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

Observing the Constellation:

ERIDANUS

Background:
Eridanus (the River) is the longest constellation of all when "stretched out". It is truly impressive in length and the number of stars making up the lines of the constellation. You will find many pairs of stars as you flow along the river, making two huge bends. Not for the beginner! Try to learn Eridanus when you know your way around the Spring and Summer skies! But the day you do know it, buy yourself something nice...

Where is it?
Eridanus is a late-spring/early-summer constellation for southern hemisphere observers and is located in mid-skies (proceeding over your zenith). It originates at the bright star Rigel in Orion and ends at the bright star Achernar (or vice-versa, depending on how you learned it!)

Finding it:
The best way to start learning Eridanus is by locating the bright star Achernar in the south. Don't attempt to observe the constellation if it is not fully visible in the sky! There's no easy way: star hop from Achernar through all the other stars making up the river. Note the bends it take. Experienced observers quickly locate Eridanus by simply looking at these huge bends it forms in the sky. You will end at a star situated very close to the bright star Rigel in Orion.

Other info:
Eridanus lies in a dark area of the sky, removed from the Milky Way with very little deep sky objects bright enough for small telescopes. And while you study Eridanus, note the position of Fornax...

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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