A3S4 D 47 Ursae Majoris is 47 [G/light year]s away and is 1.7 times more [G/luminous] than the Sun. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be 2.4 times more massive than [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 3 years. The planet lies approximately 2.1 [G/a.u.] from its star, which would put it just past [G/Mars] in our [G/solar system]. 16 Cygni B is 72 [G/light year]s away and is 1.4 times more [G/luminous] than the Sun. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be 1.7 times more massive than [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 2.2 years. The planet lies approximately 1.7 [G/a.u.] from its star, which would put it just past [G/Mars] in our [G/solar system]. 70 Virginis is 59 [G/light year]s away and is 3 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be 6.8 times more massive than [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 117 days. The planet lies approximately 0.5 [G/a.u.] from its star, which would put it just past [G/Mercury] in our [G/solar system]. Rho Coronae Borealis is 57 [G/light year]s away and is 1.8 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be almost equal to the mass of [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 40 days. The planet lies approximately 0.2 [G/a.u.] from its star, which would put it much closer to its star that [G/Mercury] is to our Sun. Rho Cancri is 44 [G/light year]s away and is 0.6 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be 0.9 times as massive as [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 15 days. The planet lies approximately 0.1 [G/a.u.] from its star, which would put it much closer to its star that [G/Mercury] is to our Sun. Upsilon Andromedae is 57 [G/light year]s away and is 5.5 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be a little over half the mass of [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 5 days. The planet lies extremely close to its star, at a distance of only 0.05 [G/a.u.]. For comparison, [G/Mercury] lies 0.39 a.u. from the Sun. 51 Pegasi is 50 [G/light year]s away and is 1.3 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be about half as massive as [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 4 days. The planet lies extremely close to its star, at a distance of only 0.05 [G/a.u.]. For comparison, [G/Mercury] lies 0.39 a.u. from the Sun. Tau Bootis is 49 [G/light year]s away and is 4.0 times more [G/luminous] than the [G/Sun]. The [G/planet] in orbit around this [G/star] is believed to be over 3.5 times more massive than [G/Jupiter] and it circles the star once every 3 days. The planet lies extremely close to its star, at a distance of only 0.05 [G/a.u.]. For comparison, [G/Mercury] lies 0.39 a.u. from the Sun. HD 217107 is 13 [G/light year]s away. It has been shown to have a planet that is 1.3 times more massive than Jupiter. This planet orbits the star every 7.1 days. It's orbit is only 0.07 [G/a.u.], this is one tenth the distance to Mercury. HD 13445 is 36 [G/light year]s away. It has been shown to have a plenat orbiting it that is 5 times as massive as Jupiter. This planet orbits the star ever 15.83 days at a distance of 0.11 [G/a.u.]. Beta Pictoris: Through a telescope, this [G/star] appears as a typical pinpoint of light. It is slightly larger than our [G/Sun], 58 times more [G/luminous], and 140 [G/light year]s away. The interesting part about Beta Pictoris showed up during an observing session with the [G/IRAS] satellite. [G/Infra-red] images revealed a clump of cool matter in orbit around this star, possibly the beginnings of a planetary system. This cool mass is only visible using infra-red imaging. Through a small telescope, look for a pinpoint of light. Alpheratz represents the head of [X/Andromeda]. It is approximately 100 [G/light year]s distant and 160 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun]. Alpha CV 2.02 - 2.06V, 0.9636 or 0.966222d. Some spectral lines vary same period, others half period, some nonvariable ALPHERATZAlp AndDelta Sct, amp. 0.03V, 0.10101d. CaphBet CasBeta C 2.80 - 2.87V, 0.1517495d. ALGENIB.Gam PegLb 4.26 - 4.46V. AE CetComponent B, 12.87v at 63", optical. 3.46 - 3.56V. Deneb Kaitos She2.75 - 2.81V. ANKAACPM with HR 127 of which both are close binaries. Also CPM with HR 136. Faint companion at 14". Alpha Cyg, 4.22 - 4.30B, 0.09028d. Kap Cas3.59 - 3.68V. AB CPM. Component C, 15.2v at 48" optical. D is 8.5v K2IV-V, vsini <54k/s. All components probably optical. Cst 2.20 - 2.27V. SHEDIRAlp CasDiphda is a slightly reddish star a little over 50 [G/light year]s away. I is approximately 40 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun] 1.96 - 2.11V. DIPHDAAB CPM. Companions probably optical. Component A of visual system, EB 3.92 - 4.14V, 17.7695d. Zet AndAB 3.45 G3V, 7.51 K4Ve, 480y, a = 11.994". Combined mag., colors. Component B, vsini =<25k/s. Companions C-H optical A possible invisible companion with period about 40y. Component B, 7.51V, +1.39(B-V), +1.03(U-B). Achird, accordinAB CPM. IRAS observations confirm IR excess and yield simple blackbody temperature of 6750 +/- 100K. ADS 782A, Gamma Cas 1.6 - 3.0v. Spectrum and color vary. Expanding circumstellar shell. High-velocity variable mass loss. Variable hydrogen emission, 0.7d. Variable SiIV, CIV, polarization. Variable X-ray source. H alpha indicates rotating disk-like envelope. Gam CasAll components optical. Possible periodicities: 19.4, 16.7, 0.95, 0.49d. Suspected occultation double, 5.2, 5.2v, sep. 0.25". A* 5.15 G5Vp, 21.43y, a = 0.186", mag. diff 2V, sep. 1.4". Subdwarf with five visual and one astrometric components. Marfak. Name shDhenebinterferometry 1983.93, sep. 0.64". MIRACHPrimary component of visual system. EA 3.92 - 4.42V, 1.6697664d, i 84.7d. Zet PheDelta Sct? Marfak. Name shCPM with HR 362 at 24". ADS 996A is close occultation double, 6.3, 6.3v, 0.05":. Component B, HR 362 is SB; C, 12.2 i 1" from B. Probably optical. Unresolved by speckle interferometry 1981.69. EA? 2.68 - 2.76V, 759d. RuchbahDel CasA* 2.0 var. F8Ib, 30.46y, a = 0.038". AB physical; B, 8.20V, +0.49(B-V), +0.16(U-B), F3V, 0.0 color excess, vsini =<60k/s; C, 13v at 43"; D, 14v at 83". Polaris is the star currently aligned with Earth's north [G/Celestial Pole] It is only the 49th brightest star in the sky. Polaris is actually a doubl star system, made up of two faint stars that are 465 [G/light year]s away CDelta 1.92 - 2.07V, 3.969778d. Period increases 53 sec./century. Probably unreddened. POLARISAlp UMi3.39 - 3.49V. Gam PheCPM. ADS 1199B, 8.0 - 11.5v? Both visual companions probably optical. Achernar is hot, blue giant star that ranks as the 9th brightest star in the sky. It is approximately 125 [G/light year]s distant and 650 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun]. EB or Ell, amp. 0.02V. H alpha var. emission and possible high-velocity mass loss. Expanding circumstellar shell. ACHERNAR.Binary with HR 487, q.v. K1V, K1.5V. Gamma Cas 4.03 - 4.11V, 19.5d. Amp. varies in per. 127d. Possible mass loss. Expanding circumstellar shell. Phi PerTorcularis SepteSecond visual component optical. Baten Kaitos.MetallahDelta Sct? SharatanSR 4.3 - 4.5V, 30d. Psi PheCPM. Binary with HR 596, q.v. Alpha CV? Alpha CV?, 3.79 - 3.83V. Although the NSV identifies the variable as HR 596, the magnitudes given are for the blend o HR 595/6; uncertain which component is the variable. AlrishaCPM with HR 604. ALMAAKHamal, the brightest star in [X/Aries], lies 67 [G/light year]s away and i 70 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun] HAMALSuspected occultation double, sep. 0.012". E?, 4.35 - 4.38V. Companion G2V? Mira is a pulsating, variable, red giant star which changes in brightness fro [G/magnitude] 3 to magnitude 9 over the course of 331 days. It i approximately 135 [G/light year]s distant AP var. M7IIIe, var. dBe, 400y, a = 0.85". The faint companion was first predicted in 1920 by Joy on the basis of a slightly displaced blue secondary spectrum. First seen by Aitken in 1923. Visible only when Mira is faint. Light variations on scale of hours superimposed by variations of 10-15 min. and rare flares of 2 min. duration. Components B 13v at 73" and C, optical. Two variables: Mira and VZ Cet. Mira, ADS 1778A, M 2.0 - 10.1v, 331.96d; var. CO emission from circumstellar envelope. Speckle interferometry indicates large abrupt variation of diameter as a function of wavelength. Hydrogen lines vary o time scale of 1-2 days. Mira was discovered to be variable by Fabricius in 1596, the first such variable discovered. ADS 1778P, Ne "Novoides" class, VZ Cet, 9.5 - 12.0v, dBe. MIRA.Omi CetVisual companion 11.7v dM6 at 165", CPM. A* 5.84 K3V, 60y, a = 0.257".. Mass of invisible companion 0.12 solar. Companion at 2" probably about 5v fainter. Unresolved by speckle interferometry. Beta C 4.05 - 4.10V, 0.16113668d. Per. changed 1965, then increased about 0.7 sec./century. Del CetAB 4.13 F7V, 9.87 M1V, 2720y, a = 22.289". C probably optical. AB binary, combined mag., colors. CPM with BD+2d418, 10.2v M6 at 840". KaffaljidhmaOccultation binary. Combined mag., color. Delta Sct? Component B, B9V, CPM, vsini 149k/s. Miram in BecvarOptical system. Delta Sct? A* 4.06 G4III+A4V, 4.150y, a = 0.050". Speckle interferometric sep. 0.080" 1981.67. Circumstellar material surroundin the pair? Visual companions 10.7v at 51" possibly physical; 11.8v at 4" possibly optical. EA, 3.94 - 4.07V. Tau PerM 4.7 - 14.3v, 401.5d, JD2412800-28900; later 407.6d. R HorAzha.Binary with HR 898. Uncertain which component var. Combined mag. HR 897/8, 2.91V; combined colors, +0.125(B-V), +0.13(U-B). ACAMAR.Lb? 2.45 - 2.54V. Spectrum var. MENKARAlp CetSKYLAB observations indicate cool star with hot companion. Components Aa, 14.65y, a = 0.159". Physical nature of B, 11m at 57", uncertain. Close to error box of X-ray source 3U0305+53. SRb 3.30 - 4.0V, about 50d with possibly slow var. in mean brightness in 1100d period. Gorgonea Tertia.Rho PerAlgol is an eclipsing variable star, meaning the light from this star appears to brighten and fade as its companion star passes in front of the star and behind it. The star's [G/magnitude] changes in brightness from mag. 2.1 to mag. 3.4, over the course of 2.8 days. Algol is approximately 100 [G/light year]s distant. A* var. B8V, 1.858y, a = 0.011" or 1.862y, a = 0.104". Apparent apsidal period 28.4y or 32y. Resolved by speckle interferometry: sep. 0.086", 2-3v fainter than primary. This may be Algol C. Four visual companions all optical: B, 12.7v at 59"; C, 12.5 at 67"; D, 10.5 at 82"; BC sep. 15"; E, 12.5v at 11" from D. One of the few known galactic radio sources in which the dominant star is normal. 21cm radio source. ADS 2362A is the prototype Algol star, first discovered as variable by Montanari in 1669. The first period determined b Goodricke in 1783, who also interpreted the variations as due to eclipses. The prototype star proves to be a more a complicated system than most of the Algol-type stars, i.e., compact triple system with separation of the components well under 0.1". The components usually designated Algol A, B, C, sometimes A, a, P. Two formerly additionally desig nated components D and E, inferred on the basis of an apparent 32 year apsidal motion, are now considered spurious. The various Algol components must not be confused with the visual components ADS 2362 B-E, optical companions at much greater distances from A. ADS 2362A, EA 2.12 - 3.40V, 2.86732442d, abrupt period changes. Orbital and rotation period synchronized. Rotational velocity 65k/s. Radio flares extending to about 1 A.U., not associated with X-ray activity. Radio flare activity appears correlated with period discontinuities, attributed to "starquakes." Mass flow from K to B component at rate of 1.8x10E-08 solar masses/year. Possible circumstellar material associated with radio or H alpha emission. ALGOLBet PerCompanion optical. Botein.3.9 F8IV, 6.5 G7V, 314y, a = 4.367". Combined mag., colors. ADS 2402B, 7.0 - 9.03v. FornacisAB binary, B is K0V. C, 11v at 40" optical. Lb? 3.57 - 3.72V. Tau4 EriMIRPHAKH alpha profile var. Astrometric binary, 25y. Unresolved by speckle interferometry. Amp. 0.04V, 0.5d. Hydrogen emission variable. Expanding circumstellar shell. Psi PerCPM? Position angles disagree by about 40d. Alpha CV? 2.98 - 3.03V, about 1d. Strong variable emission at 1650A, CaII? Del PerBinary. Combined mag., colors. Rotational velocity B, 150:k/s. Unresolved by speckle interferometry 1982.16. In interstellar ultraviolet radiation field. Ell 3.79 - 3.85V, 4.419171d, possibly half. AtikOmi PerRana in Becvar. But see HR 188. RS:, 3.51 - 3.56V, about 10d. Del EriSep. 0.062". Occultation of 1972 Mar. 19 indicated mag. diff 3.4, sep. 0.010". Electra.Primary is SB, 4.6, 6.1v, sep. 0.012". Visual pair 4.4, 8.1v, sep. 69". TaygetaSep. 0.003". Unresolved by speckle interferometry 1981.69. Duplicity questioned. Probably cst. Var. helium lines. Maia.Lc 4.35 - 4.48V, amp. 0.12p. BE CamVariable hydrogen emission. Merope.V971 TauLb? 4.38 - 4.44V. Pi EriComponent A is occultation double, sep. 0.031". B, C, D, 8.1 A0V, 8.1 Am(A5/F0/F2) and 8.7v F2V at 117" to 190". Possibly second occultation companion at 0.001", unresolved by speckle interferometry. vsini of B 155k/s. Numerous photometric determinations yield 6.3 for B component. The HD gives 8.1 for 23629 and the IDS indicates 8.1. Burnham, Double Stars, gave 7.0 vis. ALCYONE. The briComponent A SB, 4.1, 5.6, sep. 0.006" and 0.019". B, 6.8v at 0.4". Atlas.AB CPM, B 9.16V B8IV; C, 9.12V at 33" optical; D, 10.35V, +0.713(B-V), +0.20(U-B), at 92" optical; E, 9.90V, A2V, +0.33(B-V), +0.17(U-B), at 120" physical. 2.80 - 2.93V. AB CPM. B, 7.39V, -0.03(B-V), -0.52(U-B), B9.5V, vsini 300:k/s. Beta C, 2.88 - 3.00V, 0.216:d. Brightest component on visual triple. Photoelectric and spectroscopic resonant period found are submultiples of 26.9 hrs or 1.12d. Eps PerSlightly variable, possibly same period as SB. MenkibXi Per2.88 - 2.96V. ZaurakGam EriEA 3.3 - 3.80p, B3V+A, 3.952955d, i 86d. Lam TauGamma Cas 4.00 - 4.10V, 55?d. Slow var. possibly associated with emission spectrum. MX PerDelta Sct 4.00 - 4.05V, 0.0815d. Secondary per. 0.1291d. Beid.Omi1 EriA* 4.13 G0Ib, 0.778y, a = 0.019". AB CPM; B, 11.8v at 15". C , 10.25V, +0.47(B-V), +0.06(U-B), B8. ADS 3071A, 4.1 - 4.24V. BC 9.51 A2, 11.18 M4Ve, 252.1y, a = 6.943". Component B is white dwarf. Component A, CPM. ADS 3093C; UV, min. 11.18V, +1.50 (B-V), 12.16 - 13.85U. X-ray source. KeidDY EriEW? or Delta Sct? 4.23 - 4.27V, per. between 0.33 and 1.0d. Gam DorAmp. 0.1V. Hyadum I.Small amp., possible periods 0.96, 1.93, 8.5, 0.89d, with 8.5 slightly favored (Manfroid and Mathys 1985, A&AS, 59, 429). Amp. 0.1V. Hyadum II.Kappa1 Tau is occultation double. Together with Kappa2 = HR 1388 they form a multiple system of at least 6 components. Delta Sct? AB binary; C, 11v at 77" CPM. A blue straggler. Amp. 0.02U, 57.25d. Also magnetic field period. V776 TauThe visual primary is SB, 4.6, 6.5v, sep. 0.020". Component B, 12.5v at 110". Some sources calUps TauV777 TauAinCPM with HR 1412. Not clear if there are one or two occultation companions: mag. diff 3.8v, sep. 0.082", another possible mag. diff 8v, sep. 0.2". Delta Sct, amp. 0.03V (variable), 0.080d. Possibly also eclipsing. The2 TauA* 4.27 G8II+B, 28.67y, a = 0.054"(not confirmed). Known as the "red eye of the Bull'" Aldebaran is a red giant star, 40 times Larger than our Sun. It is approximately 68 [G/light year]s distant and ranks as the 13th brightest star in the sky. AB binary. B is 13.5v, dM2 at 31". CD, 122" from A is 11.2, 13.6v sep. 2" also binary but independent of AB. Lb 0.75 - 0.95V. Var. H and K emission. ALDEBARANAlp TauADS 3317A, E?, 4.23 - 4.30V. Beta C 3.4 - 3.60p, 0.17790414d, changing. Probable interference periods 0.1779 and 0.1735d with beat period of 7.0256d. Possibly also E, 103.9d. Nu EriEri, or HR 1143,Alpha CV 3.26 - 3.30V, amp. 0.10u, 2.943d. Alp DorSceptrum.Seen as double only in 1877 and 1923. SRb 4.28 - 4.36V, 30d. DM Eri4.9, 6.4 sep. 0.0005". CPM. Comp. A of double, Delta Sct? Delta Sct? Amp. 0.05V. Ell 3.66 - 3.73V, 3.700363d. Pi5 Ori4.0 - 4.15p. Hassaleh in BecvADS 3605A. A* 2.98 var. A8Iap. Five visual and one astrometric components. AB visual binary, B, 14v at 29"; C, 11.26V, +1.83(B-V), +1.31(U-B), at 43"; D, 12.0v at 46". ADS 3605A, EA 2.94 - 3.83V, 9892d. Spectrum var. even outside eclipse. RV and light fluctuations about 110d. Al AnzEps AurEA 3.70 - 3.97V, 972.164d, i 90d. Variable duration of min. Amp. depends on wavelength, 0.55B, 1.97U. K component amp. 0.05V. HaediZet AurBeta C? Hoedus II. One oCursaCandidate for becoming a Be star. Beta C 4.22 - 4.34V, 0.701538d. Both spectroscopic and new photometric data suggest period 0.70177d. Small changes i mean brightness (<0.1mag). Lam EriCPM companion G8Ve, strong lithium. Alpha CV 2.97 - 3.41V, per. about 2d. Mu LepCapella is a bright binary star system whose two stars, only 70 million mile (116 million km) apart, are too close together to be seen as individual point of light with a small telescope. This star system is approximately 4 [G/light year]s distant AP 0.6 G5III, 1.1 G0III, sep. 0.04", 0.285y, a = 0.054", masses 2.67 and 2.55 solar. Combined mag., colors. Capella i first star for which an orbit was determined from interferometer measures, by Anderson at Mt. Wilson in 1920. Speckle sep. 0.040" 1981.24 and 1981.68; 0.055" 1982.16. CPM with component H, a close binary, 10.0 dM1, 13.7 dM5 sep. 2" at 723" from A, probably physical with A. Other components all faint and distant from A. Amp. 0.03V. Variable helium and X-ray emission. CAPELLAThe bright blue giant star, Rigel, represents one of [X/Orion]'s feet. I is an extremely hot star, with a surface temperature over 7,000 degrees hotte than that of our [G/Sun]. As a result, it is over 57,000 times mor [G/luminous] than our star AxBC, CPM. BC binary, 7.6 B8II, 7.6v sep. 0.12". D, 15.4v at 44". BC also classified B5V+B5V. For B, vsini =<39k/s. 0.03 - 0.30V, 25d. Amp. at 0.58 micrometers about 0.06m. RIGELADS 4002A is SB triple system, abc with periods 9.2y and 7.989d. Speckle interferometry gives 9.219y, a = 0.036" for for ab x c. Visual components AB, binary, 3.8, 4.8v, sep. 1.650"; C, 9.4v at 115". The total mass of the quintuple system exceeds 50 solar masses, the most massive component being about 17 solar masses. EA + Beta C 3.31 - 3.60V, 3.14 - 3.35B, 7.989268d. Also sinusoidal pulsation period, amp. 0.05V, 0.30197 or 0.30145d. Eta OriBELLATRIXALNATHAB binary; C, 12.0v at 64"; D, 10.5 at 206"; E, 10.5 at 241". ADS 4066B, 7.0 - 11.0v. NIHAL4.49 B5IV, 5.82 B7V, 586y, a = 1.293". Combined mag. and colors. SRc 6.1 - 6.5p, 165d. CE TauBinary with C = HR 1851. Component B, 14.0v at 33". ADS 4134A, EA 2.14 - 2.26V, 1.94 - 2.13B, 5.732476d. Intrinsic variability also possible. MINTAKADel OriARNEB.A,B,C fixed. B is HR 1880. Colors for combined light. Blended mag., 3.39V. C is 11.2v at 29", optical; D, 11.2 at 78". Uncertain which of HR 1879 or 1880 is the variable suspect. MeissaAB fixed. B is B7IV; vsini 50k/s. Component B is NSV 2334, 7.4V. Nair al SaifAlpha Cyg 1.64 - 1.74V. ALNILAMEps OriGamma Cas 2.90 - 3.03V. Var. shell Sp. Widths H-lines vary in about 10 min. Polarization at H beta changes in tens of minutes, probably due to circumstellar matter. Zet TauCDelta 3.46 - 4.08V, 9.84200d. Period varies. Bet DorAB 4.1 O9.5V, 5.1 B0.5V, 170y, a = 0.247". Combined mag. and colors. C, 8.79V, A2V at 11" may be physical; D, 6.62V, -0.20(B-V), B2V, at 13" and E = HR 1932, at 42" CPM with A. A multiple system similar to trapezium. ADS 4241 possibl the most massive visual binary known, 35 solar masses. AB 1.88 O9.5Ib, 4.02 B2III, 1508.6y, a = 2.728". Colors for combined light. Blended magnitude 1.76V, 18 and 6 solar masses. B is HR 1949. C is 9v at 58", possibly physical. In line of sight of high-velocity interstellar cloud. ADS 4263. Uncertain which component, HR 1948 or 1949, is the variable suspect. ALNITAKIn line of sight of high-velocity interstellar cloud. Gamma Cas?, 2.62 - 2.66V. H alpha variable. Rapid variations in H beta profile. PhaetCPM with HR 1983. C, 11.0v at 45". SAIPH.Companion optical. WeznPossibly triple system. Magnitudes of separate components unknown. A*, 14.25y, a = 0.095". Probably low-mass companion. This huge star, possibly the largest known today, is a irregularly pulsating red supergiant. Its size changes from 550 to 920 times the diameter of our [G/Sun] over the course of 5 1/2 years. At its largest, this star would completely fill our inner solar system and its surface would be extremely close to Jupiter! Betelguese is 650 [G/light year]s distant. Components B-E all 11 to 14.5v at sep. 40" to 174" from A. D 13.5 at 77", optical. Speckle interferometric observation in 1983 November (Karovska et al. 1986, ApJ, 308, 360) show A to be a triple system with closer companion at 0.06" (mag. diff. 3.4 at H alpha) and more distant companion at 0.51" (mag. diff. 4.6 at H alpha). Radio star. Circumstellar shell of gas and dust. The gas shell detached from photosphere at about 5 stellar radii. Dia of optically thin dust shell possibly 1".5. Surrounded by reflection nebula. Gas shell up to 100 R, dust shell from 12 to 250 R. Highly limb darkened. ADS 4506A, SRc 0.40 - 1.3V, 2335d. Also superimposed waves 200-400d. BETELGEUSEAlp OriAB binary. C, 14.1v at 13". ADS 4556A, EA 1.89 - 1.98V, 1.93 - 2.02B, A2+A2, 3.9600421d, i 78.5d. MenkalinanBet AurRadio star. Lc 4.24 - 4.34V. Radio emission at 2.85cm indicates mass loss. Pi AurAB binary , combined mag., colors. B is 7.2v G2V. C, 11v at 49" optical. ADS 4566B. Alpha CV 2.62 - 2.70V. Amp. 0.43m at 1400A, 1.3735d. Magnetic field varies 3.618d. The AurAB 4.4 A2V, 6.0 F3V, 17.5d, a = 0.276"; ABxP, 18.25y, a = 0.089". Magnitude and colors for combined light. A is alpha CVn var., SB1, 4.45d; B is SB2, 4.78d. Component C, 14v at 18" probably optical. ADS 4617A, Alpha CV 4.10 - 4.18V. AB 4.7 G6III, 5.1 G8III, 13.17y, a = 0.19". Combined mag., colors. Component A is SB, 4.9, 6.9v, sep. 0.0013". Speckle interferometric sep. 0.128" 1982.17, 0.086" 1983.93. Component C, 13.0v at 101". Propus, a name mAB, 473.7y, a = 1.08". B is 8.8v at 1.4". A is suspected occultation double, 3.4, 5.4v, sep. 0.03". Masses A, 12.4; B, 5.5 solar. The three components are surrounded by a gaseous envelope. ADS 4841A, SRa + EA 3.15 - 3.9v, 232.9d. Deepest min. satisfy SB period 2984d. PropusEta GemE: + Delta Sct: 4.43 - 4.73V. Line widths vary 0.3d. UZ Lyn5.4 - 5.47B. Beta C? FurudLb 2.76 - 3.02V. Tejat PosteriorMu GemBeta C 1.93 - 2.00V. Prototype star. Multi-periodic: 0.25002246, 0.2513003, 49.17 and 0.23904d, others reported. Bea periods 49.198, 5.442 and 4.900d. Sp. also var. over 0.25d. MurzimBet CMaCanopus is the second brightest star in the sky. It is 116 [G/light year] away, 30 times the diameter of our [G/Sun] and 1,400 times more [G/luminous] CANOPUSAA' probably combined light and color. This may be the SB pair, 4.3, 6.0v, sep. 0.2". B, 8.5V A1V at 113", vsini 141k/s, is binary with C, 8.9v, sep. 0.2". Component P, 15.1V at 24" optical. Other components faint at 54" to 92". Triple system with HR 2357 and 2358. Combined mag., color 3.74V, -0.15(B-V), all Be stars. AB, 17000y; AC, sep. 10", 29000y. Component D, 12.2v at 26" from A. Uncertain which of components A,B,C, HR 2356,7,8 is the light variable NSV 2977, for which the mag. 3.75V is a blend of all three. Hydrogen lines var. K 30k/s. Shell line velocities do not correspond to orbital elements; may be due to gaseous ring. Beta C 4.33 - 4.36V, 0.2095755d, secondary variations. Effective temperature varies by 1400K and ratio of max. to min. radius by 1.042. Xi1 CMaA* 1.93 A0IV, 12.9y, a = 0.038". ALHENA.Beta C?, 3.16 - 3.20V. Companion 9.22V, +1.13(B-V), +0.91(U-B), K0III-IV. MebsutaOptical. Delta Sct? Alzirr.Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky, is also one of the closest star to us at only 8.7 [G/light year]s. It is 23 times more [G/luminous] than ou [G/Sun] and almost twice its diameter. It has a small companion star that i believed to be a white dwarf. The companion is difficult to see because o its closeness to Sirius AB -1.46 A1V, 8.49 A1V, 50.090y, a = 7.500" or 49.94y, a = 7.62". D, 14.0v at 32" from A. C, companion to B at 1.4" suspected but not confirmed. B is first white dwarf ever discovered; predicted by Bessel (1844) on basis of orbital motion of Sirius, it was first seen by Alvan Clark in 1862, and its peculiar high temperature, small size and great density established by W. Adams in 1925. Soft X-rays observed from Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS). Sirius B not unusual compared with other dA white dwarfs. Effective temperature about 32000K. SIRIUSGamma Cas 3.78 - 3.97V, 3.7 - 3.85B. Kap CMaFrom orbit based on IUE data, the star should be eclipsing with period 195.24d. V415 CarAB binary. C, 13v at 29" optical. D, 9.5 at 207". Lc 3.78 - 3.99V. Omi1 CMaBeta C 4.36 - 4.40v, 0.08:d. Iot CMaFixed sep. ADARALc 3.43 - 3.49V. Sig CMaComponent A is suspected occultation double, 4.5, 4.5v, sep. 0.1". B, 10.5v at 87". C, +20d1686, 7.55V, +0.62(B-V), +0 +0.07(U-B), G1V at 96" has high proper motion, 0.100", optical, vsini =<54k/s. Other components fainter. ADS 5742A, CDelta 3.62 - 4.18V, 10.15073d. Period decreasing 3.1s/y. Mekbuda.Zet GemH alpha profile changes in 30 min. or less. MuliphenWezenAB CPM. 4.3 - 4.36V. Binary with HR 2735. Combined mag. and colors, 3.63V, +0.91(B-V), +0.60(U-B), +0.48(R-I). 3.56 - 3.62V, blend with 2735. Amp. about 0.07u, 0.04v, 0.02b, 0.04y; 0.936d. QW PupGamma Cas 3.60 - 4.18V, cycles 20 - 22 hrs. Also amp. 0.06V on time scale of 5d reported. Hydrogen emission varies with period 1.3667d (possibly a rotation period). Ome CMaADS 5961A is dubious occultation double, 4.0, 5.0v, sep. 0.045". B, 10.7v at 10" is CPM. Delta Sct? AB 3.55 F0IV, 8.18 K3V, 1200y, a = 6.975". Component A is SB, 3.7, 5.7v, sep. 0.2". WasatB, 10v at 8" fixed. D, 8.22V, -0.19(B-V), -0.93(U-B), B2V at 85". 3.90 - 3.96p. Possibly same period as SB. Propus, a name mCompanion is A0V, optical, vsini =<54k/s. Aludra.Gamma Cas 2.84 - 2.92V. GomeisaBet CMiB, 12.5v at 3" CPM. CPM. Companion G5V. Binary with HR 2891. Combined colors. Castor, representing the head of the northern twin in [X/Gemini], lie approximately 49 [G/light year]s away. With the [G/naked eye], Casto appears as one bright star. With advanced astronomical instruments, it turn out that there are six stars making up this system AB 1.98 A1V, 2.88 A5Vm, 511.30y, a = 7.369 or 420.07y, a = 6.295". C, 8.8v M1Ve at 73" is physical member of sextuple system in which A,B,C are all SB. ADS 6175C at 73" from A, EA 8.91 - 9.60V, 0.81428254d = also SB period. Masses each component 0.64 solar. Both components flare stars, M1Ve + M1Ve. CASTORYY GemProcyon is the 5th brightest star in the sky and also one of the closest It is only 11.3 [G/light year]s away. It is twice the diameter of our [G/Sun and 6 times more [G/luminous] AB .35 F5IV-V, 10.3, 40.65y, a = 4.548". Binary nature first revealed in 1840 by variable proper motion; companion first seen in 1896. Component C, 11.7v at 122" optical. Delta Sct? A 0.09:d period originally attributed to the star beta CMi (HR 2845) may instead apply to Procyon, which had been used as a comparison star. PROCYONRS 4.13 - 4.29V, 19.423d. Sig GemPollux represents the head of the southern twin in [X/Gemini]. It is yellowish star, approximately 35 [G/light year]s distant. It is a littl over 4 times the diameter of our [G/Sun] and 35 times more [G/luminous] All the visual companions optical. NSV 3712 is component A, 1.10 - 1.17V, while component E is NSV 3716, 10.5v. POLLUXVar. in red and IR. Amp. 0.24R, 0.20(R-I). AzmidiskeCompanion B9V, RV -72k/s, optical. a Puppis, often Beta C or Ell?, 4.47 - 4.54V, amp. 0.07y. QZ PupSoft X-ray source. Beta C, amp. 0.015V, 0.101d. Chi CarComp. A of visual double, EB 4.74 - 5.25p, 1.4544877d, contact binary, equal components. V PupWith HR 3207, appears capable of producing most of the observed ionization of Gum Neb. Change in H alpha emission profile between 1974 and 1976 interpreted as change in rate of mass loss. NaosDelta Sct 2.68 - 2.78v, 0.14088143d. Rho PupB, 10.1v G8II at 33" optical. C is K2III. Component B of 5 stars within 2' of HR 3207. Am at 94", SB, over 7d?, optical. Low degree of polarization indicates symmetric shell. The brightest O-type star and one of only four WR stars bright enough to have been observed spectroscopically in UV by COPERNICUS. With 3165, appears capable of producing most of th observed ionization of Gum Neb. The brightest and presumably the nearest Wolf-Rayet binary. Radio emission interpreted as coming from circumstellar gas cloud extending farther than the orbital radius of the binary. 1.6 - 1.8V, 154 sec. Sp. var. in about 200 sec. Variability too great to be explained by the 78.5d SB companion. Possibly a third close companion: a collapsed star of less than 2 solar masses. Suhail al MuhlifGam2 VelNS PupCPM. AltarfAlsciaukatE? 1.82 - 1.94V, 3.57 - 3.83p, 785:d. Avior.B is 15v at 7", CPM. C and D optical. 3.3 - 3.8V, 358d. Also 0.05d, amp. 0.02V. MuscidaAl Minliar al ShBeta C 3.56 - 3.67V, 0.131977d. Omi VelBeta C 4.27 - 4.33V, 0.17d. Eta HyaBeta C 4.3 - 4.33V, amp. 0.04B. V343 CarAP, suspected double, unresolved by speckle interferometry. Visual companion 12.2v at 38" optical. Asellus AustraliBinary with HR 3474. Probably NSV 4238. AB 3.8 G5III, 4.7 A8IV or F0V, 15.05y, a = 0.238". Speckle interferometric sep. 0.263-0.272", 1980-3. Combined mag., colors. ABxC, 3.4, 7.8, dF7 at 3" from AB, 890y, a = 4.536". Component D, 12.7v at 19" from A, in hyperbolic orbit about ABC, periastron distance, 29". Eps HyaCPM. Gamma Cas 4.4 - 4.50V. Variable H alpha. V344 CarCPM. BC 10.8, 11.0, 39.69y, a = 0.68". BC is dM1. BCxA: 817.91y, a = 9.092". Separation rapidly decreasing. ADS 7114Aa, 11.02y, a = 90.354". This is the SB pair. ADS 7114A, S, 3.12 - 3.18V, 0.071d. TalithaAcubensAB 4.11 F5V, 6.18 G5V, 21.85y, a = 0.619". Combined mag., colors. Companions C - E optical. Masses A, 1.13; B, 0.84 solar. 4.2 A0IV-V, 4.4 A0V, 70.1y, a = 0.27" or 64.29y, a = 0.26". Mag., colors for combined light. Young disk population. Lc 2.14 - 2.22V. AlsuhailLam VelE 3.41 - 3.44V, 3.20 - 3.56p, 0.05R, 6.751154d. a Car.V357 CarHelium var.? Balmer lines show quasi periodic var. in cycles of about 35 min. Miaplacidus.AB binary. 2.2 - 2.5:v. TuraisAB binary. NSV 4478 is ADS 7351B, 9.5 - 11.5v. Al Minliar al AsThird UHURU Catalogue suggests Kappa Vel as optical counterpart of 3U0918-55, but HR 3717 is much closer. Alphard, the "Dragon's Heart" in the [G/constellation] of [X/Draco], has a reddish tint to it. This slightly variable star lies approximately 140 [G/light year]s away. ALPHARDAB binary. C, 10.5v at 100", optical. Delta Sct, amp. 0.07B, about 2 hrs. Sp. var., 7 - 12d. Alterf.4.1 F2IV, 4.6 F0V, 33.99y, a = 0.795". Combined mag., colors. Comp. B, 4.5 - 5.1v. L? 3.10 - 3.16V. N VelBinary? Amp. 0.033y, 18.0d, possibly due to rotational modulation. Component B, 9.9v at 85". Subra.Cep amp. 0.1V, period a few days. Ras Elased AustrCDelta 3.28 - 4.18V, 35.53584d. Period varies. l CarCPM. Delta Sct 3.77 - 3.86V, 0.133d, amp. and form of light curve vary. Ups UMaCPM with HR 3891. Mag. and colors for combined light, 2.96V, +0.27(B-V), +0.12(U-B), +0.29(R-I). Companion K0III, optical. Delta Sct? 4.47 - 4.52V, about 0.1d. CPM. Regulus, the heart of [X/Leo], is the star at the base of the "Sickle o Leo". It is approximately 75 [G/light year]s distant. It has a smal companion star which lies approximately 4,660 [G/A.U.]'s from Regulus AB binary, B, 8.13V, +0.86(B-V), +0.51(U-B), K1V. BC, 7.6, 13.1v, 2000y, a = 4.163". REGULUSVisual companions both optical. Primary unresolved by speckle interferometry 1982.17. AdhaferaTania Borealis. Lc? 3.36 - 3.44V. V337 CarAB 2.22 K0IIIP, 3.47 G7III, 618.56y, a = 2.505". B is HR 4058. Colors for combined light. Mag. for blend, 1.90V. Component C is the flare star AD Leo (8.07-11.00B) at 5', optical. Originally confused with eclipsing star Y Leo when var. suspect number 6777 was assigned in 1965. Now HR 4057 is again suspected of variability, 1.84 - 2.03V for combined HR 4057/8. Uncertain which component is the variable. ALGIEBASee HR 4057. E?, 2.99 - 3.33V. Tania Australis.4.40 G8III-IV, 6.12 F8V, 37.92y, a = 0.340". Combined mag., colors. 3.79 - 3.83V. 4.4, 4.8v, sep. 0.11"; combined mag., colors. Old disk population runaway star. Alpha Cyg 3.83 - 3.90V. Rho LeoGamma Cas 3.27 - 3.37V. PP Car4.2 F3IV+F0V, 5.1 A6V, 16.30y, a = 0.340". Probably CPM. B is B8. C, 11.2v at 20" from B. Spectrum var., 1.7788d. Discussion of earlier suspected period of 0.7045d given by Walborn (1979, PASP, 91, 442). vsini 202k/s. High speed mass ejection. 2.7 G5III, 6.4 G2V, 116.24y, a = 1.437". Secondary also classified F8:V:. Old disk population runaway star. Praecipua.3.76 - 3.80V. Alkes.MERAKwith HD 95638 = GC 15179, 7.12V F8; SB, 6.04d. ADS 8035A; B also var. suspect NSV 5071, too close to primary to be certain of variability. DUBHEDelta Cep? 3.84 - 4.02V. V382 CarDelta Sct? ZosmaChortBinary with HR 4375, q.v. Blend of 4374-5. Amp. 0.03V. orbit determined, in 1828 by Savary. Third component astrometric with A, 1.832y, a = 0.055". See HR 4374. Alula Australis.Alula Borealis.4.3 B5VN, 5.0 B6V, 39.18y, a = 0.277". Combined mag., colors. 4.03 F2IV, 6.70 G3V, 192.0y, a = 1.92"; possible subsystem with period about 16y. Combined mag., colors. Combined mass about 3 Suns. Delta Sct? SR, 3.78 - 3.86V, about 1100d. GianfarCompanion B9V, optical. Duplicity doubtful. Amp. 0.08V. Amp. 0.04V? Representing [X/Leo]'s tail, Denebola lies 40 [G/light year]s away and i approximately 20 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun] B, 15.7v at 40" physical; C, 13v at 80" optical. Delta Sct?, 2.09 - 2.16V. DENEBOLABet LeoZavijahThe reality of the companion, CF UMa, announced by P. van de Kamp (see Low Luminosity Stars, ed. S. S. Kumar, p. 199, 1968) has been questioned (PASP, 96, 557, 1984). Unresolved by speckle interferometry 1980.47. Companion of Groombridge 1830, UV? 8.5-12v. Groombridge 1830Bet HyaPHADUnresolved by speckle interferometry 1982.17. CPM with HR 4619, 4621. H alpha varies. CPM with HR 4618, 4619. Gamma Cas 2.51 - 2.65V. Expanding circumstellar shell. Del CenAlchibaMinkar.Beta C 2.78 - 2.84V, 2.25 - 2.31p, 0.151038d. Expanding circumstellar shell. Del CruMEGREZOld disk population runaway star. Expanding circumstellar shell. Gienah GhurabSRb? 3.99 - 4.31V, 40d. Eps MusOld disk population runaway star. 4.2 - 4.24v. Companion G8III, optical. 4.9, 5.4, sep. 0.008". Also astrometric and interferometric double, 5.4v sep. 0.124", position angle changed 35d in 1.5yrs. Delta Sct? Zaniah.I? 3.4 - 4.0v. AB 1.35 B0.5IV, 1.75 B3n or B0.5Vn, q = 0.916". Mag. and colors for blend of HR 4730-31, 0.76V, -0.25(B-V), -1.00(U-B) -0.24(R-I). Masses 14 and 10 solar for hyperbolic orbit with periastron distance 61 AU. Possibly X-ray source 2U1223-62. Acrux is a bright binary star system whose combined light makes Acrux the 14th brightest star in the sky. It is about 400 [G/light system is much larger than our [G/Sun] (14 and 10 solar masses respectively). ACRUX.Possibly X-ray source 2U1223-62. CPM. B is K2Ve, lithium strong. ADS 8572A. AlgorabI? Amp. 0.30p. Gacrux.Chara is the name assigned either to this star or, more generally, to the "southern hound" of the constellation Canes Venatici; the northern "hound" is called Asterion, a name not generally assigned any particular star. Beta CVn amp. 0.05V. CharaGamma Cas 3.82 - 4.10V. H alpha and H beta emission vary period about 30d. H alpha profile changes in 1 min. or less Kap DraCompanion B4V, optical. Beta C 2.68 - 2.73V, 2.17 - 2.24p, 0.0903d. Alp MusAB 2.9 A0III, 2.9 A0III, 84.50y, a = 0.930". Combined mag., colors. AB 3.48 F0V, 3.50 F0V, 171.37y, a = 3.746". Speckle interferometric sep. 3.674", 1982.38. Combined mag. 2.75V. Colors for combined light. Component C, 15v at 53", optical. Amp. 0.02V. Blend with 4826. Uncertain which component is the variable suspect. Porrima3.7 B2V, 4.0 B3V, 383.12y, a = 1.735". Combined mag., colors. Interferometer measures indicate close double or multiple star. Component B, 11.4v, F8V, optical; C, 7.5v, B8. Beta C 1.23 - 1.31V, multiple periods, 0.2365072d, 0.160474d, 0.121383d, 6d, 7 - 8y and others. BecruxBet CruCPM with HR 4899. Alpha CV 1.76 - 1.79V, 5.0887d. Spectrum variable. Photometric var. due to UV absorption from overabundant metals. ALIOTHEps UMaAuvaBinary with HR 4915. ADS 8706A, Alpha CV 2.84 - 2.98V, 2.78 - 2.81B, 5.46939d. The prototype star. Var. magnetic field with same rotation period. COR CAROLI.Alp2 CVnVINDEMIATRIXCPM companion F7V. A is SB and speckle interferometric binary, third component 9.4v, sep. 7.1". B, 8.00V, +0.20(B-V), -0.09(U-B), CPM. AB 5.05 F5V, 5.08 F5V, 25.87y, a = 0.662". Colors, spectrum for combined light. Mag. of blended HR 4968, 4969 is 4.32V. ADS 8804A speckle interferometric sep. 0.43" 1978.40, 0.58" 1981.47. Var. of combined light with HR 4969 not confirmed, but 90d inclination of orbit indicates eclipses possible. Diadem.Aa = AP 3.0 A2V, 3.0 A2V, sep. 14.4", 0.056y, a = 0.012". Combined mag., colors AP. Binary with HR 5055. Alcor, HR 5062, at 709", CPM. MIZARSpica is the 16th brightest star in the sky. It is a binary star syste that lies 142 [G/light year]s away. The largest of the two stars is almos 11 times more massive than the [G/Sun], while the second star is approximatel 7 times the mass of our star Interferometer indicates visual component A is multiple system. Occultations yield three companions: 3.1v at 0.0025", 4.5 at 0.05" and 7.5 at 0.5". Combined mag. and colors. Visual component B, 12.0v at 148". Ell (Beta C) 0.97 - 1.04V, 4.01454d, and Beta C, 0.1737853d. Period changes. SPICAAlp VirCPM with HR 5054-5. Delta Sct. ALCOR4.5 G8III, 4.7 G9III, 78.7y, a = 0.165". Combined mag., colors. Heze.Companion B1p, optical. Beta C 2.30 - 2.31V, 0.169608, 0.17696 or 0.2150d. Multi-periodic. Eps CenDelta Sct? Amp. 0.02V. Binary, period several centuries. Companion M2. Delta Sct? 4.40 - 4.58V. Beta C?, 3.40 - 3.43V, 3.48 - 3.52R, 0.175d. Nu CenAlkaid is located at the end of the [G/Big Dipper]'s handle. It is about 93 [G/light year]s distant. ALKAIDV806 CenGamma Cas 2.92 - 3.43V, 3.535d. Variable H alpha. Expanding circumstellar shell. R and I mags. decreased by about 0.3m between 1965 and 1983. Variable line profiles. Mu CenExpanding circumstellar shell. A* 2.68 G0IV. Visual component 8.8v at 113" optical. MufridExpanding circumstellar shell. B is G type, optical. Hadar, a bright, hot star, is the 10th brightest star in the sky. It is ove 360 [G/light year]s away and has a companion star that is difficult to se with a small telescope Beta C? Amp. 0.07V, 0.157d, modulation 352d. Line profiles also vary per. 0.157d. HADAR.Bet CenAmp. 0.020B, 0.035d. Chi CenMenkent.Thuban is the bright star located halfway between the bowl of the [G/Littl Dipper] and the second star of the handle of the [G/Big Dipper]. It i approximately 180 [G/light year]s distant and 135 times more [G/luminous than our [G/Sun]. 4,800 years ago, Thuban was aligned with Earth's Nort [G/Celestial Pole], making it our North Star Alpha CV?, 3.64 - 3.67V. THUBAN4.06 - 4.11V Syrma.Arcturus is the fourth brightest star in the sky. It is 25 times the diameter of our [G/Sun] and 115 times more [G/luminous]. It is only 37 [G/light year]s away. High space velocity? H and K emission vary. ARCTURUSSX Ari 4.38 - 4.43V, 8.814d for light, He, magnetic field; light and mag. field max. correspond to He min. Sp. from B2 to B7IV in per. 8.8172d. Var. possibly due to rotation of inhomogeneous surface; possibly prolate spheroid. V761 CenBinary. Combined mag., colors. CPM. Asellus Primus.Primary found double by speckle interferometry, sep. 0.069". Component B, optical. Delta Sct 3.02 - 3.07V, 3.23 - 3.28B, 3.20 - 3.25p, 0.2903137d. Hydrogen and Ca lines vary. SeginusGam BooInnes catalogue indicated a faint companion at 6" in 1897, not subsequently seen. Gamma Cas 2.30 - 2.41V, 1.83 - 1.95p. H alpha variable, H beta sometimes bright, sometimes dark and double or multiple. Variability shows evidence of mass loss. Amp. 0.07V on time scale 1d suspected. Eta CenDelta Sct? S, amp. 0.1:V, 0.20U. Expanding circumstellar shell. AB 79.920y, a = 17.515". B = HR 5460, CPM with Proxima at 2.2d, discovered by Innes in 1915, a flare star, V 645 Cen, 12.4 - 13.4p, 11.10V, +1.88(B-V), +2.05(R-I), M5.5Ve. RIGEL KENTAURUSAmp. 0.03V. Magnetic var., about 4 months. Pulsation period 6.8 min? Alp CirBeta C 2.29 - 2.34V, 0.2598466d. Period varies. Possible secondary period 3.145d. Modulation period 10y? Alp LupAB 4.52 A2III, 4.55 A2III, 123.44y, a = 0.595". Colors for combined HR 5477-5478. Combined mag. 3.78V. vsini 156k/s for blended HR 5477-8. Binary with HR 5505. Colors for combined light. Mag. of blend, 2.37V. IZARBinary. Zuben ElgenubiAB 4.74 G8V, 6.9 K4V, 151.505y, a = 4.904". Combined mag., colors. Masses 0.89 and 0.74 solar. Perturbation period 2.2y, a = 0.020" suspected; unresolved by speckle interferometry. Component C optical. BY? 4.52 - 4.67V, 10.137d. KOCABAB 5.79 K4V, 7.93 M2V, q = 20.388" hyperbolic orbit. Component B is dM2. 2.9 - 2.95B. NekkarSRb 3.20 - 3.46V, 20d. Sig Lib4.6 B3V, 4.9 B3V, 72.88y, a = 0.422". Combined mag., colors. CPM with HR 5647. CPM. B is F8. Nearly same proper motion as HR 5646, 5647. CPM. Described by Eratosthenes (ca. 200 B.C.) as brighter than Antares, by Ptolemy (ca. 150 A.D.) as equal to Antares. Zuben ElschemaliBeta C 3.21 - 3.24V, 0.16547d; 0.14273d also possible. Del LupVar? Amp. 0.015b. Probably binary with HR 5734, a close binary ADS 9626BC. Delta Sct? AlkaluropsDelta Sct? Amp. 0.03V. Hydrogen and CaII variable. PherkadGam UMiEd AsichAlpha CV 3.65 - 3.72V, 18.487d. Magnetic field and rotation same period. Variable H alpha. Amp., light, magnetic field, spectrum vary per. 10.5y. Possible secondary light period of 240d. Nusakan.Bet CrBCompanion A5. 3.5 B2IV-V, 3.6 B2IV-V, 147y, a = 0.59". Combined mag., colors. Component A is NSV 7134, 4.12V, amp. 0.7m. However, 1300 UBV observations on 57 nights (1984-6) revealed no variation over 0.06 mag. R-I also found at -0.16. Component B, the rarely seen companion, is NSV 7135, 5.5, 7.8v. ADS 9704 AP, sep. 0.097", unresolved by speckle interferometry. Component B, 11.2v at 42", optical. Zuben ElakrabDelta Sct 4.20 - 4.25V, 0.134d. Fourier analysis of 1975 and 1979 data shows frequencies of 6.4227 and 7.8869 cycles/ or periods 0.1557 and 0.1268d. Del SerAlphekka is the brightest star in [X/Corona Borealis]. It lies approximately 75 [G/light year]s distant and is about 45 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun]. EA 2.21 - 2.32B, 17.359907d. Possibly also intrinsic var. ALPHEKKAAlp CrB4.08 A0IV, 5.51 A3V, 91.0y, a = 0.74". Combined mag., color. Delta Sct 3.80-3.86V, 0.030d. Mass 1.9 solar. Possibly beat period? Gam CrBSR? Amp. 0.2V. ADS 9765B, optical. UNUKALHAIB, 9.72V, +0.84(B-V), +0.68(U-B), K3V, CPM. C, 10.7v at 201". Also CPM with BD+15d2906 at 1642", itself a double, 8.4, 10.5v sep. 6". Delta Sct? Companions optical? Primary is SB, 3.4, 6.4v sep. 0.0003"; third component, ADS 9862B, 12.2v at 50". vsini both A and B =<100k/s. Component B, F4V, optical. Possible X-ray source 3U1555+27. Possible quadruple system: SB 3.0, 5.0v, sep. 0.00001", 3.3v at 0.1", and 4.9v at 0.186". DschubbaVisual companion doubtful. Nr 2.0 - 10.8v, 29000d? Outbursts 1866 and 1946. V and B-V for 1946 maximum. Near maximum 9.88V, +1.40(B-V), +0.59(U-B). T CrBCompanion optical. CPM with HR 5985 = ADS 9913C, at 14" and with B, 5.9v at 0.5", possibly SB. Lunar occultations and speckle interferometry indicate companions 4.2v at 0.001" from A and 7.6v at 0.129" from C. Occultations by Jupiter and Io in 1971 indicate complex system. Component C occulted by Io revealed the 2.5 mag. fainter companion at 0.1". GraffiasAmp. 0.02(b-y). Alpha CV?, 4.23 - 4.27V, amp. 0.015U, 7.832d, symmetric light curve. ADS 9951A is SB, 4.9, 6.9v, sep. 0.0003". AB, binary. Component B, 6.9v at 1". Components CD at 41" = HR 6026, q.v. HR 6026, q.v. Jabbah.Yed PriorYed Posterior.B, 8.26V, +0.25(B-V), -0.23(U-B), B9.5V at 20", optical; vsini : 54k/s. The visual primary is triple: SB, 3.3, 5.3v, sep. 0.0005" and 5.5v at 0.49", discovered by occultation. Beta C 2.94 - 3.06B. Multiple periods, 0.2468429, 0.239671, 8.2, and 33.1d. Surrounded by HII region. Primary period varies in period of 23.2y with an amp. of 0.7 sec. Occultations indicate the variable has a 2.2 mag. fainter companion at 0".49. The duplicity had been suspected from occultations as early as 1860. Orbital period probably over 112 yrs. UV observations indicate temperature varies by 2510K and ratio max. to min. radius by 1.095. AlniyatSig ScoADS 10010AB, 6700y. 3.85 - 3.90V. ADS 10022B, 9.58v, optical. Companion 7.46v B9V, CPM, possibly binary with the SB. Gamma Cas 4.18 - 5.0V. Long term variation in emission lines. Variable polarization. R-I also found at +0.09 and +0.11. Chi OphADS 10058A, var. suspect NSV 7713; ADS 10058B, var. suspect NSV 7712, 8.8v, dK2, amp. about 2v. This bright red supergiant star has a diameter of 600 million miles (1,000 million km), making it almost 700 times larger than our [G/Sun]. This star is in its final stages of life. Once it has used up all the fuel in its core, Antares, will explode in a [G/supernova] explosion. What's left of the star will form either a [G/pulsar] or a [G/black hole]. Antares is 135 [G/light year]s away. Var. M1Ib, 5.5 B2.5V, 878y, a = 2.90", masses 15.5 and 7.0 solar. Companion is radio source. SKYLAB confirms cool star hot companion. ADS 10074A, SRc 0.88 - 1.8V, 1733d. Possibly considerably fainter before 150 A.D.: see HR 5685. ANTARESAlp ScoKornephorosMarficAlpha CV, 4.45 - 4.51V, 1.79 or 4.67d. Ome Ophdouble-lined. Resolved by speckle observations 1986.45 (Blazit et al. 1987, A&AS, 71, 57). COPERNICUS observations of CO indicate a SN remnant near Zeta Oph which may have caused Zeta Oph to become a runaway star. Gamma Cas 2.56 - 2.58V. Spectrum var.: UV spectra in 1972 indicated mass outflow probably related to formation of shell. Evidence disappeared in 1974. H alpha in absorption 1971, emission 1973. Rotational period 19.7 hrs. Zet OphADS 10157AB, 2.90 F9IV, 5.53 G7V, 34.49y, a = 1.355". ADS 10157A*, 10.5y, a = 0.08". ADS 10157A is var. suspect NSV 7915. Companion questioned. CPM with HR 6252 at 346". EB 2.80 - 3.08B, 1.44026907d. Semi-detached system. Mu1 ScoCPM with 6247 at 346". 3.6 - 3.64V. Lb? 3.14 - 3.20V, 4.1 - 5.0p. Kap OphEA 4.22 - 4.28V, 39.4809d. Eps UMiAB 3.0 A2V, 3.5 A3V, 88y, a = 0.86". Combined mag., colors. Sabik.AldhibahBinary with HR 6402, q.v. CPM with CoD-26d12036, 6.34v K5V at 700", same parallax. +0.44(R-I). AB, 3600y, a = 4.68". Component B is HR 6407. Combined colors. Combined mag. 3.08V. Mass A, 14 solar. Other components faint, optical. Circumstellar lines around both A, B. ADS 10418A. Discovered by W. Herschel in 1795. SRc 3.0 - 4.0v. 6-yr. period superimposed by variations 50 - 155d. Surrounded by envelope of 2x10E+05 solar radii, expanding 10k/s, mass loss 3x10E-08 solar masses/y. RASALGETHIAlp HerSee HR 6406. ADS 10424B, dG4, optical. Sarin.AB 5.53 G8V, 8.65 M0V, 693.24y, a = 10.415", or 2205y, a = 23.90". Various published orbits range from 242 to 2205y. Combined mag., colors. AB 6.1 K3V, 7.6 K5V, 42.177y, a = 1.734" or 42.09y, a = 1.82", combined mag., colors. Component C, 9.9v M2, 32" physical. D, 12.8v at 15". Amp. 0.04. Beta C 3.25 - 3.31V, multi-periodic 0.140531 and others ranging from 0.0464 to 0.1399d. The OphPossibly CPM and same RV as HR 6462, 50'N. Component B, A7V; C is optical. Companion K0III, optical. Lesath2.76 - 2.90V. MaasymBeta C 1.59 - 1.65V, 0.2137015d, secondary 0.1068518d, beat period 10.1605d. Also possible 0.04V eclipse. X-ray flare observed in vicinity Lambda Sco on 1 June 1975. SHAULA.Lam ScoRastaban1.90 - 1.94V? Sargas.A* 2.08 A5III, 8.5y, a = 0.065". Resolved by speckle interferometry. Delta Sct? RASALHAGUEVisual companion optical. Delta Sct?, 3.52 - 3.54V. Beta C 2.39 - 2.42V, 0.1998303d, 0.205430, 7.3316, 0.189512 and 2.591d. Kap ScoOmi SerBeta C?, amp. 0.01V. Iot HerPossibly close double. CebalraiBC 10.3 dM4, 10.8, 43.20y, a = 1.360". This close pair forms a wider physical binary with component A. GrumiumPossibly 5 yr. period in He 10830 emission. Amp. 0.08V. He 10830 variable. Also spelled Eltanin ETAMINSRd? 4.38 - 4.48V, 29:d. However, more recent photoelectric observations cast doubt on variability. Nu HerComponent B, 13.7v F? at 7", optical. AC fixed. C, 8.12V, -0.02(B-V), -0.57(U-B), B1V, vsini 130k/s. Binary. ADS 10990B? 8.0 - 10.0v. NashAB 4.20 K0V, 5.99 K4V, 88.13y, a = 4.545". B is 6.00V, +1.15(B-V), vsini =<25k/s. Aitken listed 9 additional faint companions within 180". Discordance in designations of components between ADS and IDS. We accept IDS. Component B, in notes to ADS 11076 not assigned letter: doubtful, sep. 0.1" if real. C, 14v at 25" CPM. D = ADS C, 11v at 54" optical. Gamma Cas 3.81 - 3.9B, 4.1 - 4.2p. Omi HerCompanion A6V, optical. ADS 11169A is SB, 4.1, 7.0v, sep. 0.011". Closest visual companion is B, 11.5v, B9III at 17"; C is 13.5v at 26"; D, 9.9v, B3; E, 9.4v, B2V, physical, vsini 184k/s. ADS 11169A, EA 3.79 - 3.92V, 180.45d. Also irregular changes in brightness. Mu SgrLb 3.08 - 3.12V. Eta SgrPrimary of visual double and a suspected astrometric binary. Kaus MeridionaliKAUS AUSTRALIS.Kaus Borealis.4.4, 6.1v, 271.7y, a = 0.392". Alpha CV, amp. 0.04V, 1.71646d. Same rotation period. Phi DraA* 3.57 F7V, 0.768y, a = 0.124". Masses 1.5 and 1.1 Suns. Shortest known period for astrometric binary. Speckle interferometry indicates component A is binary, sep. about 0.1". B, 12v K1V at 149"; C, 13.5v at 10". Amp. 0.10V. Vega is the westernmost star of the Summer Triangle. It is the fift brightest star in the sky and is approximately 25 [G/light year]s distant It is over 2 1/2 times the diameter of the [G/Sun] Companions in IDS optical. BD=+38d3231, 8.6v, 23' N. prec., may be CPM. Delta Sct -0.02 to +0.07V, 0.19d. VEGAAlp Lyr4.1, 4.1v, sep. 0.13", doubtful. AB 5.00 A2n, 6.10 A4n, 1165.6y, a = 2.78". Binary with HR 7052 = B, and CPM with HR 7053-4 at 208". Combined mag. and colors for HR 7051-2 are 6.48V, +0.19(B-V), +0.04(U-B). CPM with HR 7057 = ADS 11639D. Other components optical. Delta Sct? All companions probably optical. Gamma Cas 3.4 - 4.3V. Lam PavAB fixed. B is 8.6v, B7v; may be collapsed star; vsini 120k/s. E, 9.9v A8pSr or B9V at 67" optical? F, 9.9v A8-9V o or B9V at 86". A, B, E and F are CPM. ADS 11745A, EB 3.25 - 4.36V, 12.913834d. Period varies. Presumed disk around secondary. Also radio flare activity. Prototype Beta Lyrae type, discovered by Goodricke in 1874. SheliakBet LyrKap PavInterferometer measures indicate multiple star. NUNKISRc? 4.22 - 4.33V. Del2 LyrSRb 3.88 - 5.0V, 46.0d. R LyrDeneb el OkabSulafatAB 3.2 A2III, 3.4 A2V, 21.138y, a = 0.532". Ascella.Delta Sct, amp. 0.05V, 0.04B, 0.097d. Polaris AustraliDeneb el OkabAlfecca MeridianAB, combined mag., colors, sep. 0.093". Third component 6.0v at 0.4". AlbaldahB is A0, optical. Aladfar.Nodus SecundusCPM. Companion A5V; vsini 129k/s, optical? Arkab PriorSep. 0.036". Questionable occultation double. Delta Sct 3.90 - 3.93V, 0.050d. Rho1 SgrArkab PosteriorComponent A astrometric binary, A* 3.36 F0IV, 3.422y, a = 0.058"; unresolved by speckle interferometry. Delta Sct? Proper motion slightly variable? Secondary K0. Anser (rarely usLocated at the head of [X/Cygnus] the swan, Albireo is a unique binary star system that lies about 190 [G/light year]s away. One star in this system is a yellow star while the second star is a hotter, blue type star. 7270.2y, a = 62.90". Binary with HR 7418. vsini of B-type component of ADS 12540A 50:k/s. Component C, 11v at 50". Two additional components of A resolved by speckle interferometry: Aa 1981.70, sep. 0.42"; Ap 1978.41, sep. 0.12" and 1979.46, sep. <0.08". ALBIREO.B and C optical. AlsafiAB CPM. B, 13v at 3". C, optical. Companions B and C optical. ShamSee HR 7503. TARAZEDAB 2.91 B9.5III, 6.33 F1V, 827.6y, a = 3.20". ADS 12880A is NSV 12381, 2.85 - 2.89V. Component B is NSV 12380, 6.5 ->8.5v. Suspected visual double probably single image, composite spectrum. Secondary either B6 or A0V. Amp. 0.09p. Del SgeAltair is the southernmost star of the Summer Triangle. The 12th brightest star in the sky, Altair is only 16 [G/light year]s from us. This star rotates extremely fast, once every 6 1/2 hours. For comparison, our [G/Sun] rotates once every 25-30 days. Component B optical. ALTAIRDiscovered by Kirch in 1686. M 3.3 - 14.2v. Period changes: 1686-1842, 405.88d; subsequently 408.05d. Variable CO emission from circumstellar envelope and enhancement of shell at minimum light. Total visual absorption o shell = 2 mag. Variable SiO maser source. Appreciable reddening at ascending light. Chi CygDiscovered by Pigott in 1784. CDelta 3.50 - 4.30V, 7.176641d. Period changes. Variable He 10830 in emission and absorption. Eta AqlBinary, companion K5III (AJ, 82, 431, 1977). However, Buscombe points out that the companion is F6V and this is more consistent with the magnitude difference between the components, if physical. Tyl.AB binary. B 12v dM3 at 13". ADS 13110A, amp. 0.05V. ALSHAINAB CPM. B, 12v at 7". Other components optical. 3.52 - 3.65V. AB CPM. B, 11v dM5, sep. 6.6". Wroclaw contr. no. 16 gives mag. differences but no sep. for four components: AB 5.4v, AC 5.15, and AD 4.0. Possible misidentification? Discovered by John Herschel as simply double. Components C and D apparently first listed by van Albada at Lembang in 1958; only magnitudes and no separations were indicated. Component C, 6.99V, -0.14(B-V), -0.58(U-B) B5V, vsini : 25k/s, at 107" fixed. AP probably single star. ADS 13554A, EA 3.77 - 3.88V, 3784.3d. Amp. varies strongly with wavelength. C = NSV 12931, 6.98V. V695 CygDelta Sct? See note for HR 7754. ADS 13632B, 14v at 44"; C, 9.6v K5III, at 45" physical, vsini =<54k/s. D, 14.3v at 29" from C. Prima GiediOriginally called Omicron2 Cyg in GCVS, the name has been changed to V1488 Cyg because of much confusion as to which star is Omicron1, which Omicron2. See HR 7730. EA 3.90 - 4.14V, 1147.4d. Period varies. Light var. outside eclipse. The K component may be slightly intrinsically variable. V1488 Cyg7754 = ADS 13645. Hence, we have recorded n = 9 for both. ADS 13645AB optical; BC 11.2, 11.5v, sep. 1.2" binary. Secunda GiediComplex system with HR 7775, q.v. Component B, vsini 97k/s. Occultations indicate component A is multiple system: 4.0 4.3v sep. 0.0002", 4.8v at 0.022" and 6.7v at 0.0001". A also suspected astrometric binary, 3.07 F8V. Possibly also two faint 13v components at 112" discovered by John Herschel. Dabih. Beta1 = DBC, 9.2, 10.2v sep. 17.6". Peacock.No physical relation between the radio components and the star. No demonstrable connection between Gamma Cyg and the so-called Gamma Cygni supernova remnant. SadrDeneb DulfimAB 4.0 F5IV, 4.9 F5IV, 26.65y, a = 0.475" or 26.60y, a = 0.480". Speckle interferometry gives sep. 0.58" and with SB data leads to masses 2.2 and 1.8 solar. Combined mag., colors. Components C-E optical. RotanevOptical. Companions optical. SualocinDeneb is the easternmost star in the Summer Triangle. It is a blue/whit supergiant star that is 60,000 times more [G/luminous] than our [G/Sun] although it is only 25 times more massive. It lies 1,600 [G/light year]s away Alpha Cyg 1.21 - 1.29V. Change in H:H epsilon. No emission recorded before 1944. DENEBAlp CygDelta Sct 4.39 - 4.49V, 0.135547 and 0.154991d. Combined magnitude of two components. Del DelSee HR 7947. Gienah CygniEN Aqr9.1v A2 companion. AB 5.22 K5V, 6.04 K7V, 722y, a = 24.65". B is HR 8086. Aa x P, 4.9y, a = 0.014". Astrometric measures indicate 3 invisible companions, periods 6, 7 and 12y. Unresolved by speckle interferometry. Suspected planetary companion not substantiated. Proper motions for HR 8085 and 8086 taken from Luyten LHS. SAO has only one entry (component A?), but appears to give the mean position of A and B. 5.19 - 5.27V, 350 - 400d. ADS 14636B, Is, 6.02 - 6.09V. White dwarf companion. AB 5.2 F7V, 5.3 F7V, 5.70y, a = 0.26". Combined mag., colors. Component C, 9.5v at 48" optical. AB 3.82 F0IV, 6.42 G1V, 49.80y, a = 0.85". Components C, 13v at 29" and P, 12v at 72", both optical. Q, 12v at 90", physical. R, 13v at 90", CPM. Delta Sct 3.65 - 3.84V. 2-3 hrs.? Possibly variable period. Tau CygKitalphaCompanion A7V or G0V. H alpha profile varies. AB CPM; 79000?y. Component B, 10.0v G8.5V, probably optical. 4.28 - 4.50V. Ups CygADS 14858A, Delta Sct?, 2.41 - 2.47V. ALDERAMINAB CPM. Companion K0V. Both companions optical. SadalsuudADS 15032AB, 50y. B, 7.84V, +0.18(B-V), +0.06(U-B), A2.5V, vsini 60:k/s. Third component discovered by speckle interferometry, mag. diff about 4v. Sep. 0.025". Possible circumstellar material. ADS 15032A, Beta C 3.16 - 3.27V, 0.1904881d, modulation period 10.893d. SiIV and CIV vary. Satellite UV obs. indicate temp. varies 1340d, max./min. radius 1.038. AlfirkBet CepA* 3.76 K0III, 2.84y, a = 0.052". Nashira.Enif represents the nose of [X/Pegasus]. This slightly reddish star i 540 [G/light year]s away and over 5,000 times more [G/luminous than our [G/Sun] ADS 15268AB optical. 0.7 - 3.5V. 1.7m flare 1972 Sept. 26-7; fainter than normal following night. ENIFEps PegAB 4.7 F2IV, 5.0 F6IV, 11.558y, a = 0.255". ADS 15281C, 10.8v at 13.8" possibly in hyperbolic orbit about AB or is optical. ADS 15271A, SRc 3.43 - 5.1v, 730d; also a cycle of 4400d. Mean magnitude varies 13.5y. Correspondence between polarization and light. Herschel's "GarnMu CepADS 15314A. Component A is SB, 3.2, 5.2v, 0.0018"; B, 15.8v, 69"; C 12.7v, 120". EA (possibly RS CVn type) 2.83 - 3.05V, 1.0227789d. Form of light curve varies. Deneb AlgediDel CapAlpha Cyg 4.25 - 4.35V, 7.6:d. Nu Cep5.1 F0IV, 5.1 F0IV, 6.094y, a = 0.127", or 12.242y, a = 0.160". Combined mag., colors. He 10830 possibly variable. SADALMELIKAB 4.61 A3m, 6.5 F7V or F3III-IV, 3800y, a = 11.5". Aa, 2.254y, a = 0.073". Component B is HD 209791 = GC 30876, vsini =<25k/s. Component C, 12.7v at 97" optical. AlkurhahALNAIROptical. Delta Sct? BahamB, optical. Delta Sct 4.15 - 4.20V, 0.04242 and 0.068073d. Period and amp. vary. Eps CepOptical. SadalachbiaCPM companion F5III, optical. Binary with HR 8558. AB 4.31 F2IV, 4.51 F3IV, 856.0y, a = 5.055". Magnitude for blend 3.65V, combined colors. Component B, HR 8558, is an astrometric binary. Lb? 3.99 - 4.20V. Del2 GruB, 13v at 21" optical. AC CPM, C at 41", 6.30V, -0.03(B-V), -0.35(U-B), B7IV, RV -21k/s, vsini 135k/s. ADS 15987A, CDelta 3.48 - 4.34V, 5.366341d. Period varies. Prototype star Delta Cep, discovered by Goodricke in 1784 Blue companion ADS 15987C is also var. and SB. Del CepCPM. Companion D G2? Photometric data (Oblak 1978, A&AS, 34, 453) give B A2V, 6.22V,; C F2V, 7.71V, +0.38(B-V); D F9V, 7.83V, +0.51(B-V), where MK types are estimated from uvby,beta photometry. ABD physical, C optical. Optical. Lc? 2.0 - 2.3V. Bet GruA* 2.94 G2II-III, 2.23y, a = 0.022". Speckle interferometry measures range from unresolved to sep. 0.059". BC, 10.0, 10.0v sep. 0.2" at 90" from A, physical. ADS 16211A. Matar.AB binary. B 12v M1 at 12"; C, optical. Lb 3.70 - 3.80V. Lam AqrSkatCPM. Companion G3. BY 6.44 - 6.49V, 10d. Fomalhaut is a bright, white star that lies only 22 [G/light year]s away. It diameter is twice that of our [G/Sun] and it is 14 times more [G/luminous] CPM with HR 8721. FOMALHAUTSep. 0.02", but duplicity uncertain. Unresolved by speckle interferometry. Separate speckle interferometric measures give sep. 0.05" (Aa) and 0.34" (AB). Ten years of observations reveal steady change in AB position angle of about 10d with decrease in separation from about 0.375" to 0.266". Component B identified as SB2 (see SB remarks), making total number of components at least 4. Gamma Cas 3.58 - 3.65V. Photometric investigations have indicated numerous periods, particularly 0.78823, 1.0815d and 1.5998398d, all doubtful. Form of light curve varies. Probably not an eclipsing binary. Period shell phenomena abou 23.5y. Shell features have vanished several times since 1897. H gamma varies in 3.66?d. Omi AndLb 2.31 - 2.74V. SCHEATBet PegThe star Markab makes up the southwest corner of the Great Square o [X/Pegasus]. It is 86 [G/light year]s distant MARKABSep. 2.9" observed 1925; single in 1929. AB 4.6 G2III, 6.6 F3V, 150y, a = 0.86". Combined mag., colors. Companion may be collapsed star. Astrometric binary unresolved by speckle interferometry. Amp. 0.02B. BC, 10.0, 10.5v, K3V, 130y, a = 0.6", mean mass BC 0.35 solar. BC combined, 9.19V, +1.03(B-V), +0.93(U-B), CPM with A. Component C is a close double, equal components, showing orbital motion. High space velocity? Suspected occultation double. Alpha CV? 4.36 - 4.39V. RS 3.69 - 3.97V, 4.74 - 5.13B, 54.20d. Amp. and cycle length vary in period 3200d. Also 0.25m var. in period about 50d. H and K emission correlated with 56d light period. Lam AndOptical. AlraiComponent B, CPM, A5Vep; however, the companion is optical. Lb? 4.35 - 4.41V. YY PscThe [G/constellation] Andromeda is named for the mythical daughter of King [Y/Cepheus] and Queen [Y/Cassiopeia]. To save their kingdom, Andromeda's parents were told they must sacrifice their daughter to the sea monster, [Y/Cetus]. Andromeda was chained to the rocks by the sea to await her fate. Fortunately, [Y/Perseus], riding the winged horse [Y/Pegasus], flew over the kingdom. He saw the princess chained to the rocks and flew down to rescue her. In the sky, Andromeda is shaped like the capital letter "A" with her head at the point of the "A", her belt at the central line of the "A" and her feet at the base of the "A". Her brightest [G/star] is [W/Alpheratz], the star at the top of "A" and one of the stars in the Great Square of [Y/Pegasus]. Andromeda is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: [F/Andromeda Galaxy]; [N/NGC 752], a star [G/cluster]. Antlia is a relatively modern [G/constellation]. It was added to the charts in 1752. This is a faint constellation, with no stars brighter than [G/magnitude] 4.2. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Antlia ([S/201405]). Antlia is best seen from April-June. Apus is a faint [G/constellation], with 5 of its 6 brightest stars reddish in color. The brightest [G/star] in Apus is Alpha Apodis ([S/257193]). This constellation is best seen from May-August in the southern hemisphere. The [G/constellation] Aquarius is associated with water in the mythology of many cultures, perhaps because Aquarius rises during autumn in the northern hemisphere - the rainy season for many countries. In Greek mythology, Aquarius caused a great flood that covered the Earth. To the Egyptians, Aquarius poured water into the Nile river each year, causing it to flood. The brightest [G/star] in Aquarius is Sadalsuud [S/145457]. Four stars make up the "Water Jar" of Aquarius: three stars forming a triangle with a fourth star in the center. Stars representing water are pouring from the jar. Aquarius is best seen from September-December. "Must See" objects include: [M/M2], a star [G/cluster]; the [F/Saturn Nebula], a [G/planetary nebula]; [F/Helix Nebula], a [G/planetary nebula]. In Greek mythology, Aquila was the eagle who served Zeus. Aquila carried the god's thunderbolts and delivered messages for him. In Chinese legends, the brightest [G/star] in Aquila, [W/Altair], represented one of two lovers in the tale of the herd boy and the weaving girl. Altair was the hard working herd boy, who fell in love with the weaving girl, a beautiful visitor from the stars. In the sky, three stars form the head of the eagle; Altair is the center star with a fainter star on each side. This [G/constellation] lies along the [G/Milky Way]. Look for dark lanes of dust (areas with fewer stars) in this region. Aquila is best seen from August-October. Ara is a modern [G/constellation] lying just below the curving tail of [Y/Scorpius]. Its brightest star is Beta Arae [S/244725]. Ara is best seen from July-September in the southern hemisphere. In Greek mythology, Aries was a ram with a beautiful golden fleece. This golden ram was identified with Zeus, the king of the gods. In Egyptian mythology, the celestial ram was thought to be Ammon, the Sun god. This faint [G/constellation] was identified with the bright Sun and shiny gold because of its location along the [G/zodiac]. Ancient people noted that when the [G/Sun] was in the constellation of Aries, this marked the beginning of spring and the growing season. Its brightest star is [W/Hamal]. Today, Aries is best seen from October-February. Auriga is a strange [G/constellation], representing a charioteer who is carrying a goat on his shoulder and holding three baby goats in his arms. The brightest [G/star] in Auriga is [W/Capella]. The three baby goats, also known as "The Kids," are represented by three stars forming a narrow triangle, just south of Capella. Auriga is best seen from January-March. "Must see" objects include: three galactic [G/cluster]s, [M/M36], [M/M37], and [M/M38]. Bootes was placed in the sky to guard the great bear, [Y/Ursa Major]. As a result, Bootes can be seen following the bear around the sky once a day. The brightest star in Bootes, [W/Arcturus], can be found by using stars in the [G/Big Dipper] to point the way. If you connect the three stars in the handle of the Dipper, this forms an arc. Follow this arc to Arcturus. Bootes is shaped like an ice cream cone, with Arcturus at the tip of the triangular cone. Two stars finish the cone and there is a small scoop of ice cream on top. Bootes is best seen from June-August. Caelum is a small, faint constellation with no [G/star]s brighter than [G/magnitude] 4.5. Its brightest star is Alpha Caeli [S/216926]. Caelum is best seen from January-February. Camelopardalis was added to the charts in 1690. There are no stars brighter than [G/magnitude] 4.0 in this area of the sky. There is also no easy-to-identify pattern. Its brightest [G/star] is Beta Camelopardalis [S/13351]. This constellation is [G/circumpolar], meaning it is visible year round from most of the northern hemisphere. It is best seen from December-February. Cancer is the faintest of all the [G/constellation]s of the [G/zodiac] and is best viewed under dark skies when the [G/Moon] is not visible. In Greek mythology, Cancer the crab lived in a swamp with the [Y/Hydra]. When [Y/Hercules] came to kill the Hydra, Cancer tried to save his friend by biting Hercules on the foot. Hercules merely killed the crab and brushed it aside. Cancer was given a place in the sky, to honor him for sacrificing his life for a friend. The brightest [G/star] in Cancer is Altarf [S/116569]. This constellation is best seen from March-May. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Praesepe] cluster. The brightest [G/star] in Canes Venatici is [W/Cor Caroli] and it represents one of two hunting dogs in this [G/constellation]. Cor Caroli (the Heart of Charles) was probably named after King Charles I of England, but this bright star is usually associated with the coronation of King Charles II in 1660. The second hunting dog is represented by Beta [S/44230]. This constellation is best seen from May-July. "Must See" objects include: [F/Whirlpool Galaxy]; [M/M3], a globular [G/cluster]; [M/M94], a spiral [G/galaxy]. Canis Major, lying next to the mighty hunter [Y/Orion], is sometimes known as Orion's hunting dog. Its brightest star, [W/Sirius], is also the brightest [G/star] in the night sky and has been worshipped and feared by many cultures. In the past, Sirius (also known as the Dog Star) rose and set with the Sun during the hottest days of summer, causing it to be blamed for the scorching summer heat. As a result, the phrase "Dog Days of Summer" can be associated with this [G/constellation]. Canis Major is best seen in the night sky from February-April. "Must See" objects include: [M/M41], a galactic [G/cluster]; [N/NGC 2362], a galactic [G/cluster]. Canis Minor is the smallest of [Y/Orion]'s two hunting dogs. The brightest [G/star] in this small [G/constellation] is [W/Procyon]. Procyon forms a triangle with two other bright winter stars, [W/Sirius] and [W/Betelgeuse]. Canis Minor is best seen from February-April. Capricornus is one of the older [G/constellation], although its origin as a half goat-half fish is not clear. According to one Greek myth, Capricornus was Aegipan, a half man, half goat whose father was Zeus. Once, while helping his father, Aegipan was pursued by Typhon, the monster god. To avoid Typhon, Aegian ran into a river. When he was waist-deep in the water, he changed the lower part of his body into a fish and swam to safety. Zeus placed Aegipan in the sky, as a way of thanking him for his help. The brightest [G/star] in this constellation is Deneb Algedi [S/164644]. Capricornus is best seen from September-November. Carina, originally part of the ancient [G/constellation] of Argo, the ship, is best seen from the southern hemisphere. Its brightest [G/star] is [W/Canopus], the second brightest star in the night sky. ([W/Sirius] is the brightest.) Carina is best seen from March-May. "Must See" objects include three galactic [G/cluster]s: [N/NGC 2516]; [N/NGC 3532]; [C/C102]. In Greek mythology, Queen Cassiopeia, along with her husband, King [Y/Cepheus] ruled over Ethiopia. Cassiopeia was very beautiful, but boastful and arrogant as well. She once boasted that she was even more beautiful than the sea nymphs. This claim angered the sea nymphs, whose beauty was legendary. They complained to Poseidon, the god of the sea, who sent [Y/Cetus], a sea monster, to destroy Ethiopia. Cassiopeia and Cepheus were forced to sacrifice their daughter, [Y/Andromeda] to save their kingdom. Fortunately, Andromeda was saved by [Y/Perseus] and [Y/Pegasus]. Cassiopeia sits on her throne in the sky, with her brightest stars forming a "W" or "M" shape, depending on the season. The brightest [G/star] is [W/SHEDIR] which lies at the lower right vertex of the "W". Because of her placement in the sky, half the time her royal throne is upside down. The queen must be chained to the chair so she won't fall out. This awkward position is part of her punishment for being so vain. Cassiopeia is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen most of the year. However, she is best seen from September to December. "Must See" objects include four galactic [G/cluster]s: [M/M103]; [N/NGC 457]; [N/NGC 7789]; [N/NGC 663]. In Greek mythology, Centaurus was the first of the Centaurs, a race of beings with the head, arms and chest of a man and the body of a horse. The brightest [G/star] in this [G/constellation] is Alpha Centauri, [S/252838]. It is also the closest star to our solar system. Alpha Centauri along with Agena [S/252582] make up the "Pointers", two bright stars that point the way to the [G/Southern Cross]. Centaurus is best seen from May-July in the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: [F/Omega Centauri], a globular [G/cluster]; [F/Centaurus A], a peculiar [G/galaxy]. In Greek mythology, King Cepheus ruled over the country of Ethiopia with his beautiful, but vain, wife [Y/Cassiopeia]. Cepheus was forced to sacrifice his daughter [Y/Andromeda] to save his kingdom from [Y/Cetus] the sea monster. As fortune would have it, Andromeda was rescued by [Y/Perseus] and [Y/Pegasus] and the sea monster was killed. Peace was restored to the kingdom. The stars in this [G/constellation] form a box with a triangle sitting on top. The brightest [G/star] in Cepheus is [W/Alderamin]. This constellation is [G/circumpolar] and can be seen most of the year. However, it is best seen from September-December. "Must See" objects include: [N/NGC 188], a galactic [G/cluster]. Cetus, the sea monster, was sent to destroy the kingdom of King [Y/Cepheus] and Queen [Y/Cassiopeia]. But, before he could complete his task, he was killed by [Y/Perseus]. The brightest [G/star] in the [G/constellation] is [W/Diphda]. Cetus is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: [W/Mira], a variable star. Chamaeleon was added to the charts in the early 1600's and is considered a modern [G/constellation]. It is small in size and shaped like an elongated diamond. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Chamaeleont [S/256496]. Chamaeleon is [G/circumpolar] and can be seen most of the year from the southern hemisphere. This small, narrow "V"-shaped [G/constellation] lies close to the "Pointers", the two brightest stars of [Y/Centaurus]. Circinus is a modern constellation, added to the charts in the mid 1700's. It contains a few relatively faint [G/star]s, the brightest of which is Alpha Circini [S/252853]. Circinus is best seen from July-September in the southern hemisphere. The brightest [G/star] in this [G/constellation] is Phact [S/196059]. Columba is best seen from January-March in the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: [N/NGC 1851], a globular [G/cluster]. Coma Berenices was named after Berenices II who, along with her king, ruled Egypt around the year 230 BC. With the king at war, Berenices offered to sacrifice her long golden hair to the goddess Aphrodite to insure the safe return of her husband. When the war was over, the king returned safe and sound and Berenice kept her promise. She cut her hair and left the golden tresses on an alter as a gift to the goddess. The next morning, the tresses were gone. Local astronomers convinced the king and queen that the golden tresses had been transported into the sky where they would forever sparkle among the stars. Today, the [G/constellation] consists of a scattering of faint stars, most of which belong to an extremely large galactic [G/cluster] known as the [G/Coma Star Cluster]. The brightest star in this constellation is Diadem [S/100443]. Coma Berenices also contains a wide assortment of galaxies. Unfortunately, most are too faint to be seen with a small telescope. Coma Berenices is best seen from May-July. "Must See" objects include: [M/M53], a globular cluster. Corona Australis is shaped like a "C" and lies just below the "Teapot" of [Y/Sagittarius]. The brightest [G/star] in the [G/constellation] is Alfecca Meridiana [S/210990]. Corona Australis is best seen from August-October. In Greek mythology, the god Bacchus created a beautiful crown which he gave to his mortal wife. Upon her death, he placed the crown in the sky as a tribute to his wife's great kindness and beauty. To the Shawnee Indians, the stars of this [G/constellation] represent celestial sisters. The circle of stars is incomplete because one sister left the sky to marry a human. The stars in Corona Borealis are shaped like the letter "C". Its brightest star is [W/Alphekka]. This constellation is best seen from July-September. In Greek mythology, Corvus was the messenger raven for the god Apollo. One of raven's many tasks included bringing water to the god when he was thirsty. One day, Corvus was about to fill a goblet with water when he noticed a fruit tree in bloom. He decided to wait until the fruit was ripe so that he could have a snack before returning to Apollo. Corvus waited several days for the fruit to ripen. Finally, he ate his fill of the ripe, fresh fruit and started back to Mount Olympus. Along the way, he realized that Apollo might be angry with him for taking so long to fetch the water. Thinking fast, he swooped down and snatched a water serpent from the river. Then, when he returned the goblet of water to Apollo, Corvus explained that the water serpent had attacked him, causing him to be late. Apollo did not believe the raven's story and flung the raven, the goblet and the water serpent into the sky where they would not bother him again. Today, the raven, or Crow (Corvus), the goblet ([Y/Crater]), and the sea serpent ([Y/Hydra]) are all constellations. The brighter stars of Corvus form a lopsided rectangle in the sky. Its brightest [G/star] is Gienah [S/157176]. Corvus is best seen from April-June. In Greek mythology, Crater represented a water goblet which belonged to the god Apollo. [Y/Corvus] the crow used the goblet to gather water for the god when he was thirsty. Crater was caught in the middle of a fight when Corvus tried to lie to Apollo. In a fit of rage, Apollo flung both the crow and the goblet into the sky. To many cultures, Crater represented a cup, bowl, or some other type of container used to hold wine. The brightest star in Crater is Delta Crateris [S/156605]. Crater is best seen from April-June. Even though Crux is the smallest [G/constellation] in the sky, it contains some of the richest starfields of our [G/Milky Way] galaxy. Originally, Crux was part of the constellation [Y/Centaurus]. Today, its brightest stars appear in the shape of a cross. The brightest star in Crux is [W/Acrux], a fine double star system. Crux is best seen from April-June. "Must See" objects include: [F/Jewel Box] cluster; [F/Coal Sack] nebula. Cygnus, which is also known as the Northern Cross, lies along the hazy patch of light that makes up our [G/Milky Way] galaxy. One Greek myth tells how Cygnus represents Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus once turned himself into a swan to seduce the lovely mortal woman, Leda. Leda then laid an egg and when the egg hatched, the beautiful Helen of Troy was born. Another myth tells that Cygnus was the best friend of Phaethon. Phaethon had discovered that his real father was Apollo, the Sun god. He went to visit Apollo and watched as his father drove the Sun's chariot across the sky once a day, bringing daylight to the world. Phaethon demanded that he be allowed to drive the chariot, and before Apollo could stop him, he grabbed the reins of the chariot and took off. The four fiery horses pulling the chariot went wild and Phaethon lost control. To save Earth from the runaway Sun chariot, Zeus was forced to fling a lightening bolt and killed Phaethon. Phaethon's body plunged to Earth and fell into the river [Y/Eridanus] while the horses safely returned the Sun's chariot to Apollo. Phaethon's friend, Cygnus, searched the river, but he never found his friend. He continued swimming back and forth, diving deep into the river's depths, reminding those who watched him of a swan. For his devotion to his friend, Cygnus was honored with a place in the sky. Today, he can be seen as the swan flying south along the [G/Milky Way]. The [G/star] at the tail of the swan is also the brightest star in the [G/constellation]. Its name is [W/Deneb]. Cygnus is best seen from August-November. "Must See" objects include: [W/Albireo], a double star; the [G/Milky Way]; [F/Cygnus X-1], a black hole. To many cultures, the stars in Delphinus represented a dolphin or porpoise. In one myth, a dolphin rescued a man about to be killed by pirates. The man had jumped overboard and the dolphin helped him back to shore. For his good deed, the dolphin was honored with his own place in the sky. Five stars in the shape of a diamond form the dolphin's body, with two stars trailing off the diamond, forming the dolphin's tail. The brightest [G/star] in Delphinus is Rotanev [S/106316]. This [G/constellation] is best seen from August-October. Dorado was added to the charts in the early 1600's and is considered a modern [G/constellation]. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Doradus [S/233564]. Dorado is best seen from December-February from the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: The [F/Large Magellanic Cloud], a [G/galaxy], the [F/Tarantula Nebula], a nebula within the Large Magellanic Cloud. In Greek mythology, Draco was the dragon in charge of guarding the garden of Hera, the queen of the gods. Within the garden, there were trees on which grew golden apples. [Y/Hercules] had to steal these golden apples as one of his 12 labors. Before he could steal them, however, he had to kill Draco. Draco fought a mighty battle, but he was no match for Hercules. After his death, Hera gave Draco an honored place among the stars. Three stars forming the tail of the dragon lie between the [G/Big Dipper] and [G/Little Dipper]. From the tail, Draco curls around the Little Dipper like a backwards "S". Its head is made up of four stars in the shape of a lopsided square. The brightest star in Draco is [W/Etamin] and it, along with the entire constellation, is best seen from July-September. "Must See" objects include: [W/Thuban], a star which was the "North" star 4,800 years ago. The stars of this small [G/constellation] may once have been combined with the stars of [Y/Delphinus] to form a larger constellation. However, the two were divided into individual constellations somewhere around the second century BC. Today, Equuleus lies between Delphinus and the head of [Y/Pegasus]. Its brightest [G/star] is Kitalpha [S/126662]. This constellation is best seen from August-October. Eridanus, the river, meanders all over the sky. In Greek mythology, it was this river that the body of Phaethon plunged into after his foolish ride across the sky in the chariot of the Sun. (You may refer to the constellation [Y/Cygnus] for the entire story of Phaethon.) Eridanus begins with the star Zaurak [S/149283], which lies next to the star [W/Rigel] in the constellation of [Y/Orion]. From there, Eridanus wanders below [Y/Cetus], around [Y/Fornax], above [Y/Horologium] and finally comes to an end between [Y/Phoenix] and [Y/Hydrus]. Its brightest star, [W/Achernar], lies so far south that it can't be seen from Europe, Japan and most of the U.S. This [G/constellation] is best seen from December-February. This small, faint group of stars is a modern [G/constellation] that was added to the charts in the late 1700's. Fornax lies next to [Y/Eridanus] in the sky. Its brightest [G/star] is Fornacis [S/168373]. This constellation is best seen from December-February. The stars in Gemini have been referred to as the "Twins" by many cultures around the world, with each culture offering a different story about the celestial brothers. One Greek myth tells that the twins are sons of Zeus, the king of the gods, and a mortal woman, Leda. The twins are also associated with "St. Elmo's Fire", an electric glow seen around aircraft wings or a ship's rigging during stormy weather. [W/Pollux], the brightest [G/star] in this [G/constellation], and a faint companion star form the head of one twin. The second brightest star in the constellation, [W/Castor], along with a fainter companion, forms the head of the second twin, with the twins standing side by side in the sky. Gemini is best seen from January-April. "Must See" objects include: [M/M35], a galactic cluster. Grus is a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in the early 1600's. It is also part of a group of constellations known as the Southern Birds. The other birds of the group are the [Y/Phoenix], [Y/Pavo] the peacock, and [Y/Tucana] the toucan. The brightest [G/star] in Grus is [W/Alnair], a hot blue star. The second brightest star, Beta, [S/231258] is a cooler, orange-colored star. Compare the two and try to detect the differences in color. Grus is best seen from September-November in the southern hemisphere. Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and a mortal woman, Alcmene. Even as a young child, Hercules possessed a tremendous strength. When he was 8 months old, he strangled 2 serpents that had been sent to his crib by Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus. Hera's jealousy was to haunt Hercules for most of his life. At one point, she caused him to go insane. During this time of madness, Hercules killed his wife and children. When he awoke from the insanity, he saw the horror of what he had done and was overcome with grief. He left his village and traveled to the Oracle of Delphi for advice. The oracle told him to travel to Tiryns where King Eurystheus would assign Hercules 12 difficult labors. If and when Hercules completed all the labors, he would be freed from his sins and raised to the rank of godhood. For many years, Hercules struggled to complete the 12 labors, each more difficult than the last. Some of his opponents can be found in the sky, including [Y/Leo], the lion; [Y/Hydra], the many-headed serpent; [Y/Cancer], the crab; and [Y/Draco], the dragon. After many years, he successfully completed the 12 labors. When Hercules died, the gods welcomed him to Mount Olympus, where he was granted godhood, just as the Oracle had foreseen. Today, Hercules can be found next to the head of Draco. Four stars make up the "Keystone", or body of the mighty warrior. The brightest [G/star] in the [G/constellation] is Kornephoros [S/84411]. Hercules is best seen from July-September. "Must See" objects include: two globular [G/cluster]s, [M/M13] and [M/M92]. This small, faint group of stars is considered a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in the 1700's. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Horologii [S/216710]. Horologium is best seen from December-February in the southern hemisphere. Hydra is the largest [G/constellation] in the sky. Its stars snake across over one quarter of the heavens. This constellation figures prominently in two Greek myths. In one myth, Hydra was a many-headed monster who lived in a swamp, along with her only companion, [Y/Cancer] the crab. [Y/Hercules] was sent to kill the monster as one of his twelve labors. The two fought a tremendous battle. For every head Hercules chopped off, Hydra grew two more in its place. Finally, Hercules won and the gods placed the body of Hydra in the sky. In another myth, Hydra was an innocent water serpent who was scooped out of a river by [Y/Corvus] the crow. The brightest [G/star] in Hydra is [W/Alphard]. Because Hydra is such a long constellation, various parts of it can be seen beginning in March and stretching through August. "Must See" objects include: [M/M48], a galactic [G/cluster]; [M/M68], a globular cluster; [M/M83], a spiral [G/galaxy]. This modern [G/constellation] was added to the charts in the early 1600's. Its brightest [G/star] is Beta Hydri [S/255670]. This star is the closest bright star to the south [G/celestial pole], even though it is over 12^ away. Hydrus is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen most of the year in the southern hemisphere. However, it is best seen from December-January. Indus is a rather small, faint [G/constellation] which lies next to the brighter constellation of [Y/Grus]. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Indi [S/230300]. Indus is best seen from September-November in the southern hemisphere. Lacerta is a relatively modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in 1690. It is a small, faint group of stars not far from the constellation of [Y/Cygnus]. The brightest [G/star] in Lacerta is Alpha Lacertae [S/34542]. The lizard's head is made up of four stars in the shape of a diamond. A trail of faint stars coming off the diamond forms the lizard's body. Lacerta is best seen from September-November. In Greek mythology, Leo is associated with the Nemean lion, a fierce creature who came from the Moon. [Y/Hercules] was given the difficult task of killing the ferocious beast. The lion's hide was so tough, no weapon could pierce through it. Arrows that Hercules flung at the beast merely bounced off its chest. Abandoning his useless weapons, Hercules trapped the lion and used his own incredible strength to strangle the creature. The lion's body was then placed in the sky by Hera, the queen of the gods and an enemy of Hercules. The [G/constellation] of Leo has long been associated with the [G/Sun] and hot summer days because, for 4,000 years, the Sun rose in this area of sky on the Summer [G/Solstice], the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. Today, because of the [G/precession] of the Earth, Leo rises with the Sun in late July and early August. In the sky, the head, mane and chest of the lion are represented by a pattern of stars in the shape of a sickle or backwards question mark. The [G/star] at the handle of the sickle, or the "period" of the question mark, represents the heart of the lion. This star, called [W/Regulus], is the brightest star in Leo. The lion's hindquarters are represented by a small triangle containing [W/Denebola], a bright star whose name means the "Tail of the Lion". Leo is best seen from March-June. "Must See" objects include: two spiral galaxies, [M/M65] and [M/M66]. Leo Minor was added to the charts in 1690. It is a small, faint [G/constellation] that lies between the scoop of the [G/Big Dipper] and the sickle of [Y/Leo]. Its brightest [G/star] is Praecipua [S/62297]. Leo Minor is best seen from March-May. This little hare lives a rather hectic life, positioned in the sky next to a big dog, [Y/Canis Major], and just below the feet of the mighty hunter, [Y/Orion]. Its brightest star is [W/Arneb]. Lepus is best seen from January-March. Of all the [G/constellation]s of the [G/zodiac], Libra is the only one that does not represent a living being. However, the name of its brightest star, Zuben Elschemali [S/140430] (which means the northern claw) indicates that this area of sky was once part of the constellation of [Y/Scorpius]. Libra is best seen from June-July. Lupus is one of the original 48 [G/constellation]s placed in the sky by the ancient astronomer, Ptolemy. It contains several bright [G/star]s, but no easy-to-identify pattern. Its brightest star is Alpha Lupi [S/225128]. Lupus is best seen from June-July. The faint [G/constellation] of Lynx was added to the charts in 1690. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Lyncis [S/61414]. Lynx is best seen from February-April. "Must See" objects include: [N/NGC 2419], a globular [G/cluster] In Greek mythology, Lyra represented a beautiful lyre which had been fashioned from an empty tortoise shell. Orpheus, the son of Apollo, inherited the lyre from his father. When Orpheus played the lyre, his music was so beautiful it was said to charm anyone who heard it. Orpheus fell in love and married the beautiful Eurydice. The two lovers were extremely happy, but soon after their marriage, Eurydice was poisoned by a snake and died. Orpheus' grief was overwhelming. He took his lyre to the edge of the Underworld, where all mortal souls go when they die. There, he played his music. The Lord of the Underworld was so touched by the mournful sounds, that he allowed Eurydice to return to the land of the living. There was one stipulation, however. Orpheus could not look at Eurydice until they had completely left the boundaries of the Underworld. As the two lovers made there way back to the surface, Orpheus tried his best not to look at his wife, but the temptation was too great. Just as they neared the boundary between the two worlds, he glanced in her direction. Even a glance was too much and Eurydice was pulled back into the Underworld, never to return. For the rest of his life, Orpheus grieved over the loss of his wife, playing mournful, beautiful music on his lyre. After his death, the gods immortalized his music by raising the lyre into the stars. In one Chinese legend, Lyra's brightest [G/star], [W/Vega], represents one of two lovers from the tale of the Herd Boy and the Weaving Girl. Vega was the Weaving Girl, who wove beautiful tapestries among the stars. An interesting note about Vega: due to the [G/precession] of Earth's rotation, Vega was the "north" star 12,000 years ago, and will be again in another 12,000 years. Lyra is best seen from June-September. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Ring Nebula], a planetary nebula; Epsilon Lyra ([S/67310]), a double/double star; [M/M56], a globular cluster. This small group of stars holds the record for being the faintest of all the [G/constellation]s in the sky. None of the [G/star]s within this group are brighter than [G/magnitude] 5. In fact, its brightest star, Alpha Mensae ([S/256274]) is only magnitude 5.1. Mensa is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen year round from the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: a small portion of the [F/Large Magellanic Cloud] that extends into this constellation. Microscopium is a faint, modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in the 1750's. Its brightest star, Gamma Microscopii [S/212636] is only [G/magnitude] 4.7. Microscopium is best seen from September-October in the southern hemisphere. Monoceros was added to the charts in the mid 1600's. Although faint, this [G/constellation] is rather easy to find. Simply form a triangle with three bright neighboring stars, [W/Betelgeuse], [W/Sirius], and [W/Procyon]. The area inside the triangle is Monoceros. The light from the brightest [G/star], Beta Monocerotis [S/133316], is actually the combined light from three different stars, one of the best triple star systems in the sky. Monoceros is best seen from February-March. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Rosette Nebula]; [N/NGC 2264], a Christmas-Tree-shaped cluster and nebula; [M/M50], a galactic cluster. This [G/constellation] was first listed on the charts in the early 1600's as a Bee. It was transformed to a fly in the mid 1700's. Musca lies between [Y/Crux] and the south [G/celestial pole]. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Muscae [S/251974]. Musca is a circumpolar constellation and can be seen year round in the southern hemisphere. However, it is best seen at sunset during May-June. "Must See" objects include: two globular [G/cluster]s, [N/NGC 4833] and [N/NGC 4372]. Norma is a faint [G/constellation] that was added to the charts during the 1750's. It is best seen during July-August from the southern hemisphere. Its brightest [G/star] is Gamma Normae [S/243643]. "Must See" objects include: two galactic [G/cluster]s, [N/NGC 6067] and [N/NGC 6087]. The only claim to fame for this [G/constellation] is that it lies in the vicinity of the south [G/celestial pole]. In fact, one of its fainter [G/star]s, Sigma [S/258857], can be considered the South Star. Its brightest star is Nu Octantis [S/257948]. Octans is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen year round from the southern hemisphere. The legend most often connected with Ophiuchus involves a man named Asclepius, who eventually became the god of medicine. Asclepius once killed a snake that had crawled into his hut. Another snake entered the hut, carrying a strange herb in its mouth. It placed the herb in the mouth of the dead snake. Much to Asclepius' surprise, the first snake came back to life. Asclepius retrieved the strange, life-giving herb from the snake and began using it on humans. The healing power of this herb was great and news of Asclepius traveled quickly. He brought so many people back from the dead that Hades, the lord of the Underworld, complained to Zeus. Hades argued that if Asclepius kept bringing humans back from the dead, they would be essentially immortal. Only gods were supposed to be immortal. Hades convinced Zeus that if he allowed Asclepius to continue, the gods would lose their status among the humans. Zeus admired the skill and healing powers of Asclepius, but was forced to agree with Hades. He flung a lightning bolt and struck down the healer. To honor his skills, Zeus raised his body into the sky. Today, the symbol for medicine is a staff with a serpent wrapped around it, in honor of the snake who first found the healing herb. Ophiuchus is seen in the sky next to the constellation of [Y/Serpens], the serpent, or snake. The brightest [G/star] in Ophiuchus is [W/Rasalhague]. The [G/constellation] is best seen from July-August. "Must See" objects include: [F/Barnard's Star], the second closest star in the night sky; a wide variety of globular [G/cluster]s, including [M/M9]; [M/M10]; [M/M12]; [M/M14]; [M/M19]; [M/M62]. Orion has been associated with a mighty hunter in many cultures around the world. In Greek mythology, the hunter played a part in many different stories. In one story, Orion fell in love with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. So great was their love for one another, that each began neglecting their duties so they could spend time together. Warned by her brother, Apollo, to return to her duties, Artemis refused and the animals under her care began to suffer. The Moon, without Artemis to guide it, was unable to rise. Apollo grew angry. One day, when Orion went for a swim in the ocean, Apollo surrounded the hunter with a cloak of light. Apollo then went to Artemis and challenged her that she couldn't hit the center of the patch of light with one of her arrows. Artemis accepted the challenge and her aim was true. The arrow pierced the very center of the patch of light and struck and killed Orion. When his body washed up on shore, with her arrow in his chest, Artemis realized what she had done. She gently placed Orion's body in the sky, where it would stand out among the other stars and where she could visit it every night as she drove her Moon chariot through the sky. In another myth, Orion boasted to Artemis that his skills as a warrior were so great, he could hunt down and kill all the animals on Earth. Artemis and Gaea, the Earth goddess, were alarmed by this claim. To protect her creatures, Gaea sent [Y/Scorpius], the scorpion, to kill Orion with a deadly sting. Orion fought and killed the scorpion, but before it died, Scorpius managed to prick the mighty giant once with its stinger. The scorpion's poison was so strong, Orion died instantly. The two enemies were placed at opposite points in the sky, so that as one rises in the east, the other sets in the west. This placement insures that the two rivals never get close enough to fight. Another story has Orion forever chasing the [F/Pleiades], the seven sisters. The ancient Egyptians worshipped Orion as the Sun god. In the sky, Orion forms an easy-to-identify pattern. The red supergiant [G/star], [W/Betelgeuse] forms one of Orion's shoulders. [W/Rigel], the brightest star in Orion, represents one of Orion's feet. Between Betelgeuse and Rigel lie the belt stars, three evenly-spaced stars of equal brightness. Hanging off of his belt is Orion's sword. Orion is best seen from January-March. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Great Orion Nebula]. This [G/constellation] was added to the charts in the early 1600's and represents a peacock, the favorite bird of Hera, the Queen of the Gods. Its brightest [G/star] is the Peacock Star, [S/13060], which lies closer to the constellation of [Y/Indus] than the majority of its own star group. Pavo is best seen from September-October in the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: [N/NGC 6752], a globular cluster. In Greek mythology, Pegasus was the beautiful flying horse born from the blood of Medusa, the hideous Gorgon killed by [Y/Perseus]. With Perseus on his back, Pegasus flew around the country. Together, the two rescued the princess [Y/Andromeda] from [Y/Cetus], the sea monster sent to destroy her parent's kingdom. In the sky, the body of the flying horse is represented by four stars forming the "Great Square of Pegasus." The brightest star in the [G/constellation] is [W/Enif], which means "the nose" of the horse. Pegasus is best seen from September-November. "Must See" objects include: [M/M15], a globular cluster. Perseus was the heroic son of Zeus and the mortal woman Danae. At the request of his mother, Perseus set out to kill the hideous Gorgon, Medusa. Medusa and her two sisters had once bragged that they were more beautiful than the goddess Athene. Their boast angered Athene, who turned the three sisters into hideous monsters with hissing, writhing snakes for hair. So ugly were they, that anyone looking at the sisters was instantly turned to stone. To help prepare for the dangerous task ahead, Perseus asked Hermes, the messenger god, and the goddess Athene for advise. Hermes gave Perseus a pair of winged sandals, which allowed him to silently creep up on the sleeping Gorgon. Athene gave him a shiny shield which he could use as a mirror. With the shield, he was able to slice off Medusa's head by watching her reflection. Because he didn't actually look at her, he wasn't turned to stone. Then, with his eyes closed, he grabbed the Gorgon's head and placed it in a special bag. A few drops of blood spilled out of the bag. From the drops, [Y/Pegasus] the flying horse was born. Perseus jumped onto the back of the horse and flew off to show Athene and Hermes his prize. Along the way, he saw a beautiful maiden chained to a giant rock by the sea. As he flew down to investigate, he saw a sea monster about to attack. The maiden [Y/Andromeda] was to be sacrificed to [Y/Cetus], the sea monster to save the kingdom of King [Y/Cepheus] and Queen [Y/Cassiopeia]. As Perseus swooped down out of the sky, he closed his eyes and pulled the Gorgon's head out of the bag. When the sea monster attacked, it saw the head and was instantly turned to stone. Perseus married Andromeda and they lived happily ever after. The brightest star in the constellation is [W/Mirphak], but the most famous star is [W/Algol], the second brightest star which is sometimes known as the Demon Star. It is also associated with the head of Medusa. Algol is an [G/eclipsing binary] star system whose brightness changes noticeably over a three day period. Perseus is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: [M/M34], a galactic cluster; [N/NGC 869] and [N/NGC 884], two side by side galactic clusters; [N/NGC 1275], a galaxy that is an unusually strong radio source. Stories of the legendary Phoenix can be found in civilizations as far back as the ancient Egyptians and early Romans. However, the [G/constellation] wasn't added to the charts until the early 1600's. The Phoenix was a mythical bird that lived for several hundred years at a time. When it was ready to die, it would build a nest and lie down inside. The Sun's rays then ignited the nest and the Phoenix would burn with the flames. From the ashes of the nest, a tiny worm emerged. This worm grew into a new Phoenix and the cycle repeated itself. In the sky, the Phoenix has its wings extended, with each wing shaped like a triangle. The brightest [G/star] in this [G/constellation], [W/Ankaa], is the only bright star in the entire group. Phoenix is best seen from October-November in the southern hemisphere. Originally, this [G/constellation] represented a Painter's Easel. Over time, the "Easel" was dropped and today it is known merely as the Painter. This faint, narrow group of [G/star]s lies between the bright star [W/Canopus] and the constellation of [Y/Dorado]. Its brightest star is Alpha Pictoris [S/249647]. "Must See" objects include: Beta Pictoris [S/234134], an excellent candidate for extra solar system planets. Pisces is made up of two fish who, according to Greek mythology, represent the goddess Aphrodite and her son. The two were being pursued by the terrible monster god, Typhon (who also chased after [Y/Capricornus]). To escape from Typhon, Aphrodite and her son jumped into a river and turned themselves into fish. They tied their tails together with a long rope so they would not be separated and swam to safety. In the sky, Pisces is a faint [G/constellation] extending over a large area of sky. It is therefore sometimes difficult to locate. The most identifiable part of the constellation is the "Circlet", five faint stars forming a pentagon. The brightest star in Pisces is Alpherg, [S/92484]. Pisces is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: Zeta Piscium [S/109739], a fine double star with color. This small, faint [G/constellation] contains only one bright [G/star], [W/Fomalhaut]. This star, sometimes called the Solitary One, is only 22 [G/light year]s away and is the 18th brightest star in the night sky. Data from the [G/IRAS] satellite shows a cloud of cool material surrounding this star, which could be the beginning of a planetary system. Piscus Austrinus is best seen from October-November. Puppis was originally part of the large [G/constellation] of Argo, the southern sailing ship. In the mid 1700's, Argo was divided into several smaller constellations, most retaining the nautical theme. In the sky, Puppis represents the stern of a ship. A small section of the constellation lies to the left of [W/Sirius], with the majority of stars lying below [Y/Canis Major]. Its brightest [G/star] is Naos, [S/198752]. Puppis is best seen from March-April. "Must See" objects include four galactic clusters: [M/M46]; [M/M47]; [M/M93]; [N/NGC 2477]. Originally part of the [G/constellation] of Argo, the sailing ship, Pyxis represents a compass. Its three brightest [G/star]s form a simple line in the sky. The brightest star in this group is Alpha Pyxidis, [S/199546]. Pyxis is best seen from March-April. Reticulum is considered a modern [G/constellation]. It is sometimes known as a net, although today it is most often associated with a reticle (a set of crosshairs found in some eyepieces to aid in the centering of objects in a telescope). It is a compact group of stars lying just north of the [F/Large Magellanic Cloud]. The stars within the group form a rather lopsided "W". The brightest [G/star] in Reticulum is Alpha Reticuli, [S/248969]. Reticulum is best seen from December-January in the southern hemisphere. From Cupid to Hercules, this tiny arrow has been associated with many heroes around the world. Lying between the bright stars [W/Altair] and [W/Albireo], Sagitta consists of four main stars: two stars form the arrow's shaft and two stars, side by side, represent the arrow's fletchings (feathers designed to balance the arrow in flight). The brightest [G/star] in this [G/constellation] is Gamma Sagittae, [S/105500]. Sagitta is best seen from August-October. The beautiful [G/constellation] of Sagittarius lies directly between our [G/solar system] and the center of the [G/Milky Way]. The brighter [G/star]s, the ones that make up the constellation, are fairly close to us. The stars at the center of our galaxy are 30,000 [G/light year]s distant and are too far away to be [G/resolve]d into individual points of light by the naked eye. Instead, the light from these distant stars blends together and appears as large, glowing clouds. In addition to the star clouds, there are also dust clouds visible in this area. These dust clouds are so thick that they actually block some of the light from the galactic center. In Greek mythology, Sagittarius was a Centaur, a creature with the head, chest and arms of a man and the body of a horse. In the sky, the centaur is holding a large bow and arrow, although seeing that figure in the sky requires a great deal of imagination. For observers in the northern hemisphere, there is an easy-to-identify pattern known as the "Teapot," complete with a spout, lid and curved handle. For observers in the southern hemisphere, the Teapot is upside down. The brightest star in the constellation is [W/Kaus Australis]. Sagittarius is best seen from July-August. "Must See" objects include: [M/M7], a galactic cluster which holds the record for being the southernmost Messier object; three diffuse nebulae ([F/Lagoon Nebula]; the [F/Swan Nebula]; and the [F/Trifid Nebula]); three galactic clusters ([M/M21]; [M/M23]; [M/M25]); several globular clusters ([M/M22]; [M/M28]; [M/M54]; [M/M55]). From Greece and Egypt, to the Americas, cultures around the world have identified this distinct group of stars with a scorpion. In Greek mythology, Scorpius is connected with the [G/constellation] of [Y/Orion] the hunter. Orion once boasted that his hunting skills were so remarkable, he could easily hunt and kill all of the animals on Earth. This boast alarmed the earth goddess, Gaea, whose job it was to protect all creatures. To insure the safety of her animals, she sent a scorpion to kill the mighty hunter. Orion and Scorpius fought a fearsome battle, but in the end, Orion was victorious. However, just before the scorpion died, he lashed out and stung the hunter with his tail. Poisoned by the sting, Orion died instantly. Both were given honored places in the sky, although they were placed far apart from one another. As one rises above the horizon, the other sets. This way, they can never see each other and start fighting again. To the ancient Chinese, this constellation represented a dragon. For observers in the northern hemisphere, Scorpius can be found lying lengthwise across the southern summer sky. Observers in the southern hemisphere can find Scorpius high overhead during winter. The brightest star in the constellation is [W/Antares]. Scorpius is best seen from July-August. "Must See" objects include: three galactic clusters ([F/Butterfly Cluster], [M/M7], [N/NGC 6124]); and two globular clusters ([M/M4]; [M/M80]; the [G/Milky Way]. Sculptor is a faint [G/constellation] that lies just to the east of the bright star [W/Fomalhaut]. Its original name was the "Sculptor's Workshop," but over the years it has been shortened to the "Sculptor." Its brightest star, Alpha Sculptoris [S/166716], is only a [G/magnitude] 4.3 [G/star]. The rest of the stars in the constellation are even fainter. As a result, Sculptor is sometimes difficult to locate. It is best seen from November-December. "Must See" objects include: two galaxies (the [F/Sculptor Galaxy] and [N/NGC 55]. Scutum is considered a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in 1690. This small group of stars lies along the path of the [G/Milky Way], just north of [Y/Sagittarius]. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Scuti ([S/142408]). Scutum is best seen from August-October. "Must See" objects include: two galactic clusters (the [F/Wild Duck Cluster] and [M/M26]. In Greek mythology, the [G/constellation] of Serpens is associated with the story of Asclepius, the god of Medicine. Asclepius once killed a snake that had entered his hut. Soon after, another snake entered the hut carrying a strange herb in its mouth. The second snake placed the herb in the mouth of its dead friend who immediately came back to life. Asclepius was amazed. He took the herb from the snake and used its healing powers on humans. Serpens represents the snake with the healing herb, while the constellation of [Y/Ophiuchus] represents the god of medicine. The brightest [G/star] in Serpens is [W/Unukalhai]. This constellation is best seen from July-August. "Must See" objects include: [M/M5], a globular cluster; the [F/Eagle Nebula]. Sextans is considered a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in 1690. Until that time, the stars in this group had been part of the constellation of [Y/Hydra]. The brightest [G/star] in Sextant, Alpha Sextanis [S/137366] is only [G/magnitude] 4.5. The rest of the stars in the constellation are even fainter, making Sextans rather difficult to locate. Sextans is best seen from April-June. The ancient Egyptians associated this [G/constellation] with their Bull-god over 4,000 years ago, making Taurus one of the oldest constellations in the sky. As you may imagine, with 4,000 years of history, there are many stories surrounding this heavenly bull. In Greek mythology alone, there are at least two stories about the bull, both with Zeus, the king of the gods, as the main character. In one story, Zeus fell in love with the maiden Europa. To lure her away from her father's servants, Zeus changed himself into a beautiful white bull with golden horns. Europa climbed onto his back and before she realized what was happening, Zeus waded into the water and began swimming across the ocean. Europa couldn't jump off his back because the water was too deep. He took her to a distant island where he turned back into his original form and they had many children together. Another story tells of Zeus falling in love with the maiden Io. To protect Io from the wrath of his wife, Hera, Zeus turned her into a white cow. Io escaped. Zeus then changed himself into a white bull and roamed the countryside until he found her. The two lovers were happy for a while, until Zeus was forced to return to Hera. In the sky, the face of the bull forms a distinct "V" shaped pattern. Almost every [G/star] in the "V" belongs to the [F/Hyades], a beautiful galactic [G/cluster]. The brightest star in the "V", [W/Aldebaran], is also the brightest star in the constellation. It is known as the red "eye of the bull." While this star appears to lie within the cluster, Aldebaran is actually two times closer to our solar system than the rest of the stars in the cluster. Another distinct star group in Taurus is the [F/Pleiades] (sometimes called the Seven Sisters). Because of its shape in the sky, this compact group of bright stars is sometimes mistaken for the [G/Little Dipper]. Each of these two clusters are surrounded by their own stories and legends. Taurus is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Hyades]; the [F/Pleiades]; [M/M1], a supernova remnant. Telescopium is a modern [G/constellation], placed in the sky in the mid 1700's in honor of the invention of the telescope. Its brightest [G/star] is Alpha Telescopii, [S/229023]. This small, faint constellation can be found just to the south of [Y/Corona Australis]. Telescopium is best seen from August-September in the southern hemisphere. This small [G/constellation] is shaped like its namesake. Three stars form a small, narrow triangle in the sky, with a fourth star lying close to the triangle's narrow base. This constellation lies between the larger constellations of [Y/Andromeda] and [Y/Aries]. Its brightest [G/star] is Beta Trianguli, [S/55306]. Triangulum is best seen from October-December. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Pinwheel Galaxy]. This [G/constellation] was first added to the charts in the early 1600's. Its three brightest stars form an equilateral triangle. The brightest [G/star] is Alpha Trianguli Australe, [S/253700]. This group of stars is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen year round from the southern hemisphere. "Must See" objects include: [N/NGC 6025], a galactic cluster. Tucana is the faintest [G/constellation] in the group known as the "Southern Birds". Other "southern birds" include [Y/Grus], [Y/Pavo], and [Y/Phoenix]. Though the stars within Tucana are fairly faint, this constellation is easy to locate because the [F/Small Magellanic Cloud] lies within its boundaries and is easily visible to the [G/naked eye]. The brightest star in Tucana is Alpha Tucanae, [S/255193]. "Must See" objects include: The [F/Small Magellanic Cloud]; two globular clusters, [F/47 Tucanae] and [N/NGC 362]; Beta Tucanae, [S/248201] a sextuple star system. Ursa Major contains the most famous seven stars in the northern hemisphere. Known as the [G/Big Dipper], the Plough, or the Chariot, these seven stars represent just a small portion of the great bear. Indian tribes in North America associated the bowl of the dipper as the main body of the bear with the stars of its handle representing hunters chasing the bear around the sky. Look closely at the middle [G/star] and you can see that the second hunter is carrying a cooking pot (a faint second star) on his back. That second star in the handle is [W/Mizar]/Alcor, a visual double star system. In Greek mythology, the Great Bear represents the maiden, Callisto. Zeus, the king of the gods, fell in love with the beautiful maiden. His jealous wife, Hera, turned Callisto into a bear, so the maiden would no longer catch the eye of her husband. As Callisto wandered the forests as a bear, she came across a young hunter whom she recognized as her son. When she rose up on her hind legs to greet the young man, the hunter was scared. He did not know this mighty beast was his mother. He took aim at the bear with his spear. Just before he threw the deadly weapon, Zeus saw the confrontation and intervened. He turned the son into a bear, then picked up both mother and son by their tails and placed them in the sky. Today, Callisto's son, [Y/Ursa Minor] follows his mother around the sky. The brightest star in this constellation is [W/Alioth], the first star in the handle of the dipper as it is seen coming off the scoop. Alioth is just a little brighter than its second brightest star, [W/Dubhe], the first star in the dipper's scoop, across from where the handle attaches to the scoop. Ursa Major is a [G/circumpolar] constellation for many in the northern hemisphere, but it is best seen high in the sky from April-June. "Must See" objects include: two spiral galaxies, [M/M81] and [M/M82]. This [G/constellation] contains the most famous star in the northern hemisphere, [W/Polaris], or the North Star. Many people believe that the North Star is the brightest star in the sky. This is not the case. In fact, Polaris ranks about 50th on the list of bright stars. The reason Polaris is mentioned frequently is because of its location in the sky. It lines up almost directly with Earth's north celestial pole. Polaris appears to remain fixed in the sky as the rest of the stars rotate around it. In Greek mythology, Ursa Minor is associated with the son of Callisto. Callisto was a beautiful maiden turned into a bear by the jealous Hera. As a bear, Callisto was forced to wander the forests where she was almost killed by her hunter son. Zeus saw what was about to take place and turned the son into a bear before he could kill his mother. Zeus then raised them both to the sky. In the sky, the little bear is hanging from Polaris by his tail. The little bear is also known as the Little Dipper, but this group of stars is not as bright as the [G/Big Dipper] and is more difficult to find. Polaris marks the end of the handle of the dipper. Two stars at the front of the scoop are the only other stars easily visible from most urban areas. Ursa Minor is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen year round from most of the northern hemisphere. Vela was once part of the constellation of Argo, the large sailing ship of the southern skies. During the 1750's, Argo was divided into four separate constellations, although these new constellations retained the nautical theme. Other segments of the sailing ship include [Y/Carina] the keel, [Y/Puppis] the stern, and [Y/Pyxis] the compass. The brightest star in Vela is Gamma Velorum, [S/219501]. Vela is best seen from March-April in the southern hemisphere. It is difficult to choose just one story to describe this [G/constellation] because, throughout recorded history, Virgo has been associated with many different Earth goddesses and female heroines. One of the earliest stories surrounding Virgo comes from the ancient Babylonians. Ishtar was their Earth goddess who was very much in love with her husband. When he died, he passed to the Underworld, where all mortals go when they die. Ishtar could not bear to be without her husband, so she followed him into the Underworld. As she descended into the land of the dead, cold and darkness fell upon the land above. Ishtar found her husband and begged the Queen of the Underworld to return him to the land of the living. She refused, so Ishtar remained with her husband. Meanwhile, in the land above, the cold and dark continued. Plants would not grow, no baby animals were born. The world was dying. The other gods were alarmed by the prolonged winter. They sent a messenger to the Underworld, asking the Queen to grant Ishtar's request. Since the gods above had more power than the Queen of the Underworld, she reluctantly granted Ishtar's wish. As soon as Ishtar returned to the surface with her husband, the air began to warm and plants began to grow. Spring had returned to the land. Every year, Ishtar returns to the Underworld to thank the Queen for returning her husband to her. While she is away, winter falls on the land. When she returns to the surface, so does spring. In the sky, one can use the handle of the [G/Big Dipper] to find Virgo. Simply follow the curve of the handle away from the dipper. The line from the handle will arc to [W/Arcturus] then speed on to [W/Spica], the brightest star in Virgo. Virgo is best seen from April-June. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Sombrero Galaxy]; [M/M49], an elliptical galaxy. Volans is a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in the early 1600's. Its brightest star is Gamma Volantis, [S/256374]. Volans is a [G/circumpolar] constellation and can be seen year round from the southern hemisphere. Vulpecula is considered a modern [G/constellation], added to the charts in 1690. It can be found lying just below and a little to the east of the bright star [W/Albireo]. The brightest star in this constellation is Anser, [S/87261]. "Must See" objects include: the [F/Dumbbell] nebula. La [G/constelacion] de Andromeda lleva el nombre de la hija mitica del Rey [Y/Cefeo] y la Reina [Y/Casiopea]. Para salvar su reino, a los padres de Andromeda se les dijo que debian sacrificar a su hija entregandola al monstruo del mar, [Y/Cetus]. Andromeda fue encadenada a las rocas en el mar para esperar su destino fatal. Afortunadamente, [Y/Perseo], montando su caballo alado [Y/Pegaso], volo sobre el reino. El vio a la princesa encadenada a las rocas y bajo a rescatarla. En el cielo, Andromeda tiene la forma de una letra mayuscula "A" con su cabeza en el vertice de la "A", su cinturon es la linea central de la "A" y sus pies en la base de la "A". Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es [W/Alpheratz], la estrella en la cima de la "A" y una de las estrellas del Gran Cuadro de [Y/Pegaso]. Andromeda se ve mejor en octubre a diciembre. Objetos que "Deben verse" incluyen: [F/Galaxia de Andromeda]; [N/NGC 752], un [G/cumulo] de estrellas. Antlia es una [G/constelacion] relativamente moderna. Fue agregada a los mapas en 1752. Esta es una constelacion poco brillante, con estrellas menos brillantes que [G/magnitud] 4.2. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Antlia ([S/201405]). Antlia se ve mejor de abril a junio. Apus es una [G/constelacion] poco brillante, con 5 de sus 6 estrellas mas brillantes color rojizo. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Apus es Alpha Apodis ([S/257193]). Esta constelacion se ve mejor de mayo a agosto en el hemisferio sur. La [G/constelacion] de Acuario se asocia con el agua en la mitologia de muchas culturas, probablemente debido a que Acuario se eleva durante el oto|o en el hemisferio norte - la temporada de lluvias en muchos paises. En la mitologia griega, Acuario causo una gran inundacion que cubrio la Tierra. Para los egipcios, Acuario derramo agua en el rio Nilo cada a|o, haciendo que se desbordara. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Acuario es Sadalsuud [S/145457]. Cuatro estrellas forman la "Jarra de Agua" de Acuario: tres estrellas forman un triangulo con la cuarta estrella en el centro. Las estrellas que representan el agua salen de la jarra. Acuario se ve mejor de septiembre a diciembre. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen a: [M/M2], un [G/cumulo] de estrellas; la [F/Nebulosa Saturno], una [G/nebulosa planetaria]; [F/Nebulosa Helix], una [G/nebulosa planetaria]. En la mitologia griega, Aquila era el aguila que servia a Zeus. Aquila acarreaba los truenos del dios y llevaba sus mensajes. En leyendas chinas, la [G/estrella] mas brillante en Aquila, [W/Altair], representaba uno de los dos amantes en el cuento del pastor y la tejedora. Altair era el pastorcito trabajador, que se enamoro de la ni|a tejedora, una bella visitante de las estrellas. En el cielo, tres estrellas forman la cabeza del aguila; Altair es la estrella central con una estrella mas tenue en cada lado. Esta [G/constelacion] se encuentra sobre la [G/Via Lactea]. Busca las bandas oscuras de polvo (areas con pocas estrellas) en esta region. Aquila se ve mejor de agosto a octubre. Ara es una [G/constelacion] moderna que se encuentra justamente abajo de la cola curva de [Y/Scorpius]. Su estrella mas brillante es Beta Arae [S/244725]. Ara se ve mejor de julio a septiembre en el hemisferio sur. En la mitologia griega, Aries era un carnero con un bello vellocino de oro. Este carnero dorado era identificado con Zeus, el rey de los dioses. En la mitologia egipcia, el carnero celeste se creia que era Ammon, el rey Sol. Esta tenue [G/constelacion] se identificaba con el brillante Sol y el brillante oro debido a su localizacion en el [G/zodiaco]. La gente de la antiguedad notaba que cuando el [G/Sol] se encontraba en la constelacion de Aries, esto marcaba el inicio de la primavera y de la epoca se siembra. Su estrella mas brillante es [W/Hamal]. Hoy dia, Aries se ve mejor de octubre a febrero. Auriga es una [G/constelacion] extra|a, que representa a un cuadriguero cargando una cabra en su hombro y sosteniendo tres cabritos en sus brazos. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Auriga es [W/Capella]. Los tres cabritos, tambien conocidos como "Los Chicos", se representan con tres estrellas que forman un angulo agudos, justo al sur de Capella. Auriga se ve mejor de enero a marzo. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: tres [G/cumulo]s galacticos, [M/M36], [M/M37], y [M/M38]. Bootes fue puesta en el cielo para cuidar al Gran Oso, [Y/Osa Mayor]. Como resultado, Bootes puede verse siguiendo al oso al rededor del cielo una vez al dia. La estrella mas brillante en Bootes, [W/Arcturus], puede encontrarse usando las estrellas del [G/Gran Cucharon] para indicar la direccion. Si conectas las tres estrellas del mango del cucharon, que forman un arco. Sigue este arco hasta Arcturus. Bootes tiene la forma de un cono de nieve, con Arcturus en la punta del cono triangular. Dos estrellas terminan el cono y alli hay una peque|a porcion de nieve en la cima. Bootes se ve mejor de junio a agosto. Caelum es una constelacion peque|a y tenue con ninguna [G/estrella] mas brillante de [G/magnitud] 4.5. Su estrella mas brillante es Alpha Caeli [S/216926]. Caelum se ve mejor de enero a febreo. Camelopardalis fue agregada a los mapas en 1690. No hay estrellas mas brillantes que [G/magnitud] 4.0 en esta region del cielo. Tampoco tiene un patron facil de identificar. Su [G/estrella] mas brillane es Beta Camelopardalis [S/13351]. This constelacion es [G/circumpolar], que quiere decir que es visible todo el a|o desde casi cualquier parte del hemisferio norte. Se ve mejor de diciembre a febrero. Cancer es la [G/constellation] mas tenue de todas las del [G/zodiaco] y se ve mejor bajo cielos oscuros cuando la [G/Luna] no esta visible. En la mitologia griega, Cancer el cangrejo vivio en el pantano con la [Y/Hydra]. Cuando [Y/Hercules] vino a matar a la Hydra, Cancer trato de salvar a su amiga mordiendo a Hercules en el pie. Hercules casi mato al cangrejo y se lo sacudio. A Cancer se le dio un lugar en el cielo para honrarlo por sacrificar su vida por un amigo. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Cancer es Altarf [S/116569]. Esta constelacion se ve mejor de marzo a mayo. Objetos que se "Deben Ver" incluyen: el cumulo de [F/Praesepe]. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Canes Venatici es [W/Cor Caroli] y representa a uno de los dos perros de caza en esta [G/constelacion]. Cor Caroli (el corazon de Charles) fue probablemente nombrada por el Rey Carlos I de Inglaterra, pero esta brillante estrella se asocia usualmente con la coronacion del Rey Carlos II en 1660. El segundo pero de caza se representa por Beta [S/44230]. Esta constelacion se ve mejor de mayo a julio. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [F/Galaxia del Remolino]; [M/M3], un [G/cumulo] globular; [M/M94], una [G/galaxia] espiral. Canis Major, se encuentra junto al gran cazador [Y/Orion], y algunas veces se le conoce como el perro de caza de Orion. Su estrella mas brillante, [W/Sirius], tambien es la [G/estrella] mas brillante del cielo nocturno y ha sido adorada y temida por muchas culturas. En el pasado, Sirius (tambien conocida como la estrella Perro) salia y se ponia con el Sol durante los dias mas calientes del verano, causing it to be blamed for the scorching summer heat. Como resultado, la frase "Dias Perros del Verano - o Canicula" puede ser asociado con esta [G/constellation]. Canis Major se ve mejor en el cielo nocturno de fabrero hasta abril. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [M/M41], un [G/cumulo] galactico; [N/NGC 2362], [G/cumulo] galactico. Canis Minor es el mas peque|o de los perros de caza de [Y/Orion]. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en esta peque|a [G/constelacion] es [W/Procyon]. Procyon forma un triangulo con otras dos estrellas brillantes de invierno, [W/Sirius] y [W/Betelgeuse]. Canis Minor se ve mejor de febrero hasta abril. Capricorio es una [G/constelacion] muy antigua, aunque su origen como media cabra y medio pescado no es claro. De acuerdo a un mito griego, Capricornus era Aegipan, medio hombre, medio cabra cuyo padre era Zeus. Una vez, mientras ayudaba a su padre, Aegipan fue perseguido por Typhon, el dios monstruo. Para evadirlo, Aegian corrio hacia un rio. Cuando tenia el agua a su cintura, el cambio su parte inferior de su cuerpo por una de pez para nadar hacia su libertad. Zeus coloco a Aegipan en el cielo, como una manera de agradecerle por su ayuda. La [G/estrella] mas brillante de esta constelacion es Deneb Algedi [S/164644]. Capricornus se ve mejor desde septiembre hasta noviembre. Carina, originalmente parte de la antigua [G/constelacion] de Argo, el barco, se ve mejor desde el hemisferio sur. Su [G/estrella] mas brillane es [W/Canopus], la segunda estrella mas brillante del cielo nocturno. ([W/Sirius] es la mas brillante). Carina se puede ver mejor de marzo hasta mayo. En la mitologia griega, la Reina Cassiopeia, junto con su esposo, el rey [Y/Cepheus] reinaban Etiopia. Cassiopeia era muy hermosa, pero tambien era jactanciosa y arrogante. Ella una vez se jacto de que era hasta mas bella que las ninfas del mar. Esto hizo enojar a las ninfas, cuya belleza era legendaria. Ellas se quejaron con Poseidon, el dios del mar, quien envio a [Y/Cetus], un monstruo marino, a para que destruyera a Etiopia. Cassiopeia y Cepheus fueron forzados a sacrificar a su hija, [Y/Andromeda] para salvar el reino. Afortunadamente, Andromeda fue salvada por[Y/Perseus] y [Y/Pegasus]. Cassiopeia esta sentada en su trono en el cielo, con sus brillantes estrellas formando una forma de "W" o "M", dependiendo de la epoca. La [G/estrella] mas brillante es [W/SHEDIR] que se encuentra en el vertice inferior derecho de la "W". Debido a su acomodo en el cielo, la mitad del tiempo su trono real se encuentra de cabeza. La reina debe estar encadenada a la silla para no caerse. Esta posicion incomoda es parte de su castigo por ser tan vanidosa. Cassiopeia es una constelacion [G/circumpolar] y puede ser vista casi todo el a|o. De cualquier manera, se ve mejor de septiembre hasta diciembre. Objetos que "Deven Verse" incluyen cuatro [G/cumulo]s galacticos: [M/M103]; [N/NGC 457]; [N/NGC 7789]; [N/NGC 663]. En la mitologia griega, Centaurus era el primero de los centauros, una raza de seres con la cabeza, brazos y pecho de un hombre y el cuerpo de un caballo. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en esta [G/constelacion] es Alpha Centauri, [S/252838]. Esta es la estrella mas cercana a nuestro sistema solar. Alpha Centauri junto con Agena [S/252582] hacen los "apuntadores", dos estrellas brillantes que apuntan el camino hacia la [G/Southern Cross]. Centaurus se ve mejor de mayo hasta julio en el hemisferio sur. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [F/Omega Centauri], un [G/cluster] globular; [F/Centaurus A], una [G/galaxia] peculiar. En la mitologia griega, el Rey Cepheus governaba sobre el pais de Ehiopia con su bella pero vanidosa esposa [Y/Cassiopeia]. Cepheus fue obligado a sacrificar a su hija [Y/Andromeda] para salvar su reino de [Y/Cetus] el monstruo del mar. Tan afortunado como pudo ser, Andromeda fue rescatada por [Y/Perseus] y [Y/Pegasus] y el monstruo mario fue muerto. Se restablecio la paz en el reino. Las estrellas en esta [G/constelacion] forman una caja con un cuadro en la parte superior. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Cepheus es [W/Alderamin]. Esta constelacion es [G/circumpolar] y puede ser vista casi todo el a|o. De cualquier manera, se ve mejor de septiembre hasta diciembre. Objetos que "Deven Verse" incluyen: [N/NGC 188], un [G/cumulo] galactico. Cetus, el monstruo marino, fue enviado para destruir el reino del rey [Y/Cepheus] y la reina [Y/Cassiopeia]. Pero, antes que pudiera completar su tarea, fue muerto por [Y/Perseus]. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en la [G/constelacion] es [W/Diphda]. Cetus se ve mejor de octubre hasta diciembre. Objetos que "Deven Verse" include: [W/Mira], una estrella variable. Chamaeleon fue agregada a los mapas a inicios de los 1600 y se considera una [G/constelacion] moderna. Es peque|a en tama|o y tiene la forma de un diamante alargado. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Chamaeleont [S/256496]. Chamaeleon es [G/circumpolar] y puede verse casi todo el a|o en el hemisferio sur. Esta peque|a y esbelta [G/constellation] con forma de "V" esta cerca de los "apuntadores", las dos estrellas mas brillantes de [Y/Centaurus]. Circinus es una constelacion moderna, agregada a los mapas a mediados de los 1700's. Contiene pocas y relativamente tenues [G/estrella]s, de cuya mas brillante es Alpha Circini [S/252853]. Circinus se ve mejor de julio hasta septiembre en el hemisferio sur. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en esta [G/constelacion] es Phact [S/196059]. Columba se ve mejor de enero hasta marzo en el hemisferio sur. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [N/NGC 1851], un [G/cumulo] globular. Coma Berenices fue nombrada por Berenices II quien, junto con su rey, gobernaron Egipto alrededor del a|o 230 AC. Con el rey en la guerra, Berenices ofrecio en sacrificio su larga cabellera dorada a la diosa Afrodita para asegurar el sano regreso de su esposo. Cuando termino la guerra, el rey regreso sano y salvo y Berenice mantuvo su promesa. Ella corto su cabello y dejo sus rizos dorados sobre un altar como un obsequio a la diosa. La ma|ana siguiente, los rizos habian desaparecido. Astronomos locales convencieron al rey y la reina que los rizos dorados habian sido transportados al cielo donde permanecerian para siempre brillando entre las estrellas. Ahora, la [G/constelacion] consiste de un monton de estrellas tenues, cuya mayoria pertenecen a un [G/cumulo] galactico extremadamente grande conocido como el [G/Cumulo Coma]. La estrella mas brillante en esta constelacion es Diadem [S/100443]. Coma Berenices tambien contiene una cran variedad de galaxias. Desafortunadamente, la mayoria son demasiado tenues para verse con un telescopio peque|o. Coma Berenices se ve mejor de mayo a julio. Objetos que "Deven Verse" incluyen: [M/M53], un cumulo globular. Corona Australis tiene una forma de "C" y se encuentra justamente abajo de la "Tetera" de [Y/Sagitario]. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en la [G/constelacion] es Alfecca Meridiana [S/210990]. Corona Australis se ve mejor de agosto a octubre. En la mitologia griega, el dios Baco creo una bella corona que le dio a su esposa mortal. A su muerte, coloco la corona en el cielo como un tributo la belleza y bondad de su esposa. Para los indios Shawnee, las estrellas de esta [G/constelacion] representan las hermanas celestiales. El circulo de estrellas esta incompleto porque una hermana dejo el cielo para casarse con un humano. Las estrellas en Corona Borealis tienen la forma de una letra "C". Su estrella mas brillante es [W/Alphekka]. Esta constelacion se ve mejor de julio a septiembre. En la mitologia griega, el Cuervo era el mensajero del dios Apolo. Una de las multiples tareas del cuervo incluia traer agua al dios cuando estaba sediento. Un dia, el Cuervo estaba apunto de llenar una copa con agua cuando noto que un arbol frutal en flor. Decidio esperar hasta que madurara la fruta y comerla antes que llevar el agua a Apolo. El Cuervo espero varios dias a que madurara la fruta. Finalmente, comio hasta llenar fruta fresca y regreso al Monte Olimpo. En el camino, se dio cuenta que Apolo podria estar enojado con el por tardarse tanto para traer el agua. Pensando rapido, se lanzo en picada y agarro una serpiente de agua del rio. Entonces, cuando regreso la copa de agua a Apolo, el Cuervo explico que la serpiente de agua lo habia atacado, retrasandolo. Apolo no creyo la historia y arrojo al cuevo, la copa y la serpiente de agua al cielo donde no lo molestarian de nuevo. Ahora, el cuervo (Corvus), la copa ([Y/Crater]), y la serpiente de mar ([Y/Hydra]) son todas constelaciones. Las estrellas mas brillantes de Corvus forman una rectangulo irregular en el cielo. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Gienah [S/157176]. Corvus se ve mejor de abrila a junio. En la mitologia griega, Crater representaba la copa de agua que pertenecia al dios Apolo. [Y/Corvus] el cuervo la usaba para llevarle agua al dios cuando estba sediento. El Caliz se encontraba en medio de una pelea cuando Corvus intento mentirle a Apolo. En un arranque furia, Apollo lanzo al cuevo y el caliz al cielo. Para muchas culturas, Crater represento una copa u otro tipo de recipiente para contener vino. La estrella mas brillante en Crater es Delta Crateris [S/156605]. Crater se ve mejor de abril a junio. Aun que Crux es la [G/constelacion] mas peque|a en el cielo, contiene algunos de los campos de estrellas mas ricos de nuestra [G/Via Lactea]. Originalmente, Crux era parte de la constelacion [Y/Centaurus]. Ahora, sus estrellas mas brillantes forman una cruz. La estrella mas brillante de Crux es [W/Acrux], un bella estrella doble. Crux se ve mejor de abril a junio. Objetos que "deben verse" incluyen: el cumulo del [F/Alajero]; y la nebulosa del [F/Saco de Carbon]. Cygnus, que tambien se conoce como la Cruz del Norte, se encuentra sobre la banda de luz que forma nuestra galaxia, la [G/Via Lactea]. Un mito griego dice como el Cisne representa a Zeus, el rey de los dioses. Una vez Zeus se convirtio a si mismo en cisne para seducir a una amorosa mujer mortal, Leda. Entonces Leda puso un huevo y cuando se abrio, la bella Helena de Troya nacio. Otro mito dice que Cygnus era el mejor amigo de Phaeton. Phaeton habia descubierto que su verdadero padre era Apolo, el rey Sol. El fue a visitar a Apolo y vio a su padre conducir el carruaje del Sol por el cielo una vez al dia, trayendo luz al mundo. Phaethon demando que se le permitiera conducir el carruaje, y antes que Apolo lo pudiera detener, el tomo las riendas del carruaje y escapo. Los cuatro caballos salvajes que jalaban el carruaje se desbocaron y Phaethon perdio el control. Para salvar a la Tierra del errante carruaje del Sol, Zeus fue forzado a lanzar un rayo y mato a Phaethon. El cuerpo de Phaethon se desplomo a la Tierra y cayo en el rio [Y/Eridano] mientras que los caballos regresaron el carruaje del Sol a salvo a manos de Apolo. El amigo de Phaethon, Cygnus, lo busco en el rio, pero nunca lo encontro. El siguio nadando a un lado y otro, nadando en las profundidades del rio, resemblando un cisne para aquellos que lo veian. Por la devocion hacia su amigo, Cygnus fue honrado con un lugar en el cielo. Ahora, se puede le puede ver como un cisne volando al sur a lo largo de la [G/Via Lactea]. La [G/estrella] en la cola del cisne es tambien la mas brillante de la [G/constelacion]. Su nombre es [W/Deneb]. Cygnus se ve mejor de agosto a noviembre. Objetos que se "deben ver" incluyen: [W/Albireo], una estrella doble; la [G/Via Lactea]; [F/Cygnus X-1], un hoyo negro. En muchas culturas, las estrellas en Delphinus representan a un delfin. En un mito, un delfin rescato a un hombre que casi era muerto por piratas. El hombre habia brincado de la borda y el delfin lo ayudo a llegar a la playaPor su buen obra, el delfin fue honrado con su propio lugar en el cielo. Cinco estrellas conforman el cuerpo del delfin con la figura de rombo, con dos estrellas marcando la cola del delfin. La [G/estrella] mas brillane en Delphinus es Rotanev [S/106316]. Esta [G/constelacion] se ve mejor de agosto a octubre. Dorado fue agregada a los mapas e principos de los a|os 1600's y es considerada una [G/constelacion] moderna. La [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Doradus [S/233564]. Dorado se ve mejor de diciembre a febrero en el hemisferio sur. Objetos que "deben verse" incluyen: La [F/Gran Nube de Magallanes], una [G/galaxia], la [F/Nebulosa de la Tarantula], una nebulosa dentro de la Gran Nube de Magallanes. En la mitologia griega, Draco era el dragon a cargo del cuidado de jardin de Hera, la reina de los dioses. Dentro del jardin, habia arboles que daban manzanas de oro. [Y/Hercules] tenia que robar estas manzanas de oro como una de sus tareas. Antes de que las pudiera robar, de cualquier manera, tenia que matar a Draco. Draco dio una gran pelea pero no era oponente para Hercules. Despues de su muerte, Hera honro a Draco colocandolo entre las estrellas. Tres estrellas que forman la cola del dragon se encuentran entre la [G/Osa Mayor] y la [G/Osa Menor]. Desde la cola, Draco se enrosca alrededor de la Osa Menor como una "S" al reves. Su cabeza esta formada por cuatro estrellas en la forma de un cuadrado iregular. La estrella mas brillante de Draco es [W/Etamin] y esta, junto con toda la constelacion, se ve mejor de julio a septiembre. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [W/Thuban], una estrella que fue la estrella polar hace 4,800 a|os. Las estrellas de esta peque|a [G/constelacion] pudo en algun tiempo haber estado combinada con las estrellas de [Y/Delphinus] para formar una constelacion mas grande. De cualquier manera, las dos fueron separadas en constelaciones individuales en algun momento del siglo II AC. Ahora, Equuleus se encuentra entre Delphinus y la cabeza de [Y/Pegasus]. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Kitalpha [S/126662]. Esta constelacion se ve mejor de agosto a octubre. Eridanus, el rio que anda por todo el cielo. En la mitologia griega, fue este el rio ewn el que cayo el cuerpo de Phaethon despues de su tonta carrera por el cielo en el carruaje del Sol. (Puedes hacer referencia a la constelacion de [Y/Cygnus] para conocer toda la historia de Phaethon.) Eridanus inicia con la estrella Zaurak [S/149283], que esta junto a la estrella [W/Rigel] en la constelacion de [Y/Orion]. Desde alli, Eridanus pasa por debajo de [Y/Cetus], alrededor de [Y/Fornax], sobre [Y/Horologium] y finalmente termina entre [Y/Phoenix] e [Y/Hydrus]. Su estrella mas brillante, [W/Achernar], esta tan al sur que no puede ser vista desde Europa, Japon ni la mayoria de los E.U.A. Esta [G/constelacion] se ve mejor de diciembre a febrero. Este peque|o y tenue grupo de estrellas es una [G/constelacion] moderna que fue agregada a los mapas a fines de los a|os de 1700. Fornax esta junto a [Y/Eridanus] en el cielo. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Fornacis [S/168373]. Esta constelacion se ve mejor de diciembre a febrero. Las estrellas en Gemini han sido nombradas como los "Gemelos" por muchas culturas en todo el mundo, con cada cultura ofreciendo una historia diferente acerca de los hermanos celestes. Un mito griego dice que los gemelos son hijos de Zeus, el rey de los dioses, y una mujer mortal, Leda. Los gemelos se asocian tambien con "St. Elmo's Fire", un brillo electrico que se ve alrededor de las alas de los aviones o en la quilla de los barcos durante las tormantas. [W/Pollux], la [G/estrella] mas brillante en esta [G/constelacion], y una tenue compa|era forman la cabeza de un gemelo. La segunda estella mas brillante en esta constelacion es [W/Castor], y junto con una tenue compa|era, forma la cabeza del segundo gemelo, con los gemelos parados uno junto al otro en el cielo. Gemini se ve mejor de enero a abril. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [M/M35], un cumulo galactico. Grus es una [G/constelacion] moderna, agregada a los mapas a principios de los a|os 1600. Tam,bien es parte de un grupo de constelaciones conocidas como las Aves del Sur. Las otras aves del grupo son [Y/Phoenix], el [Y/Pavo], y [Y/Tucana] el Tucan. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Grus es [W/Alnair], una caliente estrella azul. La segunda estrella mas brillante, Beta, [S/231258] es una estrella mas fria de color naranja. Compare las dos y trate de detectar las diferencias en color. Grus se ve mjor de septiembre a noviembre en el hemisferio sur. Hercules era el hijo de Zeus, el rey de los dioses, y una mujer mortal, Alcmene. Aun de peque|o, Hercules tenia una fuerza tremenda. Cuando tenia 8 meses de edad, estrangulo a 2 serpientes que habian sido enviadas a su cuna por Hera, la celosa esposa de Zeus. Hera celosamente quizo cazar a Hercules durante casi toda su vida. En un momento, ella lo hizo volverse loco. Durante este tiempo de locura, Hercules mato a su esposa e hijos. Cuando salio de su locura, vio el horror de lo que habia hecho y fue invadido por la pena. El dejo su pueblo y viajo al oraculo de Delphi a pedir orientacion. El oraculo le dijo que viajara a Tiryns donde el rey Euristeo le asignaria 12 dificiles tareas. Y cuando Hercules las terminara, seria liberado de sus pecados y seria convertido en dios. Durante muchos a|os, Hercules lucho para completar las 12 tareas, cada una mas dificil que la anterior. Algunos de sus oponentes pueden ser encontrados en el cielo, incluyendo a [Y/Leo], el leon; [Y/Hydra], la serpiente de muchas cabezas; [Y/Cancer], el cangrejo; y [Y/Draco], el dragon. Despues de muchos a|os, termino con exito las 12 tareas. Cuando Hercules murio, los dioses le dieron la bienvenida al Monte Olimpo, donde fue convertido en dios, tal y como lo habia dicho el oraculo. Ahora, Hercules se encuentra en el cielo junto a la cabeza del dragon. Cuatro estrellas forman el fundamento del gran guerrero. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en la [G/constelacion] es Kornephoros [S/84411]. Hercules se ve mejor de julio a septiembre. Los objetos que "deben verse" incluyen: dos [G/cumulo]s globulares, [M/M13] y [M/M92]. Este peque|o y tenue grupo de estrellas se considera una [G/constelacion] moderna, agregada a los mapas en los a|os 1700's. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante en Alpha Horologii [S/216710]. Horologium se ve mejor de diciembre a febrero en el hemisferio sur. Hydra es la [G/constelacion] mas grande en el cielo. Sus estrellas cruzan un cuarto del firmamento. Esta constelacion aparece prominentemente en dos mitos griegos. En uno, Hydra era un monstruo de muchas cabezas que vivia en un pantano, junto con su unico compa|ero, [Y/Cancer] el cangrejo. [Y/Hercules] fue enviado a matar al monstruo como una de sus 12 tareas. Los dos pelearon una gran batalla. Por cada cabeza que Hercules cortaba, Hydra generaba dos mas en ese lugar. Finalmente, Hercules gano y los dioses pusieron el cuerpo de Hydra en el cielo. En otro mito, Hydra era una inocente serpiente marina que fue sacada del rio por [Y/Corvus] el cuervo. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Hydra es [W/Alphard]. Debido a que Hydra es una constelacion tan larga, varas partes de esta pueden ser vistas a principios de marzo y se extiende hasta agosto. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [M/M48], un [G/cumulo] galactico; [M/M68], un cumulo globular; [M/M83], una [G/galaxia] espiral. Esta [G/constelacion] moderna fue agregada a los mapas del cielo a principios de los a|os 1600. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Beta Hydri [S/255670]. Esta estrella es la estrella mas brillante y cercana al [G/polo celeste] del sur, aun y cuando esta a mas de 12^ de distancia. Hydrus es una constelacion [G/circumpolar] y puede verse casi todo el a|o en el hemisferio sur. De cualquier manera, se ve mejor de diciembre a enero. El Indio es una [G/constelacion] relativamente peque|a y tenue y se encuentra junto a la constelacion de [Y/Grus] que es mas brillante. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Indi [S/230300]. Indus se ve mejor de septiembre a noviembre en el hemisferio sur. Lacerta es una [G/constelacion] relativamente moderna, agregada a los mapas en 1690. Es un peque|o grupo y tenue de estrellas no lejos de la constelacion de [Y/Cygnus]. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Lacerta es Alpha Lacertae [S/34542]. La cabeza de la lagartija esta enmarcada por cuatro estrellas que forman un rombo. Una fila de estrellas tenues que salen de la cabeza forman el cuerpo. Lacerta se ve mejor de septiembre a noviembre. En la mitologia griega, Leo esta asociado con el leon Nemean, una feroz criatura que vino de la Luna. [Y/Hercules] recibio la dificil tarea de matar a esta feroz bestia. La piel del leon era tan fuerte que nungu arma la podia atravezar. Las flechas que Hercules le lanzaba rebotaban en el pecho de la bestia. Abandonando sus inservibles armas, Hercules atrapo al leon y uso su increible fuerza para estangular a la criatura. El cuerpo del leon fue entonces colocado en el cielo por Hera, la reina de los dioses y enemiga de Hercules. La [G/constelacion] de Leo ha sido asociada por mucho tiempo con el [G/Sol] y los dias calientes del verano porque, por 4,000 a|os, el Sol salio es esta area del cielo en el [G/Solsticio] de verano, el primer dia del verano para el hemisferio norte. Ahora, debido a la [G/precesion] de la Tierra, Leo sale con el Sol a fines de julio y principios de agosto. En el cielo, la cabeza, melena y pecho del leon estan representados por un grupo de estrellas con la forma de un signo de interrogacion. La [G/estrella] en el extremo del signo de interrogacion, representa el corazon del leon. Esta estrella, llamada [W/Regulus], es la mas brillante en Leo. Las patas traseras del leon estan representadas por un peque|o triangulo que contiene a [W/Denebola], una brillante estrella cuyo nombre significa la "Cola del Leon". Leo se ve mejor de marzo a junio. Objetos que "Deben verse" incuyen: dos galaxias en espiral, [M/M65] y [M/M66]. Leo Minor fue agregada a los mapas en 1690. Es una [G/constelacion] peque|a y tenue que se encuentra entre el cuadro de la [G/Osa Mayor] y la interrogacion de [Y/Leo]. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Praecipua [S/62297]. Leo Minor se ve mejor de marzo a mayo. Esta peque|a liebre vive una vida muy activa, localizada en el cielo junto a un perro grande, el [Y/Canis Major], y justo abajo de los pies del gran cazador, [Y/Orion]. Su estella mas brillane es [W/Arneb]. lepus se ve mejor de enero a marzo. De todas las [G/constelacion]es del [G/zodiaco], Libra es la unica constelacion que no representa a un ser viviente. De cualquier manera, el nombre de su estrella mas brillante, Zuben Elschemali [S/140430] (que significa la garra del norte) que indica que esta area del cielo alguna vez fue parte de la constelacion de [Y/Scorpius]. Libra se ve mejor de junio a julio. Lupus es una de las 48 [G/constelacion]es originales colocadas en el cielo por el antiguo astronomo Ptolomeo. Contiene varias [G/estrella]s brillantes, pero no tiene una forma facil de identificar. Su estrella mas brillante es Alpha Lupi [S/225128]. Lupus se ve mejor de junio a julio. La tenue [G/constelacion] de Lynx fue agregada a los mapas en 1690. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Lyncis [S/61414]. Lynx se ve mejor de febrero a abril. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: [N/NGC 2419], un [G/cumulo] globular. EN la mitologia griega, Lyra representaba una bella harpa que habia construida del caparazon vacio de una tortuga. Orfeo, el hijo de Apolo, heredo el harpa de su padre. Cuando Orfeo tocaba el harpa, su musica era tan bella que se dice encantaba a quien la escuchaba. Orfeo se enamoro y se caso con la bella Euridice. Los dos amantes eran extremadamente felices, pero pronto despues de la boda, Euridice fue envenenada por una serpiente y murio. La tristeza de Orfeo era devastadora. El tomo su harpa hasta el fin del inframundo, donde todas las almas mortales van cuando mueren. Ahi, el toco su musica. El dios del inframundo se conmovio tanto por los gemidos, que le permitio regresar a Euridice a la tierra de los vivosHubo una condicion a todo esto. Orfeo no podia voltear a ver a Euridice hasta que hayan dejado completamente las fronteras del inframundo. Al teiempo que los amantes regresaban a la superficie, Orfeo trato lo mas que pudo de no ver a su esposa, pero la tentacion era demasiado grande. Justamente al acercarse a la frontera entre ambos mundos, el la volteo a ver. Aun un vistazo fue demasiado y Euridice fue jalada de nuevo al inframundo, para nunca regresar. Por el resto de su vida Orfeo lloro la perdida de su esposa, tocando bella musica luctuosa en su harpa. Despues de su muerte, los dioses inmortalizaros su musica elevando el harpa entre las estrellas. En una leyende china, la [G/estrella] mas brillante de Lyra, [W/Vega], representa uno de los amantes de la historia del pastor y la ni|a que saludaba. Vega era la ni|a que saludaba, quien saludaba a los cielos estrellados. Una nota interesante acerca de Vega: debido a la [G/precesion] de la rotacion de la Tierra, Vega fue la estrella del "norte" hace 12,000 a|os y lo sera nuevamente dentro de otros 12,000 a|os mas. Lyra se ve mejor de junio a septiembre. Objetos que Deven Verse" incluyen: la [F/Nebulosa del Anillo], una nebulosa planetaria; Epsilon Lyra ([S/67310]), una estrella doble/doble; [M/M56], un cumulo globular. Este peque|o grupo de estrellas tiene el record por ser la mas tenue de todas las [G/constelacion]es en el cielo. Ninguna de sus [G/estrella]s tiene una [G/magnitud] mas brillane que 5. De hecho, su estrella mas brillante, Alpha Mensae ([S/256274]) es solamente magnitud 5.1. Mensa es una constelacion [G/circumpolar] y puede ser vista todo el a|o desde el hemisferio sur. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: una peque|a porcion de la [F/Gran Nube de Magallanes] que se extiende dentro de esta constelacion. Microscopium es una [G/constelacion] tenue y moderna, agregada a los mapas por los a|os de 1750. Su estrella mas brillante, Gamma Microscopii [S/212636] es de solamente [G/magnitud] 4.7. Microscopium se ve mejor de septiembre a octubre en el hemisferio sur. Monoceros fue agregada a los mapas a mediado de los a|os 1600. Aunque tenue, esta [G/constelacion] es facil de localizar. Esta [G/constelacion] fue agregada primeramente a los mapas a principios de los a|os 1600 como una abeja. Fue transformada en una mosca a mediados de los 1700's. Musca se encuentra entre [Y/Crux] y el [G/polo celeste] del sur. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Alpha Muscae [S/251974]. Musca es una constelacion circumpolar y puede ser vista todo el a|o en el hemisferio sur. De cualquier manera se ve mejor al atardecer durante mayo a junio. Objetos que "Deven Verse" incluyen: Dos [G/cumulo]s globulares, [N/NGC 4833] y [N/NGC 4372]. Norma es una [G/constelacion] tenue que ha sido agregada a los mapas durante los a|os 1750's. Se ve mejor de julio a agosto desde el hamisferio sur. Su [G/estrella] mas brillante es Gamma Normae [S/243643]. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: two galactic [G/cluster]s, [N/NGC 6067] and [N/NGC 6087]. Lo unico famoso de esta [G/constelacion] es que se encuentra en la vecindad del [G/polo celeste] del sur. De hecho, una de sus [G/estrella]s mas tenues, Sigma [S/258857], se puede considerar la Estrella del Sur. Su estrella mas brillante es Nu Octantis [S/257948]. Octans es una constelacion [G/circumpolar] y puede ser vista todo el a|o desde el hemisferio sur. La leyenda que mas se conecta con Ophiuchus involucra a un hombre llamado Asclepius, quien eventualmente se convirtio en el dios de la medicina. Asclepius una ocasion mato a una serpiente que habia entrado a su choza. Otra serpiente entro a su choza con una extra|a hierba en la boca. Coloco la hierba en la boca de la serpiente muerta. Para la sorpresa de Asclepius, la primer serpiente volvio a la vida. Asclepius recupero la extra|a hierba que dio vida a la serpiente y la comenzo a utilizar en humanos. EL poder curativo de esta hierba era fabuloso y las noticias de Asclepius viajaron rapidamente. Devolvio a la vida a tantas personas que Hades, el dios del inframundo, se quejo con Zeus. Hades decia que si Asclepius seguia resicitando humanos, ellos serian escencialmente inmortales. Solamente los dioses deben ser imortales. Hades convencio a Zeus que si le permitian continuar a Asclepius, los dioses perderian su rango entre los humanos. Zeus admiro la habilidad y poderes de curacion de Asclepius, pero fue forzado a estar de acuerdo con Hades. Lanzo un rayo y derribo al sanador. Para honrar sus habilidades, Zeus lo coloco en el cielo. Ahora, el simbolo de la medicina es un baculo con una serpiente entrelazada en este, en honor a la serpiente que encontro primero la hierba curativa. Ophiuchus se ve en el cielo junto a la constelacion [Y/Serpens], la serpiente. La [G/estrella] mas brillante en Ophiuchus es [W/Rasalhague]. La [G/constelacion] se ve mejor de julio a agosto. Objetos que "Deben Verse" incluyen: La [F/Estrella de Barnard], la segunda estrella mas cercana en el cielo nocturna; una gran variedad de [G/cumulo]s globulares que incluyen a [M/M9]; [M/M10]; [M/M12]; [M/M14]; [M/M19]; [M/M62]. Orion ha sido asociado con un gran cazador en muchas culturas alrededor del mundo. En la mitologia griega, el cazador jugaba un rol en muchas diferentes historias. En una historia, Orion se enamoro de Artemisa, la diosa de la caceria. Tan grande era su amor que cada uno comenzo a negar sus responsabilidades para poder pasar mas tiempo juntos. Prevenida por su hermano Apolo, para que volviera a sus deberes, Artemisa se nego y los animales bajo su cuidado comenzaron a sufrir. La Luna, sin Artemisa como guia, no podia salir. Apolo se enojo. Un dia, cuando Orion fue anadar al oceano Apolo lo rodeo con un manto de luz. Apolo entonces fue con Artemisa y la reto a que no podia acertar en el centro de la mancha de luz con una de sus flechas. Artemisa accepted el reto y acerto en el centro. La felcha a