Winter evenings does show of the most brilliant stars that the skies have to offer. Six stars from different constellations form a spectacular grouping called the "Winter Hexagon" which dominates the southern section of the sky. A great starting point to begin learning from. Keep in mind from night to night the sky shifts slightly west at the same time each evening.
Sirius, the brightest of all stars visible from Earth. It marks the constellation Canis Major, the Great Dog. You can easily find this white coloured star by following the line of 3 stars that form Orion the Hunter\'s belt eastward (left). The second point in the Hexagon is the white star Procyon which marks the constellation Canis Minor. Next are two dominating stars of equal brightness, Castor and Pollux side-by-side, representing the heads of the Gemini Twins.
The fifth point is Capella, shining with a hint of golden-yellow in the constellation of Auriga, the Charioteer. Following Orion's belt up and westward (right), leads us to the next star of Hexagon. Aldeberan, glittering orange-yellow which marks the eye of Taurus, the Bull. The brightest object near Aldeberan is Jupiter, a great place to begin finding your night sky bearings.
Finally completing the tour is the brilliant blue-white star Rigel of Orion. In my opinion on average, the evening winter skies are the most brilliant and clear.
Click this link for a sketch.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151328778871056&set=a.10150986270971056.389413.554341055&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf
No comments:
Post a Comment