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

ORION

Background:
Orion is no doubt one of the most well-known constellations, and also one of the easiest to learn. If you have trouble spotting Orion, then star gazing is probably not for you! Orion for its southern hemisphere observers can be found during summer nights, close to the zenith and somewhat to the north. It appears to stand on its head though, but is on its feet in the northern hemisphere. Orion actually looks like the figure it is suppose to represent - a hunter standing with a bow in hand - although you must use some imagination to see its head...

You'll find the spectacular Orion Nebula in the sword of Orion. There are a few other, fainter deep sky objects too. Orion is an astrophotographer's dream playfield.

Where is it?

Orion is flanked by numerous constellations, including bright Gemini and Taurus and the fainter Monoceros. It can be found next to the milky way path and is most prominently visible in the summer skies.

Finding it:
Orion is suppose to be your start-off point for learning OTHER constellations, so there's no direct way to find Orion other than directly from a sky map or planisphere. The three belt stars (also known as the Three Kings) are bright and very prominent. If you're not sure, ask someone who knows! If you live a solitary life on Antarctica and your nearest astronomy club is in Cape Town, then you can try to find your way from Sirius in Canis Major...


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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Constellation English name Constellation English name
Andromeda The Princess Lacerta Lizard
Antlia Air Pump Leo Lion
Apus Bird of Paradise Leo Minor Smaller Lion
Aquarius Water Carrier Lepus Hare
Aquila Eagle Libra Balance / scale
Ara Altar Lupus Wolf
Aries Ram Lynx Lynx
Auriga Charioteer Lyra Lyre
Bootes Herdsman Mensa Table Mountain
Caelum Chisel Microscopium Microscope
Camelopardalis Giraffe Monoceros Unicorn
Cancer Crab Musca Fly
Canes Venatici Hunting Dogs Norma Square
Canis Major Big Dog Octans Octant
Canis Minor Little Dog Ophiucus Serpent Carrier
Capricornus Goat Orion Orion
Carina Keel of Argo Pavo Peacock
Cassiopeia The Queen Pegasus Winged Horse
Centaurus The Centaur Perseus Perseus
Cepheus King Cepheus Phoenix Phoenix
Cetus Whale Pictor Easel
Chamaeleon Chameleon Pisces Fishes
Circinus Compass (draw) Pisces Austrinus Southern Fish
Columba Dove Puppis Stern of Argo
Coma Berenices Berenice's Hair Pyxis Compass of Argo
Corona Australis Southern Crown Reticulum Reticle
Corona Borealis Northern Crown Sagitta Arrow
Corvus Crow Sagittarius Archer
Crater Cup Scorpius Scorpion
Crux Southern Cross Sculptor Sculptor
Cygnus Swan Scutum Shield
Delphinus Dolphin Serpens Serpent
Dorado Swordfish Sextans Sextant
Draco Dragon Taurus Bull
Equuleus Little Horse Telescopium Telescope
Eridanus River Triangulum Triangle
Fornax Furnace Triangulum Australe Triangle (South)
Gemini Twins Tucana Toucan
Grus Crane Ursa Major Great Bear
Hercules Hercules Ursa Minor Little Bear
Horologium Clock / watch Vela Sails of Argo
Hydra Hydra (Sea Serpent) Virgo Virgin
Hydrus Water Serpent Volans Flying Fish
Indus Indian Vulpecula Fox




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