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:

FORNAX

Background:
The figure of Fornax (the Furnace) contains only 3 relatively faint stars and encompass a small area of the sky. It is most famous for the breathtaking "Fornax Galaxy Cluster".

Where is it?
Fornax lies within the grips of Eridanus the River. In fact, it is easier to find Fornax if you know the "bends" of Eridanus first. It lies within the first large bend when coming from Achernar. Cetus lies to its west.

Finding it:
Study Eridanus first and hop to Fornax from there. There is little other way!

Other info:
If you have an 8 inch and larger telescope with a wide field, you will HAVE to observe the Fornax Galaxy Cluster (put it on the MUST-SEE list of your life). Observe under very dark skies only. How many galaxies can you count..?

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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