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:

GRUS

Background:
Although not always well-known, Grus (the Crane Bird) is actually a prominent constellation in a relatively dark area of the southern skies. It's two brightest stars are easily observable from city skies. Of all the smaller southern constellation it is no doubt one of the brightest and easiest to learn. It forms a plus sign, but a plus whose one leg has been lengthened!

Where is it?
The best evening time to observe Grus is from September to December. It is located in the southern skies for its southern hemisphere observers, but is not circumpolar from South Africa. It lies next to Pisces Austrinus and Phoenix.

Finding it:
Finding Grus will depend on which constellation you learn first: Piscis Austrinus, or Grus itself! Use a planisphere to find Grus's two brightest stars or hop from the star Fomalhaut in Pisces Austrinus to Grus. The very beginner can even use Capricornus to jump to Fomalhaut and on to Grus.

Other info:
You will find no bright deep sky objects in Grus. Its importance lies in its two brightest stars, beacons in a darkish area of the sky.

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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