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:

LUPUS

Background:
Lupus (the Wolf) is a constellation with many stars, close to Centaurus. Some observers find it difficult to locate Lupus because of the number of stars in the constellation's vicinity. It lies partly within a star-rich area of the milky way. Don't make Lupus your very first constellation to learn! It is best to first study the figure of Centaurus, to avoid confusion with the latter's stars. Lupus houses several faintish open and globular clusters, indeed an interesting, though not much observed part of the southern skies.

Where is it?
Lupus is visible in the south-east in autumn, rising up and southwards during winter. It lies close to Centaurus, flanked by Scorpius on the other side.

Finding it:
Knowing the positions of the Pointers (alpha and beta Centauri) and the brightest stars of Centaurus are probably the best way to start your search for Lupus. There's no easy way: you'll have to use a detailed star chart and hop around...

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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