One of the most recognizable constellations is Cassiopeia the Queen, which now can be found in the north-northeastern sky after the sun goes down. This constellation has the distinct shape of a W, or M, depending on your perspective. This fairly bright constellation is oftentimes visible on a moonlit night. However, if the glare of tonight’s waning gibbous moon proves to be too overwhelming, try viewing Cassiopeia in another day or two. By then, you’ll have more moon-free viewing time after dark.
Meteor season is here! Everything you need to know: Perseid meteor shower
Sky chart of the constellation Cassiopeia the Queen
The constellation Cassiopeia the Queen appearing as a W. Click here for a larger chart
Cassiopeia is associated with a queen of Ethiopia. She is sometimes called the Lady of the Chair. Queen Cassiopeia was said to have offended the sea nymphs, or Nereids, by boasting that her own beauty was greater than theirs. It’s said that the nymphs appealed to Zeus, king of the gods, who caused Cassiopeia to be placed upon a throne in the heavens – but in such a location that, for part of each night, she appears upside-down!
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The constellation Cassiopeia, with her W-shaped assemblage of stars to the lower left of center. Photo credit: Brian Jackson
Cassiopeia circles counter-clockwise around Polaris, the North Star, throughout the night. It swings high over Polaris in the wee hours before dawn. At that time, look for the constellation Orion the Hunter to be in a recumbent position over the eastern horizon. At this time of year, Cassiopeia the Queen is found fairly low in the north-northeast at nightfall but high over the North Star before dawn.
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One of the most recognizable constellations is Cassiopeia the Queen, which now can be found in the north-northeastern sky after the sun goes down. This constellation has the distinct shape of a W, or M, depending on your perspective. This fairly bright constellation is oftentimes visible on a moonlit night. However, if the glare of tonight’s waning gibbous moon proves to be too overwhelming, try viewing Cassiopeia in another day or two. By then, you’ll have more moon-free viewing time after dark.
Meteor season is here! Everything you need to know: Perseid meteor shower
Sky chart of the constellation Cassiopeia the Queen
The constellation Cassiopeia the Queen appearing as a W. Click here for a larger chart
Cassiopeia is associated with a queen of Ethiopia. She is sometimes called the Lady of the Chair. Queen Cassiopeia was said to have offended the sea nymphs, or Nereids, by boasting that her own beauty was greater than theirs. It’s said that the nymphs appealed to Zeus, king of the gods, who caused Cassiopeia to be placed upon a throne in the heavens – but in such a location that, for part of each night, she appears upside-down!
Enjoying EarthSky so far? Sign up for our free daily newsletter today!
The constellation Cassiopeia, with her W-shaped assemblage of stars to the lower left of center. Photo credit: Brian Jackson
Cassiopeia circles counter-clockwise around Polaris, the North Star, throughout the night. It swings high over Polaris in the wee hours before dawn. At that time, look for the constellation Orion the Hunter to be in a recumbent position over the eastern horizon. At this time of year, Cassiopeia the Queen is found fairly low in the north-northeast at nightfall but high over the North Star before dawn.
EarthSky astronomy kits are perfect for beginners. Order yours today.
Help support posts like these at the EarthSky store. Fun astronomy gifts and tools for all ages!
from EarthSky http://ift.tt/1KOk7ba
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