{"id":51875,"date":"2023-11-21T15:05:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/f7e19fdf-c6ed-4aa6-85ac-ff9361a468cf"},"modified":"2023-11-21T16:32:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T16:32:41","slug":"best-winter-constellations","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/best-winter-constellations\/","title":{"rendered":"Best winter constellations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our pick of the best winter constellations in the northern hemisphere, and what deep-sky objects can be found if you look a little closer. <\/p>

By Katrin Raynor\n <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 21 November 2023 at 15:05 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Winter is a great time to observe constellations in the night sky. The nights are dark and long, making star patterns easy to spot.<\/p>

The changing of the seasons brings a change in the constellations, slowly nudged from east to west as we continue our journey around the Sun.<\/p>

If you\u2019re a complete beginner to constellations<\/a>, you may be wondering what they are. Quite simply they are grouped patterns of stars in our night sky.<\/p>

For thousands of years our ancestors looked to the sky, observed and named them after animals, objects and mythological characters.<\/p>

You will need a bit of imagination as you try to identify each one as the constellation often looks nothing like its name!<\/p>

\"Looking — The distinctive \u2018W\u2019 shape of Cassiopeia is one of the easiest constellations to spot in the winter night sky. Credit: Michael Breite\/Stefan Heutz\/Wolfgang Ries\/ccdguide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
How many constellations are there?<\/strong><\/h2>In 1930, the International Astronomical Union<\/a> formally recognised 88 constellations that can be identified on the celestial sphere<\/a>: an imaginary globe that surrounds Earth.<\/p>
Each constellation can be found using celestial coordinates<\/a>: right ascension, and declination. These are similar to latitude and longitude, but don\u2019t worry, you can easily find the constellations just by recognising the pattern.<\/p>
Some constellations are visible all year round and never sink below the horizon so you can see them whenever there is a clear sky.<\/p>
These are called circumpolar as they are close to the celestial poles, the imaginary point in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres where the line of Earth\u2019s axis extends out into space to meet the celestial sphere.<\/p>
$\"Looking$
Looking south, the night sky holds many of winter\u2019s most recognisable constellations. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Spotting constellations in winter<\/strong><\/h2>Colder, clearer evenings are perfect for enjoying the winter constellations as well as a few deep-sky objects like galaxies<\/a>, star clusters<\/a> and nebulae<\/a> found within them.<\/p>
You can see these beautiful pin-prick patterns of light, hot fiery stars and clouds of dust and gas with your naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope. Best of all, you don\u2019t need to be in a completely dark-sky area to see them.<\/p>
This short tour highlights a handful of constellations that, with a clear horizon, are easy to spot after 20:00 UT. Plus, there are a few tips as to what you may find hiding within them.<\/p>
If your horizon is obstructed by trees or buildings, you may need to wait a little longer until the constellation is higher in the sky. So, wrap up warm, grab this guide and step outside.<\/p>
You can always use a star chart, astronomy app<\/a> or free software like Stellarium<\/a> to help you find each object.<\/p>
And if you’re reading this article at a different time of year, read our guides to the best summer constellations<\/a> and best summer stars<\/a>.<\/p>
8 constellations visible in the sky during winter<\/strong><\/h2>Orion<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Orion$
The Orion constellation. Credit: VW Pics \/ Getty Images’<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If you were to ask any astronomer which winter constellation you should choose to kick off your stargazing journey, the answer will be Orion<\/a>, the Hunter (see picture, above). Dominant against the darkness and easy to recognise, we can use it to navigate, so we\u2019ll begin here.<\/p>
Orion can be found rising in the east after sunset and it\u2019s easy to identify from the three stars aligned in an almost straight line.<\/p>
These three stars \u2013 Alnitak (Zeta (\u03b6) Orionis), Alnilam (Epsilon (\u03b5) Orionis) and Mintaka (Delta (\u03b4) Orionis) \u2013 form Orion\u2019s Belt, which is an example of an asterism (a pattern of stars within a constellation).<\/p>
$\"Many$
Many think of the three stars in Orion\u2019s Belt (Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka) as another asterism. Credit: John Harding<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Orion is a winter favourite because of its two blazing, non-Belt stars \u2013 Betelgeuse<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Orionis), a bright orange star 1,000 times bigger than our own Sun, and Rigel<\/a> (Beta (\u03b2) Orionis), a cooler blue supergiant \u2013 and its fantastic nebula.<\/p>
The Orion Nebula<\/a>, M42, lies in the centre of Orion\u2019s Sword, a shorter line of three fainter stars that hangs down from the Belt. The nebula looks like the middle \u2018star\u2019 of the Sword to the naked eye, but a bit fuzzier than the stars above and below it.<\/p>
Composed of dust and gas and located 1,344 lightyears away, it is a famous nebula for naked-eye observing and perfect for beginners. A pair of 10×50 binoculars will enhance this diffuse cloud of dust and gas, while a small scope will bring out its darker and lighter patches.<\/p>
If astrophotography<\/a> is your thing, read our guide on how to photograph the Orion Nebula<\/a>.<\/p>
Gemini<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Winter$
Winter stars and constellations in the sky, 2 December 2019 from Alberta, Canada. Top left of centre, the two prominent stars are Castor and Pollux in Gemini. Credit: VW Pics \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The constellation of Gemini, the Twins, borders Orion on the Hunter\u2019s upper left shoulder. Gemini\u2019s two prominent stars, Castor (Alpha (\u03b1) Geminorum) and Pollux (Beta (\u03b2) Geminorum) are easily found: follow an imaginary line from Rigel to Betelgeuse and keep going until you reach two prominent stars positioned one above the other. This method is known as star-hopping<\/a>.<\/p>
Castor and Pollux<\/a> each form one of the heads of the Twins, which at this time of the year look like they are lying down with their feet near Orion\u2019s raised arm.<\/p>
Taurus<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Locate$
Locate the Taurus constellation (use the Pleiades to help you) to find Aldebaran and the Crab Nebula. Credit: Bernard Hubl \/ CCDGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
To find the next constellation use Orion\u2019s Belt as a reference point again, and allow your gaze to drift upwards to the right of Orion\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>
You\u2019ll spot a bright orange star called Aldebaran<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Tauri), the brightest star in the constellation of Taurus<\/a>, The Bull. Also known as the \u2018Eye of Taurus\u2019, this red giant is much cooler than our Sun.<\/p>
Taurus hosts two fantastic open star clusters and Aldebaran is positioned within one of them, the Hyades<\/a>, which appears like a \u2018V\u2019 shaped pattern of stars on its side.<\/p>
$\"The$
The Pleiades Robert Leach, Corfu, Greece, 28 August 2020.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located just above this is another cluster called the Pleiades<\/a> (see above), also known as the Seven Sisters because of the seven stars you can see with the naked eye. A pair of binoculars<\/a> will reveal many more of the dimmer stars within each cluster.<\/p>
Ursa Major<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Ursa$
Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. Credit Yuriy Kulik \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Continuing with the tour, find Gemini again and sweep your eyes to the north. They will settle upon two constellations you may well have spotted before: Ursa Major, the Great Bear and Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, whose tail ends with the North Star, Polaris (Alpha (\u03b1) Ursae Minoris).<\/p>
Draco the Dragon winds its way between Ursa Minor and Ursa Major. Visible all year, these constellations hold some surprising targets.<\/p>
$\"Looking$
Looking north: Draco, the Dragon winds its way between Ursa Major, the Great Bear and Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Ursa Major\u2019s back and tail make up that familiar asterism the Plough<\/a>. At the bend in the Plough\u2019s handle lie Mizar (Zeta (\u03b6) Ursae Majoris) and Alcor (80 Ursae Majoris), a double star. Can you make them both out with your eyes alone? Mizar is brighter, so reach for your binoculars or scope if you struggle to see Alcor. <\/p>
Draco is a useful pit stop to locate the wonderful Cat\u2019s Eye Nebula, NGC 6543. This is not a naked-eye object, but larger telescopes will show the nebula as a blue-green disc.<\/p>
Cassiopeia<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Cassiopeia$
Cassiopeia is a beautiful target to spot with the naked eye. Credit: Jerry Lodriguss\/Science Photo Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Keeping your gaze high and looking west from Polaris, navigate to the inverted \u2018W\u2019 or \u2018M\u2019 shaped pattern of stars; these five prominent stars are an asterism in the constellation of Cassiopeia, the Queen.<\/p>
Cassiopeia lies in the band of the Milky Way<\/a> so grab your binoculars and choose one of the \u2018W\u2019s five stars to focus on. The area of the sky around each one will open up and appear thick with stars.<\/p>
Andromeda<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"The$
The Andromeda Galaxy, by James Downey, Ongar, Essex, 18 August and 9 September 2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The final three constellations to enjoy are Andromeda, the Chained Princess; Perseus, the Greek Hero and Auriga, the Charioteer. Once you have located Andromeda to the west of Cassiopeia, you can hop constellations with ease right back to Orion.<\/p>
The not-so-hidden gem in Andromeda is the Andromeda Galaxy, M31, 2.5 million lightyears away. With dark-adapted vision, you can see the Andromeda Galaxy<\/a> your naked eye in darker sky areas.<\/p>
A telescope will reveal its neighbouring galaxies, M32 and M110. Andromeda\u2019s brightest star, Alpheratz (Alpha (\u03b1) Andromedae), also forms part of the constellation of Pegasus, the Horse, which lies to the south of Andromeda.<\/p>
Perseus<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
$\"The$
The Perseus constellation, by Alex Conu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Cast your eyes up from Andromeda to Perseus lying in wait overhead. Locate Algol (Beta (\u03b2) Persei), the demon star, the constellation\u2019s brightest member.<\/p>
The brightness of this eclipsing binary multiple star system can fluctuate over just one evening as two of its members revolve around each other.<\/p>
Auriga<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
$\"Auriga$
Auriga & Perseus captured by Pete Collins from the Yorkshire Dales.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Finally, look to the lower left of Perseus to find Auriga, the Charioteer, a prominent constellation in the winter sky. Its startlingly bright shimmering star Capella (Alpha (\u03b1) Aurigae) is a real showstopper.<\/p>
Comprising two binary star systems, it is the sixth brightest star in the sky and the third brightest in the Northern Hemisphere.<\/p>
The winter constellations are revered by astronomers, as they herald a season of long nights observing ahead. You will be astounded at the sights you can see from your own back garden, leaving you keen for spring to stay in the wings a little longer.<\/p>
10 objects to observe in winter constellations<\/strong><\/h2>
With binoculars<\/strong><\/h3>
The Pleiades, M45<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
Credit: Tommy Nawratil \/ CCDGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Taurus. This open cluster is the jewel in winter\u2019s crown; binoculars will bring many more of its icy blue stars into view.<\/p>
Orion Nebula, M42<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Orion$
Credit: Duncan Farrar<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Orion. A winter favourite, even a small pair of 10×50 binoculars will bring out this stellar nursery\u2019s grey-green nebulosity.<\/p>
Alcor<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Comet$
Comet Catalina beside the Pinwheel Galaxy and the stars Mizar and Alcor (upper right) by Jose Chambo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Ursa Major. Grab your binoculars to see this binary star shining close to its brighter companion, Mizar.<\/p>
Andromeda Galaxy, M31<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
The Andromeda Galaxy. Credit: Charles Thody<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Andromeda. You can see the Milky Way\u2019s largest galactic neighbour with the naked eye, but binoculars will bring out its bright core.<\/p>
The Double Cluster<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
Credit: Bill McSorley<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Perseus Located between Cassiopeia and Perseus, this sparkling Double Cluster will be brought to life through binoculars.<\/p>
With a telescope<\/strong><\/h3>
Trapezium Cluster<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Trapezium$
Credit: Gerald Rhemann.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Orion. Sitting within the heart of the Orion Nebula, the four stars in this open cluster are easily seen with 50x magnification.<\/p>
Crab Nebula<\/a>, M1<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Crab$
Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Taurus. A telescope with 50x magnification will bring this nebula to life as a hazy patch of gas and dust through the eyepiece.<\/p>
Bode\u2019s Galaxy, M81 and Cigar Galaxy, M82<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Bode\u2019s$
Credit: Bill McSorley<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In Ursa Major. Telescopes with 50x magnification will bring out the spiral structure of Bode\u2019s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy\u2019s rod shape.<\/p>
Pinwheel Galaxy, M101<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Pinwheel$
M83 The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy by Rafael Compassi, Presidente Lucena, Brazil. Equipment: SW 8″, ASI1600mm-cool, ZWO EFW, Optolong 1.25″ LRGB filters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Credit: Rafael Compassi<\/p>
Located in Triangulum. This face-on spiral galaxy is best seen with averted vision. A scope with 50x magnification is recommended. <\/p>
M35<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"M35\"$
Credit: Manfred Wasshuber.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Gemini. Viewed through a telescope on frosty nights this open cluster is a glittering treat; a magnification of 25x is recommended.<\/p>
Katrin Raynor-Evans is an astronomy writer and features editor for the Society for Popular Astronomy. This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of <\/em>BBC Sky at Night Magazine.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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\"Orion — The distinctive \u2018W\u2019 shape of Cassiopeia is one of the easiest constellations to spot in the winter night sky. Credit: Michael Breite\/Stefan Heutz\/Wolfgang Ries\/ccdguide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
How many constellations are there?<\/strong><\/h2>In 1930, the International Astronomical Union<\/a> formally recognised 88 constellations that can be identified on the celestial sphere<\/a>: an imaginary globe that surrounds Earth.<\/p>
Each constellation can be found using celestial coordinates<\/a>: right ascension, and declination. These are similar to latitude and longitude, but don\u2019t worry, you can easily find the constellations just by recognising the pattern.<\/p>
Some constellations are visible all year round and never sink below the horizon so you can see them whenever there is a clear sky.<\/p>
These are called circumpolar as they are close to the celestial poles, the imaginary point in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres where the line of Earth\u2019s axis extends out into space to meet the celestial sphere.<\/p>
$\"Looking$
Looking south, the night sky holds many of winter\u2019s most recognisable constellations. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Spotting constellations in winter<\/strong><\/h2>Colder, clearer evenings are perfect for enjoying the winter constellations as well as a few deep-sky objects like galaxies<\/a>, star clusters<\/a> and nebulae<\/a> found within them.<\/p>
You can see these beautiful pin-prick patterns of light, hot fiery stars and clouds of dust and gas with your naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope. Best of all, you don\u2019t need to be in a completely dark-sky area to see them.<\/p>
This short tour highlights a handful of constellations that, with a clear horizon, are easy to spot after 20:00 UT. Plus, there are a few tips as to what you may find hiding within them.<\/p>
If your horizon is obstructed by trees or buildings, you may need to wait a little longer until the constellation is higher in the sky. So, wrap up warm, grab this guide and step outside.<\/p>
You can always use a star chart, astronomy app<\/a> or free software like Stellarium<\/a> to help you find each object.<\/p>
And if you’re reading this article at a different time of year, read our guides to the best summer constellations<\/a> and best summer stars<\/a>.<\/p>
8 constellations visible in the sky during winter<\/strong><\/h2>Orion<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Orion$
The Orion constellation. Credit: VW Pics \/ Getty Images’<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If you were to ask any astronomer which winter constellation you should choose to kick off your stargazing journey, the answer will be Orion<\/a>, the Hunter (see picture, above). Dominant against the darkness and easy to recognise, we can use it to navigate, so we\u2019ll begin here.<\/p>
Orion can be found rising in the east after sunset and it\u2019s easy to identify from the three stars aligned in an almost straight line.<\/p>
These three stars \u2013 Alnitak (Zeta (\u03b6) Orionis), Alnilam (Epsilon (\u03b5) Orionis) and Mintaka (Delta (\u03b4) Orionis) \u2013 form Orion\u2019s Belt, which is an example of an asterism (a pattern of stars within a constellation).<\/p>
$\"Many$
Many think of the three stars in Orion\u2019s Belt (Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka) as another asterism. Credit: John Harding<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Orion is a winter favourite because of its two blazing, non-Belt stars \u2013 Betelgeuse<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Orionis), a bright orange star 1,000 times bigger than our own Sun, and Rigel<\/a> (Beta (\u03b2) Orionis), a cooler blue supergiant \u2013 and its fantastic nebula.<\/p>
The Orion Nebula<\/a>, M42, lies in the centre of Orion\u2019s Sword, a shorter line of three fainter stars that hangs down from the Belt. The nebula looks like the middle \u2018star\u2019 of the Sword to the naked eye, but a bit fuzzier than the stars above and below it.<\/p>
Composed of dust and gas and located 1,344 lightyears away, it is a famous nebula for naked-eye observing and perfect for beginners. A pair of 10×50 binoculars will enhance this diffuse cloud of dust and gas, while a small scope will bring out its darker and lighter patches.<\/p>
If astrophotography<\/a> is your thing, read our guide on how to photograph the Orion Nebula<\/a>.<\/p>
Gemini<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Winter$
Winter stars and constellations in the sky, 2 December 2019 from Alberta, Canada. Top left of centre, the two prominent stars are Castor and Pollux in Gemini. Credit: VW Pics \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The constellation of Gemini, the Twins, borders Orion on the Hunter\u2019s upper left shoulder. Gemini\u2019s two prominent stars, Castor (Alpha (\u03b1) Geminorum) and Pollux (Beta (\u03b2) Geminorum) are easily found: follow an imaginary line from Rigel to Betelgeuse and keep going until you reach two prominent stars positioned one above the other. This method is known as star-hopping<\/a>.<\/p>
Castor and Pollux<\/a> each form one of the heads of the Twins, which at this time of the year look like they are lying down with their feet near Orion\u2019s raised arm.<\/p>
Taurus<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Locate$
Locate the Taurus constellation (use the Pleiades to help you) to find Aldebaran and the Crab Nebula. Credit: Bernard Hubl \/ CCDGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
To find the next constellation use Orion\u2019s Belt as a reference point again, and allow your gaze to drift upwards to the right of Orion\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>
You\u2019ll spot a bright orange star called Aldebaran<\/a> (Alpha (\u03b1) Tauri), the brightest star in the constellation of Taurus<\/a>, The Bull. Also known as the \u2018Eye of Taurus\u2019, this red giant is much cooler than our Sun.<\/p>
Taurus hosts two fantastic open star clusters and Aldebaran is positioned within one of them, the Hyades<\/a>, which appears like a \u2018V\u2019 shaped pattern of stars on its side.<\/p>
$\"The$
The Pleiades Robert Leach, Corfu, Greece, 28 August 2020.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located just above this is another cluster called the Pleiades<\/a> (see above), also known as the Seven Sisters because of the seven stars you can see with the naked eye. A pair of binoculars<\/a> will reveal many more of the dimmer stars within each cluster.<\/p>
Ursa Major<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Ursa$
Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. Credit Yuriy Kulik \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Continuing with the tour, find Gemini again and sweep your eyes to the north. They will settle upon two constellations you may well have spotted before: Ursa Major, the Great Bear and Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, whose tail ends with the North Star, Polaris (Alpha (\u03b1) Ursae Minoris).<\/p>
Draco the Dragon winds its way between Ursa Minor and Ursa Major. Visible all year, these constellations hold some surprising targets.<\/p>
$\"Looking$
Looking north: Draco, the Dragon winds its way between Ursa Major, the Great Bear and Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Ursa Major\u2019s back and tail make up that familiar asterism the Plough<\/a>. At the bend in the Plough\u2019s handle lie Mizar (Zeta (\u03b6) Ursae Majoris) and Alcor (80 Ursae Majoris), a double star. Can you make them both out with your eyes alone? Mizar is brighter, so reach for your binoculars or scope if you struggle to see Alcor. <\/p>
Draco is a useful pit stop to locate the wonderful Cat\u2019s Eye Nebula, NGC 6543. This is not a naked-eye object, but larger telescopes will show the nebula as a blue-green disc.<\/p>
Cassiopeia<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"Cassiopeia$
Cassiopeia is a beautiful target to spot with the naked eye. Credit: Jerry Lodriguss\/Science Photo Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Keeping your gaze high and looking west from Polaris, navigate to the inverted \u2018W\u2019 or \u2018M\u2019 shaped pattern of stars; these five prominent stars are an asterism in the constellation of Cassiopeia, the Queen.<\/p>
Cassiopeia lies in the band of the Milky Way<\/a> so grab your binoculars and choose one of the \u2018W\u2019s five stars to focus on. The area of the sky around each one will open up and appear thick with stars.<\/p>
Andromeda<\/strong><\/h3><\/div> $\"The$
The Andromeda Galaxy, by James Downey, Ongar, Essex, 18 August and 9 September 2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The final three constellations to enjoy are Andromeda, the Chained Princess; Perseus, the Greek Hero and Auriga, the Charioteer. Once you have located Andromeda to the west of Cassiopeia, you can hop constellations with ease right back to Orion.<\/p>
The not-so-hidden gem in Andromeda is the Andromeda Galaxy, M31, 2.5 million lightyears away. With dark-adapted vision, you can see the Andromeda Galaxy<\/a> your naked eye in darker sky areas.<\/p>
A telescope will reveal its neighbouring galaxies, M32 and M110. Andromeda\u2019s brightest star, Alpheratz (Alpha (\u03b1) Andromedae), also forms part of the constellation of Pegasus, the Horse, which lies to the south of Andromeda.<\/p>
Perseus<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
$\"The$
The Perseus constellation, by Alex Conu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Cast your eyes up from Andromeda to Perseus lying in wait overhead. Locate Algol (Beta (\u03b2) Persei), the demon star, the constellation\u2019s brightest member.<\/p>
The brightness of this eclipsing binary multiple star system can fluctuate over just one evening as two of its members revolve around each other.<\/p>
Auriga<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
$\"Auriga$
Auriga & Perseus captured by Pete Collins from the Yorkshire Dales.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Finally, look to the lower left of Perseus to find Auriga, the Charioteer, a prominent constellation in the winter sky. Its startlingly bright shimmering star Capella (Alpha (\u03b1) Aurigae) is a real showstopper.<\/p>
Comprising two binary star systems, it is the sixth brightest star in the sky and the third brightest in the Northern Hemisphere.<\/p>
The winter constellations are revered by astronomers, as they herald a season of long nights observing ahead. You will be astounded at the sights you can see from your own back garden, leaving you keen for spring to stay in the wings a little longer.<\/p>
10 objects to observe in winter constellations<\/strong><\/h2>
With binoculars<\/strong><\/h3>
The Pleiades, M45<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
Credit: Tommy Nawratil \/ CCDGuide.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Taurus. This open cluster is the jewel in winter\u2019s crown; binoculars will bring many more of its icy blue stars into view.<\/p>
Orion Nebula, M42<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Orion$
Credit: Duncan Farrar<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Orion. A winter favourite, even a small pair of 10×50 binoculars will bring out this stellar nursery\u2019s grey-green nebulosity.<\/p>
Alcor<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Comet$
Comet Catalina beside the Pinwheel Galaxy and the stars Mizar and Alcor (upper right) by Jose Chambo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Ursa Major. Grab your binoculars to see this binary star shining close to its brighter companion, Mizar.<\/p>
Andromeda Galaxy, M31<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
The Andromeda Galaxy. Credit: Charles Thody<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Andromeda. You can see the Milky Way\u2019s largest galactic neighbour with the naked eye, but binoculars will bring out its bright core.<\/p>
The Double Cluster<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"The$
Credit: Bill McSorley<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Perseus Located between Cassiopeia and Perseus, this sparkling Double Cluster will be brought to life through binoculars.<\/p>
With a telescope<\/strong><\/h3>
Trapezium Cluster<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Trapezium$
Credit: Gerald Rhemann.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Orion. Sitting within the heart of the Orion Nebula, the four stars in this open cluster are easily seen with 50x magnification.<\/p>
Crab Nebula<\/a>, M1<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Crab$
Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Taurus. A telescope with 50x magnification will bring this nebula to life as a hazy patch of gas and dust through the eyepiece.<\/p>
Bode\u2019s Galaxy, M81 and Cigar Galaxy, M82<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Bode\u2019s$
Credit: Bill McSorley<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In Ursa Major. Telescopes with 50x magnification will bring out the spiral structure of Bode\u2019s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy\u2019s rod shape.<\/p>
Pinwheel Galaxy, M101<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"Pinwheel$
M83 The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy by Rafael Compassi, Presidente Lucena, Brazil. Equipment: SW 8″, ASI1600mm-cool, ZWO EFW, Optolong 1.25″ LRGB filters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Credit: Rafael Compassi<\/p>
Located in Triangulum. This face-on spiral galaxy is best seen with averted vision. A scope with 50x magnification is recommended. <\/p>
M35<\/strong><\/h4>
$\"M35\"$
Credit: Manfred Wasshuber.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Located in Gemini. Viewed through a telescope on frosty nights this open cluster is a glittering treat; a magnification of 25x is recommended.<\/p>
Katrin Raynor-Evans is an astronomy writer and features editor for the Society for Popular Astronomy. This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of <\/em>BBC Sky at Night Magazine.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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