|
Most of the brightest stars in the night sky are visible close to
the luminous band of the Milky Way, which stretches south to north,
passing high over the eastern horizon: low down in the south are the
two bright Pointer stars (3rd and 10th brightest stars in the sky).
Above and to their left is the distinctive asterism of the South
Cross. Still higher, and further left, is the jumble of bright stars
that forms the sprawling constellation of Argo (the ship); it
includes Canopus (2nd brightest star in the sky). Further still -
where the band is highest over the eastern horizon - is Sirius (1st
brightest), in the constellation of Canis Major (big dog). Below and
to the left is Procyon (8th brightest) in Canis Minor. Then comes
Orion, perhaps the most recognisable of all constellations
(including Rigel - 7th brightest). Eventually we come to Capella
(6th brightest, in the constellation of Auriga). Only Achernar (9th
brightest) lies high in the southwest, well clear of the Milky Way.
Brighter still than all these, on the other side of the sky, is
planet Venus.
The Moon is in the evening sky until Jan 4 and again after Jan 20.
|
