Stars & Constellations

Fomalhaut

October 2014 : By Francine Jackson

A lone, bright star low in the south graces the early autumn evening sky.

Getting to Know the Big Dipper

March 2011 : By Jim Hendrickson

With the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere comes the culmination of the northern sky’s most recognized asterism, the Big Dipper. This familiar group of seven stars is notable for having a clear resemblance to its namesake (it is easy to imagine it forming the shape of a large spoon), but how much do you really know about the Big Dipper?

Orion the Hunter

February 2011 : By Dave Huestis

Everyone with an interest in astronomy probably has a favorite constellation. It may be because of the star pattern’s mythology, or its shape in the sky, or for the beautiful objects that reside within its boundaries, or possibly because it’s your astrological sign.

Corona Australis & the Southern Limits of Sagittarius

August 2010 : By Craig Cortis

I’ve written about this subject in past issues, but it occurs to me now that it might be of interest to mention just the few bright stars that lie way down near the southern border of Sagittarius, only a few degrees above our local horizon limit of -48° in declination. The small constellation of Corona Australis, known as the Southern Crown, lies just west of these stars and is a worthwhile section of sky for those who might wish to become better acquainted with the more southerly parts of the summer Milky Way as presented to our view in August.

Sirius

April 2010 : By Glenn Chaple

Next time you set out to do some “serious” astronomy, try a moment to make a “Sirius” observation. You’ll be delighted you did.

Taking the Broad View: Skywatching with your Naked Eyes

November 2009 : By Craig Cortis

You are unnecessarily shortchanging yourself if you’ve come to believe that astronomy can only be enjoyed by viewing everything in the very limited confines of telescopes or binoculars.

The Winter Circle

February 2009 : By Dave Huestis

Just as the summer sky has the Summer Triangle, the winter sky has its own special asterism, and this one is huge and includes a total of eight bright stars. It’s called the Winter Circle or Winter Hexagon. I’ll explain why you can get both shapes from the stars.

Cygnus the Swan

July 2002 : By Dave Huestis

Cygnus the Swan (also known as the Northern Cross), can be found in one of the richest star regions in the sky.

Spring Double Stars: The Three Leaps of the Gazelle

March 1997 : By Nan D'Antuono

The Great Bear Ursa Major is high in the north these Spring evenings. Along his southwestern border, shared with the constellations Lynx, Leo Minor, and Leo lie the three distinctive pairs of third magnitude stars known from ancient times by many names, one of the best known of which is the charming name "The Three Leaps of the Gazelle." Three of the six leap stars are wonderful doubles, and there are many more awaiting discovery in Ursa Major.