Great Square of Pegasus

Algol

Algol, Beta Persei, is a bright multiple star located in Perseus. It is the second brightest star in the constellation, after Mirfak, Alpha Persei. The star is also known as Gorgona, Gorgonea Prima, Demon Star and El Ghoul. It lies at an approximate distance of 90 light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude … [Read more…]

Great Square of Pegasus

pegasus square,pegasus stars,brightest stars in pegasus

The Great Square of Pegasus is an asterism formed by three bright stars in Pegasus constellation – Markab, Scheat and Algenib – and Alpheratz in the neighbouring constellation Andromeda. For northern observers, the asterism is particularly prominent in the summer months, when it can be seen high overhead in the evening.

Eta Aquariids

eta aquariids

The Eta Aquariids are an annual meteor shower that appears to radiate from the southern constellation Aquarius. The meteor shower peaks on or around May 6 every year and is associated with Halley’s Comet, a short period comet that can be seen from Earth every 75 to 76 years. The Eta Aquariids can typically be … [Read more…]

Highlights of the Night Sky in October

andromeda galaxy,m31,ultraviolet,nasa image

Here are some of the highlights of the night sky in October: 7:30 PM southwestern sky – Mars and Saturn low above the horizon 3:30 AM eastern sky – Jupiter dominates the sky in the morning hours 4 AM eastern sky – Jupiter and the crescent Moon in conjunction on October 17 6:45 AM eastern … [Read more…]

The Night Sky in October

Hubblesite.org has released a video with the highlights of the night sky in October. They include: Jupiter prominently rising in the east at 9 pm the Pegasus constellation directly overhead Andromeda constellation and its two famous Messier objects, M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) and M32 Mars rising in the eastern sky before the dawn the Orionid meteor … [Read more…]