This page contains a description of the stars, constellations, and deep-sky objects that can be seen in the sky at around 1300 hours sidereal time. It is assumed that the observer is located at approximately 30° latitude south.
To use the sky map, orient it so that the direction you are facing is at the bottom of the map. Zenith, the point directly overhead in the sky, is located at the centre of the map.
All of the bright objects stretch in a band from east to west and just south of the zenith. In the east, teapot-shaped Sagitarrius is now completely above the horizon. Scorpius, with fiery Antares at its heart, is well up in the eastern sky. Centaurus is the next bright constellation, with Rigil Kent and Hadar especially noteworthy. The radiant of the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower is high in the sky due south as it follows the "Southern Cross" around the sky. The constellations comprising the ship "Argo" have set sail for the west with Canopus getting lower and lower in the sky. The bright star very low in the west is Sirius. Not only is it the brightest star in Canis Major, but it is the brightest star in the sky after the Sun and one of the closest.
The large but faint constellation Ophiuchus has arrived in the east. Although it is not a zodiacal constellation, the ecliptic runs through it so it is not uncommon to see solar system bodies appear within its borders. Libra, the only non-animal of the zodiac (which means "circle of animals") is just above Ophiuchus but is faint and difficult to pick out.
The bright star in the north is Archurus at the top of the kite- or ice cream cone-shaped constellation Boötes. Accompanying Boötes is the northern crown or Corona Borealis, a much more impressive constellation than its southern counterpart. The bright star high in the sky is Spica of Virgo. Leo is still visible in the northwest with Regulus marking one end of the "Sickle" asterism. The bright star just disappearing in the west is Procyon in Canis Minor. The water snake Hydra hangs by its tail from zenith with its head approaching the western horizon.
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Copyright © 1995-2007 by David Harper and L.M. Stockman