Observing the Constellations from Southern Africa

Observing the Constellations
Short descriptions for finding the Constellations
from Southern Africa
A star watching service by ASSA Bloemfontein Centre, South Africa
Information customized for southern hemisphere, 29 degree latitude South

List of all 88 official constellations

The Constellation of:

CORVUS

Background:
Corvus (the Crow) appears like a quad-shaped pattern of stars in the autumn skies. It is relatively bright and conspicuous. It does not look like a crow at all - you'll have to use some imagination there!

Where is it?
The Crow flies overhead during the months of April to June and is virtually a beacon on its own. Corvus lies close to the faint constellation of Crater and also alongside a piece of Hydra.

Finding it:
If you cannot go from your sky map to Corvus directly, first-timers can jump from the bright star Spica in Virgo to the 4-star of Corvus. Once you've located Corvus, make a mental note of its size and position and use it as a start-off point for future excursions into the unknown of the autumn sky.

Other info:
Corvus does not lie within the star-rich path of the milky way and contains no famous bright deep sky object. It is close to the galaxy-rich region of Virgo and contains a few faint galaxies of its own. The constellation should be studied and memorized by every beginner.

Descriptions are based on evening observations, for the southern hemisphere and more specifically for Southern Africa.

Summer = Dec, Jan, Feb
Autumn = Mar, Apr, May
Winter = Jun, Jul, Aug
Spring = Sep, Oct, Nov

Zenith = point directly above you in the sky

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