying star
or binoculars. A large-aperture System, excluding stars. galaxy, the Milky Way. that appears as a luminous planet.
telescope can collect more light and
detect fainter objects than a small- Double star Two stars not Magnitude The brightness of a Radiant The point in the sky from
aperture telescope. physically associated with each celestial object, measured on which the tracks of meteors that
other, but appearing close together a numerical scale, where brighter are members of a particular meteor
Asterism A recognizable pattern of when viewed from Earth. objects are given small or negative shower appear to originate.
stars, where the stars are either a part numbers, and fainter objects are
of a constellation or are members of Eclipse An alignment of a planet given larger numbers. Retrograde motion The rotation
several constellations. An example is or moon with the Sun, which casts of a planet or moon in the opposite
the Big Dipper in Ursa Major. a shadow on another celestial body. Meteor shower A substantial direction to its orbit. All the planets
During a lunar eclipse the Earth’s number of meteors that appear orbit the Sun in the direction of the
Astrophotography The photography shadow is cast on the Moon, and to originate from a common point Sun’s rotation: counterclockwise
of celestial objects in the night sky, during a solar eclipse, the Moon’s in the sky. when viewed from above the Sun’s
including photography of the Sun shadow is cast on Earth. north pole. Most planets also rotate
and of eclipses. Multiple stars A system of (spin) counterclockwise. Venus and
Ecliptic The plane of Earth’s orbit stars that are bound together Uranus have retrograde motion:
Binary star Two stars in a around the Sun, or the projection of gravitationally and are in mutual clockwise compared with their
mutual orbit around a common that plane onto the celestial sphere. orbits. Multiple stars have at counterclockwise orbits.
center of mass and bound least three stars and may contain
together gravitationally. Elliptical galaxy A galaxy that up to a dozen stars. Right ascension (RA) The celestial
appears as an ellipse. These equivalent of longitude on Earth. It is
Celestial equator The celestial contain very little gas and dust Nebula A cloud of dust and gas measured in hours from the position
equivalent of Earth’s equator. The and are usually devoid of in space, usually made visible by where the ecliptic intersects the
celestial equator marks a line where star formations. the light of the neighboring stars. celestial equator in spring.
the plane of Earth’s equator meets
the celestial sphere. Elongation The angular separation Open cluster A loose group of up Solar system The family of eight
between the Sun and an inferior to a few hundred stars, bound by recognized planets and several other
Celestial poles The two points planet as viewed from Earth. gravity and found in the arms of celestial bodies such as moons that
at which the line of Earth’s axis, Also used at the time of a galaxy. orbit the Sun.
extended outward, meets the maximum angular separation
celestial sphere and around which (greatest elongation) between Occultation The passage of one Spiral galaxy A galaxy that has a
the stars appear to revolve. the inner planets, Mercury or celestial body of a larger apparent distinct set of spiral arms composed
Venus, and the Sun. size over another body of a smaller of bright young stars. Spiral galaxies
Celestial sphere The imaginary apparent size, which results in the are rich in gas and dust, and offer
sphere that surrounds Earth, and Equinox The time when the Sun more distant body being entirely or prime conditions for star formation.
upon which all celestial objects is vertically overhead Earth’s partially hidden. For example, when
appear to lie. equator, and days and nights the Moon passes over a distant star, Star A huge sphere of glowing
are of equal length. it hides the star from our view. plasma that emits heat and light
Conjunction An alignment of by means of nuclear reactions at
objects in the night sky, with Galaxy A huge mass of stars, Opposition The time when an its center.
one passing in front of the other, gas, and dust linked by gravity. outer planet lies on the exact
particularly when a planet lines up Galaxies may vary from thousands opposite side of Earth from the Superior planets Planets whose
with the Sun as viewed from Earth. to hundreds of thousands of Sun. The planet is at its closest orbit around the Sun are outside
light-years in range. to Earth and therefore appears the orbit of Earth. Mars, Jupiter,
Constellation A named area brightest at this time. Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and
of stars or a designated area of Globular cluster A sphere of Pluto are the superior planets.
sky around a star pattern. There thousands of stars linked by gravity. Orbit The path followed by a planet
are currently 88 officially or other celestial body around the Variable star A star whose
recognized constellations. Inferior planets Planets whose orbit Sun, or by a moon around its magnitude varies over time,
around the Sun falls inside Earth’s parent planet. brought about by intrinsic or
Declination A coordinate used in orbit. The two inferior planets are extrinsic changes, such as being
the equatorial coordinate system; it Mercury and Venus. Planet A celestial body that has eclipsed by another star.
is the celestial equivalent of latitude cleared away any planetary debris
on Earth. It is measured in degrees Light-year The distance traveled from its orbit around the Sun and is Zodiac A band on either side of
above or below the celestial equator, by light in one year— 5,878 billion of a roughly round shape due to its the ecliptic, through which the Sun,
which has a declination of 0º. miles (9,460 billion km). own gravity. Moon, and planets appear to travel.
126 I N DEX
INDEX K
Carina 21, 23, 37, 109, 111 Enif 84, 86–7 M39 star cluster 62, 79,
IC 2602 cluster 31, 37, Epsilon Lyrae (“Double- 84, 102
45, 111 Double” star system) Kemble’s Cascade 30 M41 star cluster 21,
NGC 2516 cluster 55, 111 70, 86 30, 103
Note: Months occurring as
Carina Nebula 37, 39, 45,
111
equator L M42 (Orion Nebula) 20–2,
102, 108–11
celestial sphere 10, 11 Lagoon Nebula 63, 69, 71,
subentries are arranged in
Cassiopeia 84, 92, 94, 100, movement at equator 12 77, 85 M44 (Beehive Cluster) 28,
month order.
102 Eridanus 85, 93, 101, 103, Large Magellanic Cloud 31, 36
Castor 23, 28–9, 110 109 (LMC) 21, 93, 95, 101, M45 (Pleiades) 37–8, 45,
16-17 Draconis 86
Cat’s Eye Nebula 54 Eta Aquarid meteor shower 103, 109, 111 94, 100–2, 108–11
47 Tucanae 85, 87, 93, 101,
celestial sphere 7, 10–11, 52–3 latitude lines, finding M47 star cluster 23, 29
103
18–19 latitude lines 19 M48 star cluster 46
A
Centaurus 21, 29, 37, 45,
53, 77 F Leo 28–9, 31, 37–8, 44, 47
Sickle of 36, 44
M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)
52, 60
Achernar 93, 101 Omega Centauri 39, 45, False Cross 29, 37 M52 star cluster 92, 94, 102
Leonid meteor shower
Acrux 47, 53 53, 61, 63 February skies 28–35 M57 (Ring Nebula) 68,
17, 100
Albireo 62, 76, 102 Cepheus 84 flashlights 14 77–8
Lepus 109
Alcor 52, 70 Ceres Fomalhaut 77, 85, 93 M61 spiral galaxy 39
Libra 69, 71
Aldebaran 100 oppositions 123 light-years 9 M66 spiral galaxy 47
Algieba 38
Almach 95
Cetus 85, 101
Circlet asterism 92, 93
G Little Bear (Ursa Minor) 22, M77 spiral galaxy 101
M79 star cluster 103, 109
galactic hub 69 60
almanac 116–24 Coalsack Nebula 31, 45, galaxies 8–9 LMC see Large Magellanic M81 (Bode’s Galaxy) 36,
Alpha Centauri 53 55, 61 see also stars Cloud 44, 46, 70
Alpha Librae 71 Coathanger asterism 86 Gamma Arietis 94 Local Group 8–9 M83 (Jewel Box) 39, 45, 47,
Alphard 36, 37 Coma Berenices 38, 44, 52 Gamma Equulei 86 lunar eclipses 13, 116–24 53, 61
Altair 70, 93 conjunctions of planets Gemini 22, 28–9, 102, Lupus 61, 77 M92 star cluster 63, 78
Andromeda Galaxy 8–9, 118, 119 108–10 Lyra 68, 70, 76, 86, 92 M95-96 star clusters 47
84, 86, 92–5, constellation movements Geminid meteor shower Lyrid meteor shower 44 M104 (Sombrero Galaxy)
100–2, 110 12 108 39
coordinate system 10–11
angular distances 11
annular eclipses 118 Crab Nebula 30, 100
Great Bear see Ursa Major
Great Square of Pegasus
M M105 star cluster 47
Magellanic Clouds see
see also eclipses Crux 29, 37, 45, 47, 53, 69 M1 (Crab Nebula) 30, 100 Large Magellanic
84, 92
Antares 60, 61 Coalsack Nebula 31, 45, M2 star cluster 85, 87 Cloud; Small
Apophis 33 124 55, 61 M3 star cluster 46 Magellanic Cloud
April skies 44–51 NGC 4755 cluster 39, 45 H M4 star cluster 87 magnitude of stars 19
Aquarid meteor Cygnus 62, 70, 76, 79, 84, Hadar 69, 77 M5 star cluster 60, March skies 36–43
showers 52–3, 69 102 Helix Nebula 85, 87 68, 71 Mars
Aquarius 85, 87, 93 Cygnus Rift 76 Hercules 54, 60, M6-7 star clusters 61–2, 69, conjunctions 119
Arcturus 36, 44, 52, 62–3, 68 77, 85, 87 occultations 117
62, 68
Aries 94–5
D highlights pages, using the
sky guides 18
M8 (Lagoon Nebula) 63,
69, 71, 77, 85
oppositions 116–24
May skies 52–9
daily movements 12 horizons 19 M10 star cluster 54, 68
astrophotography 15 measuring
December skies 12, 108–15 Hyades 23, 38, 94, 100–2, M11 (Wild Duck Cluster) 76
August skies 76–83 distance 9, 11
declination 10, 11 108–11 M12 star cluster 54–5, 68
Auriga 20–3, 30, 46, size 11
deep-sky objects 19 M13 star cluster 54, 60,
94, 108–9, 111 Hydra 44, 46 Melotte 111 38, 52
Delta Aquarid meteor 62–3, 68, 78
Auroras 7, 15 Alphard 36, 37 Mensa 93, 101, 109
shower 69 M15 star cluster 84,
M83 spiral galaxy 47, Mercury
Delta Cephei 84
B Deneb 70, 76
53, 61
Hydrus 93, 101
85, 87
M16 star cluster 69, 71
elongations 21, 116–24
naked-eye observations
Beehive Cluster 28, 31, 36 digital cameras 15 M17 (Omega Nebula) 79 13
Beta Capricorni 79 Diphda 101
Beta Centauri 53 distance measurements 9, I M20 (Trifid Nebula) 69,
77, 79
Messier clusters see
M36-38 star clusters
Betelgeuse 21–2, 101, 11 IC 2602 (Southern Pleiades)
31, 37, 45, 111 M22 star cluster 63, 69, 71, meteor showers
108–9, 110 Dobsonian reflector 15
IC 4665 star cluster 63, 68 85, 87 January skies 20
Big Dipper 36, 44, 52 Dorado 93, 101, 109
inferior planets 13, 116–24 M23 star cluster 79 April skies 44
binoculars 14 Double Cluster 22, 78, 92,
see also Mercury; Venus M24 star cluster 69, May skies 52–3
Bode’s Galaxy (M81) 36, 94, 100, 110
inner planets, locating 18 77, 79 July skies 69
44, 46, 70 “Double-Double” star
M27 (Dumbbell Nebula) August skies 76
Boötes 36, 44, 52, 62, 68 system 70, 86
77–8 October skies 92
Brocchi’s Cluster 86 Draco 60, 68, 86
Dumbbell Nebula 77–8
J M29 star cluster 79, 102 November skies 17,
January skies 20–7 M30 star cluster 79 100
C Jewel Box (M83 spiral M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) December skies 108
Camelopardalis 30 E galaxy) 39, 45, 47, 8–9, 84, 86, 92–5, Milky Way 8
cameras 15 Eagle Nebula 69, 71 53, 61 100–2, 110 January skies 20–1
Cancer 28, 31, 36 Earth July skies 68–75 M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) February skies 28–9, 31
Canes Venatici 46 celestial sphere 10–11 June skies 12, 60–7 93–5, 100–2 April skies 45, 47
Canis Major 21, 36, 101, changing sky 12–13 Jupiter M34 star cluster 92 May skies 55
103, 109 Moon and Earth 8 close approach 117 M35 star cluster 22, 28, June skies 61
Canopus 21, 29, 37 eclipses 13, 116–24 conjunctions 118–19 102, 110 July skies 69
Capella 20, 21–2, 109 elongations of planets 21, occultations 121 M36-38 star clusters 30, 46, August skies 78
Capricornus 77, 79, 84 116–24 oppositions 116–24 94, 102, 111 December skies 110
IN DE X 127
Mira 101 NGC 6530 star cluster 69 planets 18 Small Magellanic Cloud “Teapot” asterism 69, 71
Mizar 52, 70 NGC 6543 (Cat’s Eye January skies 21 (SMC) telescopes 15
Monoceros 28, 30 Nebula) 54 February skies 29 January skies 21 Theta Carinae 37
monthly sky guides NGC 6633 star cluster 55 March skies 36, 37 August skies 77
Theta Eridani 103
16–19 NGC 7000 (North America April skies 44–5 September skies 85
January 20–7 Nebula) 15, 70, 84 May skies 52–3 October skies 93, 95 total eclipses 119
February 28–35 NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula) June skies 60–1 November skies 101, 103 see also eclipses
March 36–43 85, 87 July skies 68–9 December skies 109, 111 Triangulum Galaxy (M33)
April 44–51 noctilucent clouds 68 August skies 76–7 solar days 12 93–5, 100–2
May 52–9 North America Nebula 15, September skies 84–5 solar eclipses 13, 116–24
Trifid Nebula 69, 77, 79
June 12, 60–7 70, 84 October skies 92–3 Solar System 8
Northern Cross see November skies 100–1 Sombrero Galaxy 39 Tucana 85, 87, 93, 95,
July 68–75
August 76–83 Cygnus December skies 108–9 South Celestial Pole 29 101, 103
September 84–91 northern latitudes movements 13, 116–24 Southern Cross see Crux see also Small
October 92–9 January 20, 22, 24–5 see also Earth southern latitudes Magellanic Cloud
November 100–7 February 28, 30, 32–3 Pleiades 37–8, 45, 94, January 21, 23, 26–7
December 12, 108–15 March 36, 38, 40–1 100–2, 108–11 February 29, 31, 34–5
Moon April 44, 46, 48–9
May 52, 54, 56–7
Polaris (Pole Star) 11,
52, 60
March 37, 39, 42–3
April 45, 47, 50–1
U
Earth and Moon 8 Universe, size of Universe
eclipses 13, 116–24 June 60, 62, 64–5 poles, movement at poles May 55, 58–9
July 68, 70, 72–3 12 June 61, 63, 66–7 8
phases 116–24
red Moon 124 August 76, 78, 80–1 Pollux 28–9 July 69, 71, 74–5 Uranus 18
movement of objects September 84, 86, 88–9 Praesepe 28, August 77, 79, 82–3 January skies 21
12–13, 19, 116–24 October 92, 94, 96–7 31, 36 September 85, 87, 90–1 February skies 29
November 100, 102, Procyon 108 October 93, 95, 98–9 March skies 37
N 104–5
December 108, 110,
Puppis 29, 37 November 101, 103,
106–7
April skies 44
naked-eye observations
13, 15
112–13 Q December 109, 111, May skies 52
November skies 100–7 Quadrantid meteor shower 114–15 June skies 60
Neptune 18 Nu Draconis 86 Southern Pleiades (IC2602)
20 July skies 68
January skies 21 31, 37, 45, August skies 76
February skies 29
March skies 36 O R 111
Spica 36, 37, 44–5, 52, 68
September skies 84
April skies 44 observation times for RA (right ascension) October skies 93
charts 19 starhopping method 11
May skies 52 10–11
stars 10–11 November skies 101
June skies 60 occultations 121 recording observations 15
October skies 92–9 red light flashlights 14 January skies 20–7 December skies 109
July skies 68 February skies 28–35
August skies 76 Omega Centauri 39, 45, red Moon 124 Ursa Major 22, 30, 70
53, 61, 63 refractor telescopes 15 March skies 36–43
September skies 85 Big Dipper 36, 44, 52
Omega Nebula 79 Regulus 44, 47 April skies 44–51
October skies 93 May skies 52–9 M81 spiral galaxy 36, 44,
November skies 101 Omicron-2 Eridani 103 Rigel 21–2, 101,
June skies 60–7 46
December skies 109 Ophiuchus 54–5, 63, 108–9, 110
68, 85 right ascension (RA) July skies 68–75 Ursa Minor 22, 60
Newtonian reflector 15 August skies 76–83
NGC 104 star cluster (47 oppositions of planets 10–11
September skies 84–91
Tucanae) 85, 87, 93,
101, 103
116–24
Orion 21–2, 37, 101, 103,
Rigil Kentaurus 69, 77
Ring Nebula 68, October skies 92–9 V
108–11 77–8 November skies 100–7 Vega 68, 70, 76, 92
NGC 188 star cluster 46 December skies 108–15
NGC 457 star cluster 100 Orion Nebula 20–2, 102, ringless Saturn 120 Vela 23, 37, 109
108–11 Rosette Nebula 28 magnitude 19
NGC 663 star cluster 100 Venus 13
Orionid meteor shower 92 movement diagrams 19
NGC 752 star cluster 95 conjunctions 118
NGC 869/884 (Double
Cluster) 22, 78, 92, 94,
outer planets 18
see also Neptune;
S see also galaxies; Sun
stellar neighborhood 8 elongations 116–24
Sagittarius 61, 63, 69, 71, Summer Triangle asterism greatest separation 123
100, 110 Uranus
77, 79, 85 68, 70, 84
NGC 1300 spiral galaxy 103 overview pages, using the viewing locations 14
satellites 124 Sun 8
NGC 2017 star cluster 109 sky guides 18 Virgo 36–7, 39, 44–5, 52,
see also Moon see also solar
NGC 2070 (Tarantula Saturn 68
Nebula) 21, 101, 109 P oppositions 116–24
superclusters 9
superior planets 13, 116–24 Virgo Supercluster 9, 44, 46
NGC 2244 star cluster partial eclipses 118, 122 ringless Saturn 120 see also Jupiter; Mars; Vulpecula 77–8
28, 30 see also eclipses Scorpius 52–3, 60–2, 69, Neptune; Saturn;
NGC 2516 star cluster Pegasus 84–5, 86–7, 77, 85, 87 Uranus
55, 111
NGC 2547 star cluster 23
92–3, 100
Perseid meteors 76
Scutum 76, 77, 85
September skies 84–91
W XY Z
NGC 3114 star cluster 111 Perseus 92, 100, 109 Serpens 60, 68 T Whirlpool Galaxy 52, 60
NGC 3132 star cluster 23 see also Double Cluster Serpens Cauda 69, 71 Tarantula Nebula 21, whole-sky charts, using
NGC 3372 (Carina Nebula) Phoenix 93, 101 Sickle of Leo 36, 44 101, 109 whole sky charts 19
37, 39, 45, 111 photography 15 sidereal days 12 Taurid meteor shower 100 Wild Duck Cluster 76
NGC 4755 see Jewel Box Pisces Austrinus 77, Sirius 21, 29, 36, 101, Taurus 100, 101, 108–9
Winter Triangle 108
NGC 5139 (Omega 85, 93 108 Hyades cluster 23,
Centauri) 39, 45, 53, planet locator charts, using size measurements 11 38, 102 yearly movements 12
61, 63 planet locator charts sky guides see monthly Pleiades 37–8, 45, 94, zeniths 19
NGC 6231 star cluster 61 18 sky guides 100–2, 108–11 zodiac 12
128 A CK NO WLEDGMEN TS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Will Gater Giles Sparrow for editorial and illustration guidance and
I’d like to thank my family for their continual support, especially Almanac text; Paul Drislane for initial design work; additional
Rose, as well as Martha and the team at Dorling Kindersley for design help from Fiona McDonald. Indexing Specialists for
all their hard work. preparing the index; Lizzie Munsey for proofreading. Additional
production help from Sophie Argyris and Luca Frassinetti. DK
Publisher’s acknowledgments images: Claire Bowers, Martin Copeland, and Lucy Claxton.
Dorling Kindersley would like to thank the following people For this updated edition, the publishers would like to thank
for their help in the preparation of the first edition of this book: 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; Gater: (bl). 69 Corbis: Reuters/Ho (cl). 70 European Southern
f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top) Observatory (ESO): Digitized Sky Survey 2 (cl). NASA: (bl). 71
Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (br).
2–3 iStock photo: Peter Burnett. 4 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited. Galaxy Picture Library: Jeremy Perez (cr). 76 Corbis: Reuters/Ali
6–7 Corbis: Science Faction/Tony Hallas. 9 Corbis: Myron Jay Jarekji (bl). 77 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cl). 78 Corbis: Scott
Dorf (b/Milky Way); NASA/JPL-Caltech (b/Quasar); Science Stulberg (cl). Getty Images: Stocktrek Images (bl). 79 Will Gater:
Faction/Tony Hallas (crb); Stocktrek Images (b/Andromeda (cr). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (br). 85 Corbis: Stocktrek Images (cl).
Galaxy). European Southern Observatory (ESO): Digitized Sky 86 Frank Barrett: (bl). Galaxy Picture Library: Damian Peach (cl).
Survey 2 (b/Virgo Cluster). 10 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (cra). 87 NASA: (cr). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (br). 93 Alamy Images:
13 Corbis: EPA/Dean Lewins (tr). Will Gater: (bl). 14 iStock Galaxy Picture Library (cl). 94 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl).
photo: Peter Burnett (cla). 15 Corbis: Frank Lukasseck (bc); Yoshihiro Saijo: (cl). 95 Anthony Ayiomamitis/perseus.gr: (cr).
Visuals Unlimited (cr). 16–17 Corbis: Frank Lukasseck. 21 Corbis: Corbis: Dennis di Cicco (br). 101 Science Photo Library: John
Roger Ressmeyer (cla). 22 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cl) (bl). Chumack (cl). 102 2MASS: (cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 103
23 Robert Gendler: (br). Alson Wong: (cr). 28 NOAO / AURA / Corbis: Stocktrek Images (br). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cr). 108
NSF: (cl). 29 Science Photo Library: Eckhard Slawik (ca). 30 Getty Images: Barcroft Media/Wally Pacholka (cl). 109 Corbis:
Getty Images: Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Robert Gendler (bl). Roger Ressmeyer (cl). 110 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl). Galaxy
Walter MacDonald: (cl). 31 Corbis: Visuals Unlimited (cr). Picture Library: Damian Peach (cl). 111 Getty Images: Stocktrek
Science Photo Library: Celestial Image Co. (br). 36 Corbis: Images (br). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cr). Getty Images: SSPL/
Roger Ressmeyer (cl). 37 Galaxy Picture Library: Gordon Jamie Cooper (br). 117 Corbis: (bc). NASA: JPL-Caltech (br). 118
Garradd (cl). 38 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (bl); Stocktrek Alamy Stock Photo: Stefan Sollfors (tr). Dreamstime.com:
Images (cl). 39 European Southern Observatory (ESO): (br). Jadams08 (tc). 119 Alamy Stock Photo: Malcolm Park Sciences
NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScl): (cr). (bc). Dorling Kindersley: NASA (br). 120 Getty Images / iStock:
44 Getty Images: David McNew (cl). 45 Yuri Beletsky: (cl). Magnilion / DigitalVision Vectors (tc). Science Photo Library:
46 Corbis: Stocktrek Images (bl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (cl). Alan Dyer / Vwpics (tr). 121 Alamy Stock Photo: Stocktrek
47 NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScl): (br). Images, Inc. / Alan Dyer (br). Dreamstime.com: Antonio
Hunter Wilson: (cr). 52 Corbis: Roger Ressmeyer (c). 53 Yuri Corrado (bc). 122 Dreamstime.com: Underworld (tc); Jimmy
Beletsky: (cl). 54 NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/ Westlake: (tr). 123 Corbis: Richard Cummins (br); NASA: JPL-
STScl): (cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 55 NOAO / AURA / NSF: Caltech / UCLA / MPS / DLR / IDA (bc). 124 Dreamstime.com:
(cr). Télescopes à Action Rapide pour les Objets Transitoires: (br). Eshmadeva (tr); Pere Sanz / Peresanz (tc).
61 Corbis: Amanaimages/Katahira Takashi (cl). 62 Will Gater:
(cl). NOAO / AURA / NSF: (bl). 63 Getty Images: Image Bank/ All other images © Dorling Kindersley
LWA (cr); Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Robert Gendler (br). 68 Will For further information see: www.dkimages.com