Kinghorn Gardens

Something to Count On…Summer Stargazing

July 8th, 2010

Summer just may be the perfect time for stargazing.  The warm weather has beckoned us outdoors, where we often remain past sun down.  The cooler nights allow us to comfortably watch the skies for those familiar constellations.  Here are a few you can expect to see over the next few months:

Cassiopeia:

Not a large constellation, but a bright one, residing in the Milky Way.  Easily found by drawing a line from the star where the handle meets the Big Dippers bowl to the pole star and beyond.  She appears in the sky as a “W” shape consisting of five fairly bright stars.  Named for an Ethiopian Queen, she reigns the night sky from August to January.

Swan:

A large constellation, partially made up of the Norther Cross.  The Swan’s wings are spread, with his neck stretched out in front with his feet, consisting of fainter stars, trailing behind as if he were in flight.  The brightest star in the constellation, Deneb, is at the base of the wings.  Like Vega it can be seen, from somewhere, any night of the year, and is nearly 500 light years away.  To find the Swan draw a line through the two stars of the Big Dippers bowl near the handle and beyond.  This will lead you to Deneb.

Serpent Holder:

Technically two constellations, the Serpent Holder appears as a Voo-Doo Doctor holding the pieces of a severed snake.  He is easily recognized by his shoulders, which are each comprised of two bright stars. Trace his rectangular body, this his right arm.  In its grasp is the front half of the severed serpent.  The left arm, holding the tail, is much dimmer.  The constellation, Scorpion, resides at his feet.  Though he stretches into the Zodiac, he is not considered a Zodiacal constellation.  He will best be seen from July to August.