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:

LEO (MAJOR)

Background:
Leo Major is one of the few constellations which looks like the figure it is suppose to represented! Take note however, that it lies on its back for observers in Southern Africa. Leo looks like a "sphinx" from the side, lying gracefully with its front legs stretched out before it. It is an important autumn constellation, so memorize its stars and position. It also contains numerous galaxies, some of which are bright Messier galaxies visible through a medium-sized telescope. The constellation's stars are reasonably bright.

Where is it?
You'll find Leo in the Autumn skies in the north-east and north, above the horizon. It forms the most prominent figure in its vicinity.

Finding it:
Leo is so prominent that you should use a planisphere to simply hop from your map to the sky. Look for a sickle of stars and locate bright stars such as Regulus and Denebola in the constellation. It is flanked by the constellation Cancer to its left and Virgo upper right.

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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